Are you interested in becoming an

NC State Extension Master Gardener℠?

 Join our team of volunteer gardening enthusiasts here in Johnston County who are dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing our community through horticulture, and connecting people with the benefits of gardening.

What is the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program in Johnston County?

The Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program in Johnston County was created to expand N.C. Cooperative Extension Service’s capacity to meet the needs of the gardening public by providing unbiased, research-based, environmentally sound information about establishing and maintaining gardens, lawns, landscapes, houseplants, fruits, and vegetables in ways that protect health and natural resources.  Because of the efforts of Master Gardener volunteers, Cooperative Extension is able to have a greater impact benefiting the citizens of Johnston County and beyond.

NC State Extension Master Gardener Program recruits, trains, and engages people to serve as volunteer educators who strengthen Extension’s delivery of science-based horticultural knowledge to North Carolina communities.

The Master Gardener volunteers of Johnston County have a variety of volunteer opportunities. Please take a moment to view our Volunteer Opportunities.

Extension Master Gardener volunteers work under the guidance and direction of Extension professionals to complete a 40-hour training program, pass an exam, and complete a 40-hour internship to become certified Master Gardener volunteers. To remain active in the program, volunteers complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education each year.

Becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠begins with an interview and an accepted application to the Johnston County program.

The interview/application process will begin in November 2025.

Upon acceptance into the program, the fee is $150.  A hard copy of the textbook “Extension Gardener Handbook” is included.

Visit the Extension Gardener Handbook online to explore the training curriculum.

The EMG volunteer training program for Johnston County is offered once a year.

The classes will be in-person at the Johnston County Ag Center,  2736 NC 210 Hwy, Smithfield, NC 27577

Class dates:  Thursdays,  1:30 pm -4:30 pm, beginning Thursday, January 22nd and ending in late June 2026.