Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
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Collapse ▲Have a gardening question?
The Rutherford Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer hotline can be reached by emailing us at rcmastergardenervolunteers@gmail.com with any home gardening questions. Questions can also 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!
How to become a Master Gardener Volunteer Youtube Video
Upcoming Training for Rutherford County
The 2025 NC Extension Master Gardener (EMGV) Training in Rutherford County will begin with attending either an in-person Information Session (Jan 28, 10-11 a.m.) or if more convenient, a live on-line Information Session via Zoom (Feb 4, 12 noon). The Extension Gardener series of STARTER classes will begin on Tuesday, February 25, 1-3 p.m., and will continue through April 8. Fall CORE classes run from September 23 through November 18.
The spring series of seven classes will be in-person at the Rutherford County Extension Auditorium, 193 Callahan Koon Rd, Spindale. These STARTER classes are open to the public and are also PREREQUISITE for those who want to join the Rutherford County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program and continue to the CORE Training in the Fall of 2025. Please send an email to LPONDER@ncsu.edu if you would like to receive notification and information for the 2025 EMGV training.
The seven STARTER classes are $10 each/person and are open to anyone, or $60 to purchase all seven. The eight CORE classes are $100 for all sessions/person (which includes expenses directly related to course delivery including name tags, training materials, and supplies, as well as the $50 program development fee per trainee that is assessed by NC State University). This program development fee is the sole funding source for the statewide Extension Master Gardener volunteer program (staff, website maintenance, program development, etc.). The Extension Gardener Spring Class fee (per class or in bulk) is paid in the spring, while the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer CORE course fee, $100 is due in fall. Master Gardener volunteer trainees may also purchase a hardback, full-color copy of NC State Extension Gardener Handbook. The Handbook can be viewed online for free, but many prefer having a hard copy.
In summary, for EMGV Certification, six of seven STARTER and all eight CORE classes must be attended for a total cost of $160.
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:
- 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
Curious about the textbook we use? Check out the online Extension Gardener Handbook. Also available to purchase in hardcopy.
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:
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- 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.