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 $95.00 to pay for the reference manual compiled by Virginia Tech University.

Training is conducted each Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., from September 9^th to October 30^th. 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 1-20-2010