Gardening is considered our nation's most popular pastime, yielding fresh fruits and vegetables for the dinner table, a cleaner environment and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. North Carolina Cooperative Extension helps gardeners learn more about new plants, native plants and environmental stewardship. Extension-trained Master Gardener volunteers are instrumental in these efforts, sharing their knowledge of plant selection, cultural practices and pest management with fellow gardeners, school students and others.

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program
The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program is an intensive course in consumer horticulture (residential lawns, landscapes, and garden cultivation & maintenance). In exchange for their training, Extension Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, and work through the NC Cooperative Extension Center in Mecklenburg County to provide horticulture-related information to the public through classes, plant clinics, newsletters, demonstration gardens, and a telephone hotline.

Extension Master Gardener volunteer training is usually conducted every year during the fall (September - November).  Classes will be taught in a centralized location within Mecklenburg County.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Individuals  wishing to be considered for the next Extension Master Gardener Training program are encouraged to call NC Cooperative Extension in Mecklenburg County at 704-336-4011 to be added to the interest list and to obtain deadline date for applying.  Recruitment materials are distributed 10-12 weeks prior to the program. After the application deadline, all applications are reviewed and eligible candidates are selected for interviews. From the interviews, the final candidates are invited to train to become Extension Master Gardeners.

TRAINING SCHEDULE
Classes are normally held two days per week from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. during September - November.  Evening or weekend Extension Master Gardener classes are not available in Mecklenburg County.

TOPICS COVERED:
Soils, Fertilizers, and Amendments                      Organic Gardening

Plant Identification and Propagation                      Botany & Plant Physiology

Composting, Grasscycling, & Mulching                 Water-Efficient Landscaping

Attracting and Deterring Wildlife                            Native and Invasive Plants

Beneficial and Pest Insects                                  Managing Plant Diseases & Weeds

Selection and Culture of... Herbs   Houseplants   Flowers   Fruit   Lawns   Vegetables   Shrubs   Trees   Vines

VOLUNTEERISM
Extension Master Gardeners in Mecklenburg County attain certification within a year of their training by returning 40 hours of educationally-based volunteer service, 20 of these hours must be answering Consumer Horticulture questions on the Extension Master Gardener Hotline of Mecklenburg County that operates Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (March 1—October 31).

To retain Extension Master Gardener certification, volunteers return 25 hours of educationally-based service to NC Cooperative Extension each year, which includes ten hours on the Extension Master Gardener Hotline of Mecklenburg County and five hours of continuing education.

All Extension Master Gardener Volunteer work in Mecklenburg County is pre-approved by the Consumer Horticulture Agent & Master Gardener Coordinator –and- should directly benefit NC Cooperative Extension in Mecklenburg County.

EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROJECTS:
Extension Master Gardeners in Mecklenburg County are trained to assist NC Cooperative Extension in delivering research-based, educational programs within our community via the following projects:

-teaching gardening and environmental education classes at libraries, rec centers, community centers, and schools

-diagnosing insect/disease/pest problems over the phone & in person

-creating educational media for Consumer Horticulture programs (newsletter articles, PowerPoint slideshows, handouts, evaluation tools, etc.)

-educationally supporting the Mecklenburg Co. Park & Recreation Community Gardens by teaching classes, troubleshooting problems, and demonstrating gardening techniques

SPECIFICATIONS
The Extension Master Gardener program in Mecklenburg County is an intensive, research-based volunteer training program with the intent of training volunteers to assist NC Cooperative Extension in delivering research-based educational programming to the residents of Mecklenburg County.

The Extension Master Gardener Program is not...

-a garden club or social organization

-a certification program to be utilized in a job or profit-making venture (including landscape & lawn maintenance contractors; nurseries & garden centers; or landscape consultation services)

-a generalized class to help you gain more information about gardening, lawn care, or landscape maintenance

-open to anyone residing outside of Mecklenburg County, NC

REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM
Applicants need not be "experts" in gardening, horticulture, or even have a background in science! Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, all of which are relevant in our programming! The most important aspects sought for prospective Extension Master Gardener volunteers are:

-availability to attend classes & meetings and assist with the Extension Master Gardener Hotline of Mecklenburg County during weekdays

-interest in assisting one of the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Community Gardens in an educational aspect (vegetable enthusiasts eagerly sought!!!)

-willingness to learn how to find research-based answers to common gardening questions & to promote only research-based information in your Master Gardener volunteer projects

-interest in educating and serving the public through NC Cooperative Extension

-experience creating PowerPoint presentations; educational curriculum & materials; and proficiency in using computer programs & the Internet are highly desirable!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
If you need more information –or– are interested in receiving application materials for Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training please call 704-336-4011 or 704-336-4008. You may also send your name and mailing address via email to scott_ewers@ncsu.edu . We look forward to hearing from you!