Master Gardener Training

Master Gardeners are a vital resource to the Gloucester County Extension Horticultural Program. These volunteers teach classes, answer horticultural inquiries, present programs, and diagnose plant diseases. Master Gardeners extend the resources of the land-grant university through their volunteer efforts. Participants in the program must attend all classes and will receive a minimum of 60 hours of horticultural information. 

2021 Master Gardener Basic Training

This year’s Master Gardener Training class is a 12-week virtual course starting August 18th – November 10th. Class assignment video presentations will be completed on your schedule before the required Wednesday evening zoom discussions from 7:00pm-8:30pm. There are also 3 optional Saturday field trips.

Field Trips, Plants, Daffodil Festival

Service Hours

Upon graduation the participant will return 50 hours of service to their local Virginia Cooperative Extension by participating in various Master Gardener services to the community such as answering horticulture questions at the help desk, conducting educational programs, leading a team, or providing support to other Master Gardeners in many other areas. To maintain Master Gardener Status after the first year, each volunteer must complete 20 hours of service to the community and 8 hours of continuing education.

Fees

Early Bird Registration is $140 through May 31st.  After May 31st, cost is $150 with an application deadline of July 7th. Course fee includes a digital version of the manual and a non-refundable background check fee of $10.

To receive a hard copy of the manual, there is an additional fee of $32.

 Space is limited, so sign up early.

Application Information

  1. EMG New Volunteer Applications on Better Impact.docx

Additional Information

For more information about becoming a Master Gardener volunteer, call the Gloucester Extension Office at 804-693-2602 or contact: