North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Program

The North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Program, based at NC State University in Raleigh, empowers residents across all 100 North Carolina counties to become knowledgeable gardeners and stewards of healthy landscapes. Since 1979, this cooperative extension program has recruited and trained local volunteers who provide research-based gardening information to communities throughout the state. Master Gardener volunteers complete rigorous 40-hour training programs and ongoing continuing education to share sustainable gardening practices that support pollinators, native ecosystems, and environmental health. With over 4,000 active volunteers, the program reaches millions of North Carolina citizens annually through county-based extension centers, demonstration gardens, online classes, and community outreach initiatives. The program emphasizes safe, effective, and sustainable practices that help residents cultivate healthy gardens while supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Through diverse initiatives like the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, demonstration gardens, therapeutic horticulture programs, and the Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, the organization provides accessible education and resources to gardeners of all levels. The program offers online courses in landscape design, edible plant cultivation, and sustainable gardening practices. Community members can access free gardening advice, explore interactive maps of North Carolina public gardens, and participate in volunteer service opportunities. Extension Master Gardener volunteers work directly with their local county extension offices to deliver unbiased, university-backed gardening information that empowers residents to make informed decisions about their landscapes and contribute to environmental conservation.