Ready to grow and share your love of gardening? The Extension Master Gardener program connects volunteers with a network of enthusiastic gardeners, research-based information, and so many ways to share their love of gardening to help our community grow.

Master Gardener Initial Training is held once every two years for those who want to become an Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer. Class content is developed from the latest research in applied horticultural science from NC State Extension and other land grant institutions.

The next program will be conducted January-early May of 2027. Classes will be taught once a week, on Thursdays, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at the  N.C. Cooperative Extension, Durham County Center office, 721 Foster Street, Durham, NC. Following training, Master Gardeners are expected to volunteer at least 40 hours annually in approved volunteer roles, and receive continuing education to stay up to date on the latest in horticultural knowledge.

Application Requirements

1. Attend one information session (dates listed below).
2. Submit your application by October 19, 2026.
3. If you are selected, pay the $100 registration fee by December 11th, 2026. This fee covers your training material.

All sessions will cover the same information. Registration is required to attend an information session, and attendance at an information session is required to receive an application.

Click on dates below for registration.

Extension Master Gardener volunteers are trained to help connect North Carolinians with the vast reservoir of horticultural knowledge and research developed at North Carolina A&T University and NC State University. Durham County Extension has about 140 volunteers in the Extension Master Gardener program. They help Durham residents learn more about a myriad of gardening topics, answer questions, conduct demonstrations and workshops, and help maintain Durham’s community gardens, including at Briggs Avenue.

To learn more about the Extension Master Gardeners and see what we're up to, check out our blog, or find us on Facebook or Instagram (@DurhamMasterGardeners).