Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers
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Collapse ▲Since 1979, North Carolina Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers (EMGVs) have been leaders in this internationally acclaimed program, guiding homeowners in making environmentally sound decisions in their landscapes. Trained by NC State faculty and staff, EMGVs provide research-based information about gardening and environmental stewardship to individuals and communities across the state. EMGVs engage the community through education and outreach on a wide variety of subjects and through a broad spectrum of projects, all designed to maximize their impact.
The 2026 Master Gardener Training will take place at the Randolph County Agriculture Center in the Summer of 2026.
Updates and Notification Form:
Enter your email address on the 2026 Master Gardener Interest Form to be notified when the application window opens, dates and times of information sessions, and more!
2026 Class Interest Notification Form
1. Attend an Information Session (Required*)
Information Sessions give you the opportunity to see if being a Master Gardener Volunteer is right for you. During an Information Session, you’ll get a tour of the Randolph County Agriculture Center and see the major spaces that Master Gardeners will utilize for their programming. Additionally, you’ll learn what it means to be a Master Gardener Volunteer. Registration for ALL information sessions opens on December 1, 2025.
2026 Information Sessions
March 24th, 2026 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Sign up HERE!
April 21st, 2026 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Sign up HERE!
May 19th, 2026 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Sign up HERE!
June 16th, 2026 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Sign up HERE!
*To apply to become a Extension Master Gardener Volunteer you MUST first attend an Information Session.
2. Submit your Application
After attending an Information Session (see above) you will be provided an application to become a Master Gardener Volunteer. You may fill out this application at your convenience and return to the Randolph County Agriculture Center either by mail or in-person.
Important: Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. If the class becomes full then all applications thereafter will automatically be deferred to next available Master Gardener Volunteer training.
3. Pay Program Fees
Upon hearing back from the review committee that your application was accepted you will have 2 weeks to pay the relevant program fees. The fee schedule is posted below for your viewing.
Fee Schedule:
State EMGV Fee: $50
Textbook: $60
County Fee: $40 (covers refreshments, training materials, etc.)
Total Fees: $150
4. Complete Core EMG Training
Core training classes will be held in the summer and will focus on skills you will need as a volunteer and how to use your knowledge to teach others. We will be using the Extension Master Gardener Handbook, Second Edition as the required textbook for the course. A copy of this textbook is included in your program fees. Download the Becoming an EMGV 2026 for more information on course topics and for the exact dates and times.
Core Training Topics
- Introduction to Extension
- Soils and Composting
- Fruit Production
- Vegetables
- Lawns and Organic Gardening
- Botany and Plant ID
- Research Solutions for Clients
- Insects
- Diseases and Weeds
- Diagnosing Plant Problems and IPM
- Ornamentals
- Final Exam
Part of the Core Training includes a required field trip. We will visit the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.
5. Volunteer!
Volunteers will complete a 40-hour internship within one year of completing their training. Trainees are encouraged to begin volunteering during the training course by assisting with a class project. The variety of volunteer opportunities available in horticulture education is endless! Master Gardeners will work with their local Extension Agent to determine which opportunities will make the most of their time, interests, and talents to meet the needs of Cooperative Extension’s Educational Programs. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Diagnosing plant, insect, and disease problems
- Staffing plant clinics and educational exhibits
- Creating and maintaining demonstration gardens
- Giving lectures on gardening
- Visiting local schools to develop gardens and teach gardening skills to youth
- Assisting Cooperative Extension with programming and volunteer needs
6. Certify Annually and Continue your Education
The minimum requirements for remaining an EMG in Randolph are completing a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service in Randolph County each year, plus 10 hours of continuing education each year.
Contact Us!
To place your name on a list of those interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener please contact Cody Craddock via email or phone at 336.318.6003.