Who can Become a Master Gardener?

Advice for gardening in the Hampton Roads/ Tidewater area

There are no limitations as to sex, race, national origin, veteran status, disability or political affiliation. Master Gardeners are a cross-section of Virginia Beach residents with something in common; a desire to share their knowledge and skills with their communities free of charge.  Once a year 50 hours of intensive training is provided to participants over a 8-week period. Classes are conducted during daytime hours. Upon successful completion of all classes, participants become Master Gardener Interns. While the training is free, there is a charge of $100.00 to pay for the reference manual compiled by Virginia Classes are held from September to November on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. After training is completed, Master Gardener Interns have one year in which complete a requirement of 50 payback hours of volunteer service by working in approved programs; 9 hours of which must be with youth, the Grow Line or Plant Doctor (9 hours can be accumulated in one area or a combination of all 3). After successful completion of the 50 payback hours of volunteer service, one becomes a Master Gardener. Thereafter, to maintain Virginia Beach Master Gardener status, each year you are required to contribute 40 hours of service; 8 hours of those 40 hours must be accumulated by attending Continuing Education classes. Updated 4-24-2012