Virginia Master Gardener Program

The Virginia Master Gardener Program, part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, is a volunteer-driven educational initiative dedicated to promoting research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship across the Commonwealth of Virginia. With more than 5,000 active volunteers working in communities throughout Virginia, the program provides vital public education on creating and managing home landscapes, vegetable gardening, turf management, and sustainable gardening practices. The program's mission focuses on sharing knowledge and empowering communities through horticultural and environmental outreach. Notable initiatives include gleaning projects that redirect excess produce to those in need, school garden partnerships that serve underserved populations, seed library programs that encourage home gardening participation, and habitat restoration projects such as converting turf to native trees. The Virginia Master Gardener Program demonstrates a commitment to connecting gardening education with broader community benefits, including mental health, food security, environmental conservation, and equitable access to gardening knowledge.