Become A Master Gardener
Apply For The 2027 Norfolk Master Gardener Intern Training Class
Interested in becoming a Norfolk Master Gardener? The 2027 Intern Training Class begins in January. Follow the steps below to learn more and apply.
Attend an Information Session
Anyone interested in applying must attend one of the following information sessions:
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
In person
Email
interntraining@norfolkmastergardeners.org
to register.
* The location will be provided after registration.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Join/Register for the Zoom Information Session
A link to the application will be provided during each information session.
Apply for the 2027 Training Class
Applications must be submitted by
Friday, October 30, 2026.
After submitting your application:
- Attend an in-person interview when scheduled.
- Complete a background screening when requested following your interview.
- Watch your email for an acceptance decision and additional payment information.
Please note: Class size is limited to 20 participants, and we typically receive more applications than we can accept. Applicants who are not selected are welcome to apply again in future years.
Important Dates
Meet-and-Greet
Tuesday, January 19, 2027 at 2:00 p.m.
The location will be shared with accepted participants.
First Day of Training
Tuesday, January 26, 2027
Final Day of Training
Thursday, April 8, 2027
Training Schedule
Classes meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to noon from January 26 through April 8, 2027. Class locations will vary, and start or end times may occasionally change slightly depending on the location.
Attendance Requirements
Regular attendance is required to successfully complete the program. Absences and tardiness may be cause for dismissal. Trainees will also complete an open-book, take-home exam at the end of the course.
Class Project
During the final two weeks of training, each trainee will give a short project presentation to the class. Trainees select their own presentation topics in consultation with the Training Team.
Volunteer Requirement
Completing the training course is only the first step toward completing the internship. After training, interns must complete an additional 50 hours of volunteer service with Norfolk Master Gardener projects by April 8, 2028.
Hear It From A Master Gardener
Watch Jammica 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 in-person training program. Training classes are held once a year usually in the late winter-early spring 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.
