Do you want to learn more about gardening and the environment, all while helping others? The VCE Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program might be for you! As a volunteer, you’ll meet others that share your interest, learn more about gardening, and help our area’s residents by volunteering in the community.
Class of 2025
The EMG Training Team is happy to announce details about 2025 training.
Register now to join us at one of these two information/ Q&A sessions:
- Wednesday, April 30th, 6pm – 7pm at Virginia Cooperative Extension, 440 Market St, Suffolk, VA 23434
- Saturday, May 17th, 9am – 10am via Zoom
You’ll learn more about the class schedule and program requirements and get to meet some of our volunteers. After attending the required information session, you’ll receive a link to complete the application.
Wandering what kinds of projects you could do as a volunteer? See our Facebook page to learn about our events and programming here in Suffolk or watch a video featuring some of our volunteers and projects.
The 2025 training will provide volunteers with the initial education they need to to participate in the VCE Master Gardener program. This training is followed by a 50-hour volunteer internship serving the residents of Suffolk.
Important dates:
- April 30th – join us in person to learn about the class and VCE MG program and meet some volunteers.
- April 30th – application period opens.
- April 30th – interview period opens – selected candidates will be contacted to schedule interviews through June 11th.
- May 17th – join us by Zoom to learn about the class and VCE MG program.
- May 31st – application period closes.
- June 11th – interview period closes.
- June 24th – acceptance emails will go out (on or before this date, depending on applicant pool).
- July 9th – if accepted, forms and fees due.
- July 13th – background screening must be completed.
- August 13th – November 19th – Class 6pm – 9pm, every Wednesday: 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/4, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, includes one or two rain dates.
- August 23rd – November 15th – Class 9am – 12pm, every other Saturday: 8/23, 9/6, 9/20, 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15, includes one rain date.
Attendance at all classes is expected. We know family, health, and traffic can affect us all. If you feel sick, please stay home. We will work with you to provide alternative educational options that may include attending training in a different unit, online training, joining class by Zoom, or other options.
If this schedule doesn’t work for you this year, please subscribe to our email list to receive information about 2026 training.
Questions about training? Please email SuffolkMG@gmail.com.
VCE Master Gardener Trainee
You’ll start the program in a training class with a minimum of 50 hours of education on a wide range of topics, including pruning, integrated pest management, botany, soils, insects, and native plants. You will also learn how to find and use research-based sources and interpret information to area residents.
Class instructors are VCE faculty and staff, university professors, industry experts, and experienced fellow EMGs. Depending on the format, classes may meet in person twice per week or follow a hybrid format of some in-person required classes supplemented with online modules and in-person workshops/labs.
VCE Master Gardener Intern
After the trainee class, you’ll graduate to Intern, when you will complete 50 hours of hands-on volunteer service within 18 months. You’ll work with other EMGs as you complete your service in a range of VCE projects that serve all age groups and topics of interest. As an Intern, you will never volunteer alone; you’ll have EMGs beside you to help you learn how we research client problems and provide community education.
Certified VCE Master Gardener
Once certified as an EMG with at least 50 hours each of project and initial education time, you will continue to volunteer in your community in the areas that interest you most. Annual re-certification requires at least 20 hours of volunteer service and at least 8 hours of continuing education.