Nash County will be offering Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training beginning on Thursday, January 22nd through April 30th, 2026.
Classes will meet weekly on Thursday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Nash County Agriculture Center.
During the course, participants will learn more about soils, fertilizer, pruning, propagation, and many other horticultural concepts, as well as learning how to diagnose insect and pest problems and make informed pest management decisions based on integrated pest management principles. Participants will also meet other engaged gardeners and learn about Extension Master Gardener Volunteer opportunities. Following completion of the class, the students transition to interns and will complete 40 hours of volunteering with the guidance of an Extension Master Gardener mentor and the Horticulture Agent. Extension Master Gardener Volunteer activities including design and maintenance of the gardens at the Nash County Arboretum, propagating plants for the Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale, answering questions at the Nash County Farmers Market "Ask a Master Gardener" booth, hosting educational gardening workshops for children and adults, collecting materials for the Christmas wreath-making workshops, and much more.
To apply for the course, complete the application linked below. It can be returned via email to colby_griffin@ncsu.edu or mailed/delivered to N.C. Cooperative Extension office located at 1006 Eastern Ave, Nashville, NC 27856. The fee for the course is $150.00, which will be due upon acceptance into the course. This fee covers training materials, state program fees, and official name badges.Application deadline is January 2nd, 2026.
