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The North Carolina State University Extension in Washington, North Carolina is planting the seeds for the future of gardening with the announcement of its upcoming Master Gardener course. Scheduled to start in September, the program aims to recruit at least 12 participants to cultivate a new batch of gardening enthusiasts equipped with research-based insights.

Gene Fox, Area Agent for Agriculture – Consumer Horticulture at the NC State Extension in Beaufort County, shed light on the comprehensive nature of the program, emphasizing the balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills that participants will gain.

“The Master Gardener program in and of itself is like a bachelor’s degree in horticulture that takes place in about three months,” explained Fox. The course includes 40 hours of classroom instruction, hands-on activities and a final exam designed to test not just knowledge, but the ability to locate reliable resources.

Rachael Wood, a Master Gardener who completed the program in 2020, shared her passion for gardening inherited from her parents, Master Gardeners in Kentucky. She underscored the program’s role in providing “good, solid, research-based information to the community,” a sentiment echoed by Fox, who stressed the importance of empowering residents with knowledge and resources for sustainable gardening practices.

“Part of being a Master Gardener is knowledge, but it’s also how to find the resources to give you that knowledge,” said Fox, stressing the goal of equipping participants with the skills to independently research and resolve gardening issues.

The program not only educates its participants but also requires them to give back through volunteer work, engaging in a variety of projects from answering calls on the “green line” to hands-on work in teaching gardens. This aspect of the program is designed to extend the educational outreach of NC State University, offering research-based advice on gardening and environmental conservation to communities across the state.

This collaborative effort between the Master Gardeners and the extension agents helps disseminate vital information on pest management, soil health and more, ensuring residents have access to expert advice for their gardening queries.

“I really love that the Master Gardener program not only provides the Master Gardener with an excellent education, but they also give us the tools to help the community,” shared Wood.

Both Fox and Wood advocate for the program’s continuation, highlighting its essential role in fostering a community of knowledgeable, environmentally conscious gardeners. As the application period approaches, they encourage anyone with an interest in gardening, community service and lifelong learning to consider joining the Master Gardener program. Interested individuals are advised to contact the NC State Extension in Washington, North Carolina or visit the Beaufort County Master Gardener Facebook page for more information.