What is the Master Gardener Program?
The Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer (EMGV) program is a statewide program operating in 83 of Extensions 101 centers. EMGV provides science-based horticultural knowledge that helps North Carolinians cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems and communities. The program includes more than 3,800 volunteers statewide.
The program is designed to build your knowledge in the areas of landscapes, soils, lawns, fruits and vegetables and provide opportunities to share your knowledge with others. No previous formal training is necessary – just a real desire to learn and share!
The Wilkes Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is offered through your Wilkes County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension service. The program operates under the guidance of the Wilkes County Horticulture agent.
What makes Master Gardener Volunteers special is their training in horticulture and their willingness to share that knowledge with others.
Initial Training Overview
If selected for the program, the training will start on Wednesday, January 14th at 10 am and will meet every Wednesday Morning until April 17th. The cost for the initial training will be $200 which covers local and state EMGV fees, a copy of the North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook, and class supplies. The training will include 40 hours of coursework and a final exam. After passing the exam, students will enter the internship phase of the program. After completing 40 hours of volunteer service hours as part of the internship, you will become a certified Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. After becoming an EMGV you will be required to attend 10 hours of continuing education each year and provide 20 hours of volunteer service to maintain certification. If you have any questions, email Matthew Clay at mhclay@ncsu.edu or call 336-651-7333.
2026 Wilkes Master Gardener Volunteer Application
