The Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program is a training program for volunteer educators who are interested in spreading the good word about the best horticultural practices to others in the community. As a VCE-MG Volunteer, you’ll meet and work with people who share your interests, have the opportunity to advance your horticultural knowledge by participating in seminars and special events, and to share your knowledge with interested members of our communities.

IS THE VCE-MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM FOR YOU?

You’re a good candidate for the VCE-Master Gardener program if you:

Once you receive your certification, you will be asked to:

HOW TO BECOME A MASTER GARDENERVOLUNTEER

To become a Master Gardener Volunteer, you must attend at least 60 hours of classroom instruction and contribute 50 hours of focusedvolunteer services conducting VCE horticulture-based education programs.

The combined initial 110 hours must be completed in one year, and upon completion, you will earn the title of VCE-Master GardenerVolunteer.  After the first year, VCE-Master Gardener Volunteers are required to contribute at least 20 hours of volunteer service each year in approved activities, and to participate in at least 8 hours of re-certification training annually.

LEARNING THE BASICS

Basic Master Gardener Volunteer training includes at least 60 hours of classroom training in the following topics:

To find out more about  upcoming Master Gardener Volunteer training classes, send an email to csvmga.vol.coor@gmail.com or contact Jason Cooper at the Rockingham County Extension Office (540-564-3080)