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I am interested in becoming a Master Gardener
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Interested in Becoming a Master Gardener?
We are looking for individuals who have a passion for gardening, a thirst for learning things, and a desire to volunteer in our community with other like-minded gardening friends. If that sounds like you, then consider applying for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program. You don’t need to be a plant expert but you will need to have an email account and be able to perform basic computer skills.
The Extension Master Gardener Training program is broken down into two parts.
- a classroom portion focusing on core horticultural topics
- an intern period where students volunteer in an assortment of gardening-related projects that serve our community
Training Course:
The classroom/hands-on training runs from Late February until early May. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon at the James City County Recreation Center on Longhill Road or at other local horticultural-related venues. A small part of our training may be conducted online.
Training Sessions topics include:
- Soils & fertilizers
- Entomology (insects)
- Propagation
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Woody and Herbaceous Plants
- Turf
- Pruning
- Water Quality
- Plant Pathology (diseases)
- Pesticides
- Landscape design
The cost of the course is $250.00, which covers the cost of all materials and instruction, including the Master Gardener Handbook, other reference materials, and the required background check. A limited amount of financial assistance is available. To request financial assistance, please send an email to [email protected] stating your need and the portion of the course fee you can pay.
Intern Period:
As an Intern, you will work alongside Master Gardeners to complete 50 volunteer hours in gardening-related approved projects. Refer to the projects tab on our website to get a more complete description of what Master Gardeners do in our community. The 50 volunteer hours must be completed by Feb 29, 2024, at which time you will graduate and be awarded Extension Master Gardener status.
Application Process:
Registration generally opens in November and the class size will be limited. A completed application and two references will secure your place in the class.
Because we work with children and others in the local community, a basic background check and attendance at a mandatory orientation are required before final acceptance into the training program.
You will need to establish an account in Better Impact to complete an application. Please read our Application Tip sheet before applying.
Applications will be completed online. Click here to sign up!
Your two references will need to complete and submit the reference form to [email protected].
If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected]