Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers work with NC State Extension to provide gardeners with unbiased, science-based information on sustainable garden, lawn, and landscape practices.
Under the guidance of N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents, volunteers complete an intensive (but fun), hands-on training program, pass an examination, and complete a 40 hour internship with N.C. Cooperative Extension in Davidson County. To remain active in the program volunteers must log a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education each year.
To help you decide if you should apply to become an Extension Master Gardener volunteer, consider these questions:- Do I want to learn more about growing many types of plants?
- Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
- Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
- Do I have enough time to attend training sessions and to serve as a volunteer?
- Learn from outstanding horticulture experts
- Become knowledgeable and skilled in a variety gardening subjects
- Teach others about sustainable gardens, lawns and landscapes Help gardeners solve problems
- Learn how to identify and diagnose common diseases and insects
- Work with others who share your interests
- Continue to learn through workshops, field trips, conferences, and hands-on training
- Lead environmental education efforts in schools and neighborhoods
- Transform yards, people and communities
Register Here for the 2025 Extension Master Gardener Training Class
2025 Training Schedule
1. Attend an Information Session
The first step in becoming a Master Gardener Extension℠ volunteer in Davidson County is attending an Information Session. During this session you will learn what it means to be an EMGV and more about the training and volunteer requirements for the program. This will also help you decide if becoming an EMG is the right choice for you. If you are interested, please attend either one of the information sessions at the Davidson County Extension Office.
There will be two Information Sessions you can attend. They will cover the same material, so you only need to attend one of these.
Thursday, July 24th from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
OR
Thursday July 31st from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
at the Davidson County Agriculture Center at 301 E Center St, Lexington.2. Submit your Application
3. Attend 4 of 6 Extension Gardener Classes
The fee for the Davidson County Master Gardener Training course is $125. This includes a copy of the Extension Gardener Handbook.The Extension Gardener Classes will be free and open to the public, including those who want to learn about the topics but don't wish to join the Extension Master Gardener Program.
The Extension Gardener Class Schedule for 2025:- August 7th - Lawns - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- August 14th - Vegetables - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- August 21st - Home Fruits - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- August 28th - Woody and Herbaceous Ornamentals - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- September 4th - Soils and Plant Fertilization - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- September 11th - Integrated Pest Management - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
4. Complete Core EMG Training
Core training classes will be held in the fall and will focus on skills you will need as a volunteer and how to use your knowledge to teach others. Classes will run from September 25th until November 13th and will be held every Thursday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Basic computer literacy will be required for participating in this course. We will be using the Extension Master Gardener Handbook for this course.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
