When: Every Tuesday 3:00pm-5:00pm Feb 2nd – April 20th, 2027

Cost: $125

Where: Citizen Resource Center, 1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy, Dallas NC

Extension Master Gardener Application PDF Fillable Form

Or you can submit using the Google Form NC State Extension Master Gardener Application

Submit PDF application to: N.C. Cooperative Extension, PO Box 1578, Gastonia, NC  28053 or 

email to: cpflower@ncsu.edu

Who are NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers?

Extension Master Gardeners are much more than just enthusiastic plant lovers. They serve as a vital bridge between scientific horticultural knowledge and the local community. It is a fantastic program that turns a personal passion for gardening into a meaningful community impact.

• Passionate: They are residents with a deep interest in everything growing around them—from lawns and trees to shrubs, flowers, and vegetable gardens.
• Lifelong Learners/Educators: They are enthusiastic, eager to learn, driven to help others, and excel at communicating with diverse groups of people.
• Putting Knowledge to Work: What truly sets them apart from standard home gardeners is their specialized training in horticulture combined with a passion for public education.
• Partnership: In exchange for top-tier training, volunteers give back by dedicating their time to share reliable, science-based gardening information with the public through their local Cooperative Extension office to improve our community.

Is this program for you?

• Do you want to learn more about the culture, care, and maintenance of many different types of plants?
• Are you eager to participate in a practical, intensive, and hands-on 12-week training program?
• Do you look forward to sharing your knowledge and helping people in your local community?
• Do you have the time to commit to attending the training sessions and completing the required 40 volunteer service hours?

If the answer is yes to all the above, this program may be the perfect fit for you.

Training Information

• We offer 1 volunteer training course per year in the winter
• 2027 Training: Every Tuesday 3:00pm-5:00pm Feb 2nd – April 20th
• Location: 1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy, Dallas, NC 28034
• Cost: $125 (Covers textbook, state fees, and course materials)
• Topics Covered: lawn​ ​ care;​ ​ornamental​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs, insect,​ ​disease,​ ​and​ ​weed​ ​ management;​ ​soils and​ ​plant​ ​nutrition,​ ​vegetable​ ​gardening, home​ ​fruit​ ​production,​ ​ garden​ ​flowers,​ ​and water​ ​conservation.
• After receiving application and interview will be scheduled.
• Extension Master Gardener℠ students are required to take and pass weekly quizzes while attending at least 10 of 12 sessions to obtain intern status.

Following Your Extension Master Gardener℠ Course

• Complete 40 volunteer hours to obtain Certified Extension Master Gardner Status
• Maintain Certification by gaining 20 volunteer hours and 10 education hours annually
• Engage in existing volunteer opportunities with our library seed bank program, community garden efforts, herbarium project, Ask an Extension Master Gardner program, therapeutic horticulture projects, school gardening, and other special projects/programs offered over the calendar year.
• Optional: Join our Extension Master Gardener℠ Association for additional networking, education opportunities, trips, and additional volunteer opportunities.

Contact: Payton Flowers for more information and with questions regarding the program.

cpflower@ncsu.edu 704-922-2119