About the Master Gardener Program
Learn more about Virginia Tech Extension Master Gardener program and what a Master Gardener volunteer does. Find out about the impact we make in local communities, and how you can support the program.
Mission
Virginia Master Gardeners are volunteer educators who work within their communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices though sustainable landscape management education and training.
Vision
We provide accessible and equitable education programs that nurture life-long learners and volunteers who can expand the reach and impact of science-based sustainable gardening practices to benefit all Virginians.
Program Priorities
Sustainable gardening skills
Teaching horticulture principles and practices that are grounded by research or recognized as best practices.
Plant and insect identification and education
Serving as a public resource for diagnosing plant and insect problems of our region.
Local food
Encouraging the use of sustainable techniques for successfully growing local food, food access and food security.
Native species
Promoting native species conservation and addressing concerns regarding invasive species and invasive species management, promoting ways to help native bees and other pollinators thrive in home and community landscapes.
Adaptive and accessible gardening
Promoting and educating ways to ensure access to gardening for all ages, abilities and communities.
Climate change
Teaching ways to create resilient landscapes that are adapted to our changing climate, promoting water-wise gardening practices to conserve water and minimize polluted runoff.
Soil health
Growing knowledge, care and protection of the amazing ecosystem of soil health and its value to our personal health.