Become A Master Gardener

What Do Master Gardeners Do?

We use our training to help improve our community through education, outreach, and community projects.

Educate the Community

Support Local Gardens

Promote Sustainable Gardening

Serve Norfolk Through Volunteering

Ready To Become A Master Gardener?

Applications for the 2026 training class have closed. Contact us to join the interest list for the 2027 Norfolk Master Gardener training class.



Hear It From A
Master Gardener


Watch Jamica share why she became a Norfolk Master Gardener, what she learned through the program, and how volunteering has allowed her to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is the Master Gardener program?

    It is a program offered through land-grant universities to provide intensive research-based horticultural training to adults. Master Gardeners serve as volunteer educators in their communities giving talks, creating gardens, conducting research, and

    volunteering for horticulture projects. The program is part of a Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) partnership with Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Master Gardeners are official representatives of city or county extension offices.

  • Who is eligible to apply to be a Norfolk Master Gardener trainee?

    Adult residents of Norfolk interested in learning more about horticulture, the joys

    of gardening, and volunteering in the community are eligible to apply for

    the Norfolk Master Gardener training class.

  • How do you apply for the training program?

    Norfolk Master Gardeners

    schedule an annual Information Session in the fall. This session outlines the

    basic requirements of the class including the cost, dates and times of classes

    and subsequent volunteer requirements. The application for the class is

    online; the online link is provided during the Information Session. 

  • What is the selection process?

    After submitting your application, you will

    be contacted to schedule a brief interview to address any questions that you

    might have and to help us learn more about your goals for becoming a

    Master Gardener.

  • What is involved in the training?

    Trainees must complete a 50-hour inperson training program. Training classes are held once a year usually in

    the February – April timeframe with classes meeting two times a week for 3 

    hours each. Each class will focus on a different topic such as vegetable

    gardening, native plants, pruning, etc. After completing the required classes,

    participants must pass an exam. They then must complete an additional 50

    volunteer hours working on approved VCE Master Gardener projects.

  • What are the benefits of becoming a Norfolk Master Gardener?

    Master

    Gardeners gain knowledge about horticulture and gardening while enjoying

    camaraderie with fellow gardeners. They make an impact on their

    community by sharing their knowledge and empowering citizens to grow

    and maintain sustainable, healthy gardens and landscapes. Master

    Gardeners can choose from a wide variety of volunteer projects that suit

    their interests and available time