How to Become a Certified Master Gardener℠

Volunteer in Chatham County in 2022

1)  Attend one of three Information Sessions, scheduled for:

• 3/29/2022 6:00 -7:00 p.m.  REGISTER
• 4/6/2022   6:00 -7:00 p.m.  REGISTER
• 5/9/2022   6:00 -7:00 p.m.  REGISTER
• 5/17/2022 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. REGISTER

2) Attend at least five (5) Extension Gardener classes

The Extension Gardener series of webinars and workshops are open to the public (anyone can attend), and also serve as a foundation for understanding research-based home gardening and horticultural practices for prospective Master Gardener Volunteers℠. Prospective Master Gardener Trainees need to attend five workshops or webinars before July 2023. Due to the prolonged delay from COVID-19, Extension Gardener workshops and webinars attended since 2020 will count towards the minimum five. Below is a list of planned Extension Gardener webinars and workshops through February 2023, with more to come later in the spring and summer of 2023.

Class Schedule

Click on the name of the class for more information and how to register (links for registration will be active soon).

3) Submit your application by May 27, 2022

• 2022 Chatham MGV Application
• 2022 Chatham MGV Application

Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program on June 6, 2020. 

To receive a printed copy of the application and Certification Agreement, contact Chatham County Cooperative Extension at 919-542-8202 or email matt_jones@ncsu.edu.

4) Submit the application fee with the application by May 27, 2023

The total application fee is $125. 

• $50 is the fee to help support the statewide program
• $50 provides access to the TopHat interactive NC Extension Gardener Handbook
• $25 covers the expenses of the materials for the Volunteer Core Training workshops (see below)

5) Complete Extension Master Gardener Core Training

Whereas the Extension Gardener webinar and workshop series focus on how to grow plants and other basic gardening skills, the Extension Master Gardener Core Training program provides in-depth training on learning and practicing the research and diagnostic skills required to be a Master Gardener Volunteer. As a representative of NC State Extension, Master Gardener Volunteers disseminate scientific, research-based information backed by NC State University, NC A&T State University, and other land-grant university extension services from across the country.

Core training classes will be held on most Wednesdays from July 13 – Sept. 14, 2022, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. To complete the training, you must attend a minimum of six of eight classes, including the final exams.

Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Core Training Schedule

6) Volunteer with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center

Volunteers will complete a 50-hour internship within one year of completing their training. Trainees are encouraged to begin volunteering during the training course by assisting with a class project. Learn about volunteer opportunities and outreach efforts you can be part of!

Volunteers are also strongly encouraged to complete a project or participate in a team project during their first year. This can include writing an article for the newsletter, developing a presentation or training module, participating in experimental research projects, or developing other educational materials.

Learn More:

• Extension Master Gardener℠ Program in Chatham County
• Frequently Asked Questions about the EMG Program
• NC Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Program
• NC Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Program Guidelines

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sexual identity (including pregnancy), and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.