Looking to find an Extension Master Gardener program in your state? Nearly all Master Gardener programs in the United States administer training through a state land-grant university and its Cooperative Extension Service, and are considered Extension Master Gardener programs. Extension Master Gardeners receive and recommend university and research-based information through the Cooperative Extension System.
The Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program was started in 1973 in Washington state. Dr. David Gibby trained volunteers with a passion for gardening to assist Extension with consumer horticulture education in the community. This unique volunteer program has become internationally recognized and often duplicated as a model for other volunteer programs. Today, Extension Master Gardener programs exist in 49 states and the District of Columbia, several Canadian provinces, and South Korea.
Extension Master Gardener is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country with more than 76,500 volunteers in 49 states. EMG serves as a model for many other volunteer organizations.
On average, active certified EMG volunteers donate 60 hours per year. In 2024, EMG volunteers donated over 5.1 million hours to their local Master Gardener programs.
Extension Master Gardener volunteers make face-to-face contact with over 7.9 million people across the United States. Clientele is served through helplines, workshops, plant clinics and more.
“The Extension Master Gardener program unites all of my passions – gardening, lifelong learning, and empowering people to help others. Working alongside Master Gardener volunteers and experiencing the meaningful difference that can be made when talented and generous people come together is the best part of my job. I am thrilled to be able to coordinate the Extension Master Gardener program in North Carolina and proud of the work Master Gardener volunteers are doing in communities across the state to grow healthier plants, promote sustainable gardening, and support vibrant communities.”
“There’s a magic that happens when you plant a seed, it sprouts, and you have something to work with.”
“We need school gardens and garden-based education for our youth. I’m happy knowing I am a part of that important work through the Extension Master Gardeners.”
“The Master Gardener program combines two of my favorite things, gardening and giving back to through volunteering. It was a lifelong dream to become a Master Gardener, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this community!”
“Gardening brings together people and communities. Through the Master Gardener program I have the opportunity to learn, meet people, and give back to my community.”
“Extension Master Gardener volunteers extend our educational reach. We couldn’t do everything we do without them. Over 10,000 people visit the Purdue demonstration garden in Indianapolis each year during the Indiana State Fair. At this one event alone, Master Gardeners help educate thousands of people.”
“I have the pleasure of working with dedicated and passionate volunteers as a Master Gardener county coordinator. The highlight of my day is getting to hear about the work they are doing in our community to provide fresh produce to local food pantries, helping clients with a pest problem, creating sustainable school gardens through School Garden 101 training, and so much more. Iowa Master Gardeners are continuing to grow together and build a strong Iowa.”
This work is supported by New Technologies for Agriculture Extension grant no. 2015-41595-24254 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
