The Extension Master Gardener of Cabarrus County program is made up of gardening enthusiasts who are passionate about gardening, volunteering, and educating in their community.  

Extension Master Gardeners are local community members who serve as volunteer educators, strengthening Extension’s delivery of research-based horticultural information and programming to North Carolinians. 

The Extension Master Gardener program is open to all gardening enthusiasts, whether you are a beginner or a professional.  

Overview:

Students who successfully complete 40 hours of instruction on the topics of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Composting, Botany, Weeds, Native Plants, Propagation, Small Fruits, Tree Fruits, Nuts, Vegetables, Landscape Design, and Wildlife, will graduate and become Interns.  

Interns must complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved volunteer service within one year of their graduation in order to become a Certified Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.  Thereafter, EMGVs must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of approved volunteer service annually to remain certified.

Program Cost:  $150 registration fee.  The registration fee includes all training materials, access to online videos, and a hardback copy of the 728 page Extension Gardener Handbook, 2022 edition, which includes over 1,000 color images, detailed graphics, diagnostic tables, and more.

Program Dates:  January 7, 2026 – June 10, 2026