Become a Master Gardener Volunteer: Cultivate Your Passion for Gardening!

Our classes are designed for people who have a busy schedule but are able to attend classes within Nelson County. Typically, the course takes about five months to complete. Much of the material that will be covered in the manual and the online PowerPoint modules can be done in your own time to fit a variety of schedules. There are several things to keep in mind about joining a class, however, including the following requirements:

Have access to some type of computer/tablet device that will allow the student to study online modules and complete assigned quizzes online. (cell phones are not recommended for this)

Participate in all scheduled classes as described in the syllabus (each session is up to 3 hours), including an orientation class and a final open book review, and read all chapters of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardeners handbook (available for sale in hard copy or free digitally online). Not all chapters in the Handbook will be covered in depth during the course.

Study all online learning modules and pass all online quizzes related to the learning modules (open book)

Pass a comprehensive open book final review

Participate in at least tow farmers market table or winter indoor market table for outreach to the public. You will be accompanied by at least one experienced Master Gardener for this activity.

Virginia Tech requires all Master Gardener student applicants to pass a minimal online background check prior to being accepted as a student, and to complete Risk Management and Civil Rights training once every 3 years

After approximately the first six weeks of class, students are eligible to start earning the 50 volunteer hours (working on approved projects in Nelson County) that are needed to become a Master Gardener Volunteer. Volunteer hours can be completed during the time you are a student and/or within the first year after you complete the training class. See the list of approved projects below.

Note: All 50 volunteer hours need to be completed on approved projects in Nelson County. In rare cases trainees or interns might be allowed to accrue up to 5 volunteer hours working on approved Master Gardener projects in adjacent counties. Permission must be given for those exceptions.

After you complete the training and 50 volunteer hours, you will become a Master Gardener Volunteer. Each successive year Master Gardener Volunteers remain active by contributing 20 hours of volunteer work each year, in addition to taking 8 hours of approved continuing education per year. You are also encouraged to join the Nelson County Master Gardener Association, which holds monthly meetings and provides opportunities for continuing education. Dues are currently $25 per year. Meetings are held once a month (except July and August).

Registration is now open for the 2027 courses. Please complete the interest form if you want to find out more and we will contact you.

Cost is $150 which includes registration, the downloaded electronic handbook, a background check, plus incidental class costs. For those who prefer a hardcopy of the handbook, it can be purchased separately at an additional cost.

Meetings –Every effort will be made to have in-person meetings; however, there may be a few that will take place on Zoom. All classes and meetings will be in Nelson County.

Nelson County Master Gardener Approved Projects

Below is the current list of master gardener projects in Nelson County. Students are welcome to participate in any of interest.

Demonstration Garden – Educational interaction with the public while planting and maintaining public garden at the Nelson Center, Lovingston
Farmers’ Market – Sharing knowledge of science-based solutions to gardening problems at Nellysford and Lovingston Farmers’ Market and indoor winter market.
Help Desk - Researching and providing science-based answers to gardening questions from Nelson County residents.
Mallory Creek – Educational interaction with the public while planting and maintaining wild flower garden at the Rockfish Valley Community Center.
Plant Sale - Participating in digs and plant preparation for Master Gardener plant sale in May, our major fundraiser.
Quarry Gardens - Helping develop and maintain galleries of native plants, with informal learning on plant identification and habitat requirements.
Therapeutic Gardening - Working with seniors and using gardening as a therapeutic, memory-aiding tool, with educational information and hands-on activities.
Other – New projects (must be approved by Extension Agent) can be created, based on community needs, educational value and availability of resources

Committees

There are several committees that members can become involved in, including:

Communications – Keeping members and the public well informed, through social media, email, and print, about upcoming events.
Continuing Education – Identifying and inviting guest speakers to present at the monthly Nelson County Master Gardener meetings.
Training Program –Organizing and training the next class of Master Gardeners.
Academic Scholarships – Selecting worthy Nelson County school leavers for scholarship assistance.
Social –Helping to organize Nelson County Master Gardener Association social functions throughout the year.