Do you have an interest in learning more about gardening? Would you like to meet and share with other gardeners? Do you have an interest in volunteering to provide gardening educational programs with N.C. Cooperative Extension? Then the  Extension Master Gardener℠ program in Wayne County may be for you!

The Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office is now accepting applications to recruit new Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. An Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer is a volunteer for N.C. Cooperative Extension. Volunteers assist their local county Extension office providing unbiased, research-based information to gardeners of all ages on home lawns, landscapes, and gardens. The information that Master Gardener volunteers provide is one that guides homeowners in making practical decisions in their landscapes and gardens.

Potential volunteers should have an interest and commitment to volunteering, be available to volunteer on weekdays, willing to share their knowledge, and interested in learning more about gardening. Prior gardening knowledge is not required.

Volunteers who complete the training course will be expected to complete 40 hours of volunteer service working with the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Wayne County and Master Gardener volunteer projects. Only then will each student earn the title of Master Gardener℠ volunteer in Wayne County. To maintain this title in subsequent years, volunteers must complete 25 hours of volunteer service and 10 educational hours.

View more information about the  Extension Master Gardener℠ program in Wayne County

View the 2025 training course schedule.

A training course will be held in 2025 on Wednesdays starting February 5th from 9am to 12:30pm.   The training course prepares potential volunteers to answer gardening questions and diagnose common problems related to cultivating lawns, fruits and vegetables, and landscape plants. Registration cost is $90 without a handbook or $140 with a hard copy handbook. Registration cost is non-refundable and not accepted until the applicant has been selected to participate in the program.

1. Fill out application online.
2. E-mail Jessica_Strickland@ncsu.edu to request an application.
3. Stop by the Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office at 3114 B Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro to pick up an application.

If you would like to learn more, join us on Wednesday, January 8th at 10am for a "Meet & Greet" to learn more about the Wayne County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program and meet other Extension Master Gardeners. This informational session will be held at the Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office.

The training course is usually held once a year when new volunteers are needed. To receive announcements when future new training courses are scheduled, sign up for the Extension Gardening email list.

Jessica Strickland is an Agriculture Extension Agent, specializing in horticulture for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County.

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