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, Alisha Poss, 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. (2027 Class Schedule - Coming Soon)
• 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) 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:

About the Master Gardener℠ Extension Volunteer Program As you may know, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers℠ are NC State University trained volunteers who educate the public about the benefits of gardening. They do this through demonstration projects, classes, public gardens, charitable gardens, and public appearances. Master Gardeners℠ are provided many opportunities to volunteer at local projects and to attend advanced gardening classes and gardening events each year.

In 1979, the NC State Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program was established to “meet the gardening public’s growing demand for answers.” While the wording of our mission has evolved over the years, its spirit has remained the same: connecting people with the knowledge and skills they need to garden successfully.

The EMG Program Mission Statement Empowering North Carolinians to cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems, and communities through volunteer service that delivers research-based information, educational programming, and community outreach.

About The Classes The once per week, three month long class series is essentially a college level basic horticulture course. You will learn about soils, insects, weeds, plant diseases, native plants, composting, wildlife, landscaping, landscape design and much more.

When Are The Classes? Our initial Henderson County Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer training runs February - May, one day a week on Tuesdays, 10am -2pm.

Where Are The Classes Held? Classes are held in our Rutherford County Office located at193 Callahan Koon Road Ste #164 Spindale, Nc 28160

Is There An Online Option? No. The class will be in person. We will follow the public school closures if there is adverse weather.

How Much Am I Required To Volunteer To Become A Master Gardener? Master Gardener℠ intern trainees are required to do 40 hours of volunteer service in our public garden projects before they can graduate.

How Much Am I Required ToVolunteer To Maintain My Master Gardener Status? Veteran Master Gardeners℠ must do 20 hours of volunteer service in approved projects and 10 hours of educational training annually to remain certified.

How Much Does The Training Program Cost? The cost is $135.00 check or cash. Make Checks out to 'NCCE' . Sorry, we do not take credit cards.