Who We Are
The Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers of Onslow County are community members who have a passion for gardening and helping others. They receive extensive training through the Cooperative Extension Service. In exchange, they volunteer their knowledge and expertise to the gardening public.
What We Do
Our Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers provide research-based information related to gardening to the residents of Onslow County. They also engage youth and seniors in gardening activities, staff the Plant Clinic, and provide outreach at events throughout the county. They also maintain the Discovery Gardens, which is Onslow County's premier public demonstration garden.
Become an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer in Onslow County
We are accepting applications for the 2026 Extension Master Gardener training. Applications and $130 (exact change/check only) fee are due by July 17th, 2026 by 5pm. Please email emilee_morrison@ncsu.edu or call 910-455-5873 with any questions.
Please subscribe to our In The Garden newsletter, 'Like' our Facebook page, and follow our Instagram to be one of the first to know about new Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer trainings.
TRAINING
Accepted applicants will attend an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course. This course is taught by Extension Service staff, local experts and seasoned Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. The program offers a minimum of 40 hours of instruction and a comprehensive Master Gardener Manual.
$130 (which includes training fees and text book)
Exact cash or check only. Make checks payable to Onslow County CES Class fee is non-refundable
TOPICS INCLUDE
- Soils
- Plant Nutrition & Composting
- Botany
- Insects, Weeds, & IPM
- Diseases & Disorders
- Diagnostics
- Lawns
- Herbaceous Ornamentals
- Native Plants, Youth, & Landscape Design
- Propagation
- Small Fruits
- Tree Fruits & Nuts
VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT
Once you complete the training program and pass a final exam, you will begin a volunteer internship. Extension Master Gardeners Volunteers must volunteer 40 hours the first year and 20 hours each year after. You will learn more about plants and be a resource for your community. The opportunities for volunteer service are limitless. Many of our volunteers participate in plant clinics and educational exhibits, provide demonstrations at our Discovery Garden on various gardening topics and provide insight to the joys of gardening to seniors and young children. Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers are representatives of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Extension Master Gardeners℠ will follow the research-based recommendations of the Cooperative Extension Service.
APPLY NOW!
APPLICATIONS DUE NO LATER THAN JULY 17th, 2026 at 5pm!
If you're interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer in Onslow County fill out the application and let us know!
Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer Application
Click here for the EMG Volunteer Application or come by our office and pick up a hard copy of the application.
2026 CLASS DATES & TIMES:
Classes will run August 18th - October 8th
Every Tuesday and Thursday 9am-12pm
Send your completed application to: Emilee Morrison 234 NW Corridor Blvd Suite 108 Jacksonville, NC 28540 emilee_morrison@ncsu.edu
Questions? Give Emilee Morrison a call MON-FRI, 8AM-5PM at (910) 455-5873 or email her directly at emilee_morrison@ncsu.edu
