About VBMG
Master Gardeners
~ an Educational Outreach component of Virginia Cooperative Extension ~
~ an Educational Outreach component of Virginia Cooperative Extension ~
Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
Master Gardener Training Program for Virginia Beach
The first step in becoming a VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardener volunteer is to attend an orientation session.
2021 Orientation will be held on Thursday, May 13, 10am - 12pm via Zoom.
Master Gardener Training Program for Virginia Beach
The first step in becoming a VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardener volunteer is to attend an orientation session.
2021 Orientation will be held on Thursday, May 13, 10am - 12pm via Zoom.

Virginia Beach Master Gardener volunteers provide unbiased, research based information and programs to home gardeners as part of Virginia Cooperative Extension (“VCE”) community outreach. We do this through community education, help desk, plant doctor clinics, speakers bureau, public ‘garden talks’, youth programs, demonstration gardens, and workshops.
The VCE Master Gardener program is for you if you are among the many Virginia Beach residents who desire to improve their communities by sharing horticultural knowledge. Master Gardeners come from all walks of life. They are a group of enthusiastic volunteers connected by their love of gardening and desire to educate their community.
To become a Master Gardener, you must be a Virginia Beach resident, attend an orientation meeting, complete the application process and the 50-hour Master Gardener training. This program has been established to provide both novice and experienced gardeners a basic background in horticulture.
A mandatory program orientation is held each spring. Classes are held in the fall of each year. Each training class is taught by a specialist in that field. Attendees can only miss one class.
After graduation, Master Gardener Interns have a full year to volunteer 50 hours in order to complete their training and to be recognized as official Master Gardeners. Annual re-certification is maintained through ongoing continuing education and volunteer service.
Inherent in the title “Master Gardener” lies the challenge to continue learning and to help other gardeners grow. It’s a challenge that everyone who has graduated from the Master Gardener program is committed to meeting.
To become a Master Gardener, you must be a Virginia Beach resident, attend an orientation meeting, complete the application process and the 50-hour Master Gardener training. This program has been established to provide both novice and experienced gardeners a basic background in horticulture.
A mandatory program orientation is held each spring. Classes are held in the fall of each year. Each training class is taught by a specialist in that field. Attendees can only miss one class.
After graduation, Master Gardener Interns have a full year to volunteer 50 hours in order to complete their training and to be recognized as official Master Gardeners. Annual re-certification is maintained through ongoing continuing education and volunteer service.
Inherent in the title “Master Gardener” lies the challenge to continue learning and to help other gardeners grow. It’s a challenge that everyone who has graduated from the Master Gardener program is committed to meeting.
Master Gardeners can meet their volunteer requirements in a variety of projects including: Adam Thoroughgood House Children’s Education Garden at the Farmers Market Fall Gardening Festival Farm Days/Harvest Fair (children’s programs) Francis Land House HRAREC Display Gardens, Trial Gardens, Arboretum and School Tours Jr. Master Gardener Camp Kitchen Garden at the Farmers Market Lynnhaven House Ask a Master Gardener Clinics Ready Set Grown (Elementary School Program) Seed Library Sentara Horticulture Therapy Workshops SPCA Rain Garden Speakers Bureau Spring Plant Sale VCE Help Desk Virginia Flower and Garden Expo |
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; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.