Become a Virginia Extension Master Gardener!
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​Join a dedicated team of more than 5,000 volunteers who work in communities throughout Virginia to promote research-based horticulture. Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) provide vital public education related to creating and managing home landscapes, vegetable gardening, turf management, and more!
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​​To become an Extension Master Gardener, you will receive 50 hours (minimum) of training and complete 50 hours (minimum) of volunteer service. Exact hour requirements vary by county. To remain an active Extension Master Gardener, you must complete 20 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of continuing education each year.
​​Extension Master Gardener training covers:
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Botany
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Soils & fertilizer
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Entomology (insects)
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Propagation
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Vegetables
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Fruits
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Turf
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Woody plants
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Herbaceous plants
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Water quality
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Pruning
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Plant pathology (diseases)
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Plant damage (diagnosis)
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Pesticides
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Landscape design
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Gardening for wildlife​
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Save the Date 2025:
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Master Gardener Applications Accepted April 30th until July 7th.
Master Gardener Training August 13th until November 12th
Master Gardener Graduation November 19th
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Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg. If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify Gaylynn Johnson at (757-727-1401/TDD*) during business hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
*TDD number is (800) 828-1120.