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Master Gardener Volunteers

EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS

Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners (VCE-MG) are trained volunteer educators who provide the public with environmental information that draws on the horticultural research and experience of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia State University.  If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, please contact our Horticulture Help Desk by emailing [email protected] to be added to the list to receive information about the upcoming Master Gardener Training Class.

WHAT EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS DO:

  • Answer gardening questions in the Extension Office, local community functions and local garden centers.
  • Diagnose plant, insect and disease problems.
  • Promote safe use of pesticides and fertilizers to protect water quality and the environment.
  • Instruct the community on proper care of lawns, trees, shrubs, and vegetables.
  • Write newspaper and newsletter articles, fact sheets and brochures.
  • Conduct gardening programs for diverse groups and all ages within the community.
  • Participate in community beautification and landscape projects.
  • Work with 'Plant a Row for the Hungry.'
  • Participate in seminars for continuing education.
  • Participate in social events, field trips, and plant swaps.

MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING

The Master Gardener training program is held in the fall and winter of each year. Classes include more than 70 hours of core information on: botany, soils, pesticide safety, pest management (insect diseases and weeds), nutrient management, plant culture (pruning, propagation), turf, vegetables, fruit, woody ornamentals, water management, and principles of landscape design. Internship period to complete 50 hours of volunteer service within two years of completing the training. 

Classes will be held on Thursday nights - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, August to March at Development Services Building, 5 County Complex Dr. Woodbridge, VA 22192, as well as other locations. There will also be a few (2-3) Saturday morning field-type classes held at different locations. 

INTRODUCTION TO THE VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM - PRINCE WILLIAM 

Check back in for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Program Information Sessions and registration information or contact the Horticulture Help Desk. Sign up to join the Master Gardener Interest Waitlist and Well Water Clinic Waitlist.

WHAT DOES THE MASTER GARDENER TRAINING ENTAIL?

Benefits to You:
  • Extensive, interesting and fun training
  • Establishing relationships with like-minded people in your community
  • Learn how to educate your community through environmental programs
  • Access to scholarly professional development opportunities
Desired Characteristics
  • Dependable & attends to responsibilities (reports hours, stays current on procedures, checks personal & organizational calendars and email regularly)
  • Communicates clearly and courteously
  • Confident enough to say 'I don't know, but I'll get back to you'
  • Will provide all research-based options to best serve our clients
  • Willing and enthusiastically support existing project areas
  • Willingness to learn
  • Willingness to take on leadership roles. when applicable
  • Speaks second language (if possible)

Class Requirements
You are expected to attend all training classes. If you must miss a class, you must make up any missed assignments/lectures. You must complete all quizzes, an open book final exam and one Frequently Asked Question oral presentations. If you miss three classes due to illness, work conflicts, your participation in the MG training class will be terminated

Certification Requirements:  50-hour Internship - you have two years to complete this period.

  • 10 hours to plant clinics
  • 10 hours (3 site reports) BEST Lawns & Landscapes (assess your own lawn + 2 clients with mentor)
  • 12 hours Educational Outreach
  • 10 hours at the Teaching Garden workdays
  • 4 hours to support school and community gardens
  • 4 hours additional hours in any of the above categories or Wildlife Habitat Home Visit 

ONGOING VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT

  • To remain an active Master Gardener, you must contribute 20 volunteer hours and earn eight hours of continuing education each year. 
  • Annually, recertification & Civil Rights training.  All Extension Master Gardener's regardless of your status (veteran, intern, trainee) are required to attend annual meeting to remain in an "Active" status.
  • Every five years you will be required to take a refresher course of BEST Lawns and Landscape, Turf, Water Quality, Soils, Integrated Pest Management and one lab.
Thank you for considering the volunteer opportunities with Virginia Cooperative Extension as a Master Gardener!

Please call the Extension Horticulture Help Desk 703-792-7747, if you have questions regarding the application process or Master Gardener program commitments.

Check us out on Facebook 'VCE Prince William Master Gardeners'
and on Instagram @MasterGardenersPWC

Call 703-792-7747 or email [email protected] for more information.