Sam O'Connor is the current Horticulture Agent and is working on educational opportunites, as well as the Master Gardener program as a whole. Please reach out if you have any questions!

Have a gardening question?

Questions can be asked via phone by calling the Rutherford County Extension Center at 828-287-6010.

Are you interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer?

Join a network of passionate gardeners across the state who are dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing their communities through horticulture, and connecting people with the benefits of gardening. Become a Master Gardener℠ volunteer!

Submit an Application

Submitting an application is the first step you need to take to start the program. Our Master Gardener_Application can be downloaded and filled out electronically, or you can call our Horticulture Agent, Laura Ponder, at 828-287-6010 or come into our office to pick up a physical copy of the application.

Complete Initial Volunteer Training

Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer initial training prepares you to be a Master Gardener℠ volunteer. The STARTER classes + the CORE course will introduce a wide range of horticultural topics, with a focus on finding research-based information and sharing the science behind sustainable gardening practices.Initial training includes: Curious about the textbook we use? Check out the online Extension Gardener Handbook. Also available to purchase in hardcopy.

• Minimum of 40 hours of instruction See the 2025 schedule of topics and class fees.
• Taught by Extension staff and local experts
• Topics include botany, soils and plant nutrients, composting, insects, Integrated Pest Management, food production, organic gardening, herbaceous, woody and native plants, wildlife, landscape design and more.
• Field trips that add to learning opportunities
• Take-home open-book exam

Complete Volunteer Internship

All Rutherford Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Interns are required to complete 40 hours of service to learn more about horticulture and give back to our community.During the internship, volunteers can choose a variety of volunteer opportunities that support the educational outreach priorities of our Extension center. We encourage volunteers to start projects that they are passionate about when they are made aware of a community need.

Become Certified

Once the forty (40) hours of volunteering plus the forty (40) spring (STARTER) + fall (CORE) educational hours have been completed, the student is eligible to become a Certified Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer.

Maintain Certification

In order to remain active in the program, Master Gardener℠ Volunteers must meet annual recertification requirements.Annually in Rutherford Co, we require:

• 20 hours of volunteer service and
• 10 hours of continuing education.

Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers:

• • Represent NC State Extension.
  • Promote the research-based recommendations of NC State Extension.
  • May only use the title “Master Gardener℠ Volunteer” when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities.