If you would like to deepen your knowledge of horticulture and gardening and would enjoy sharing that knowledge with others, then consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener volunteer educator. We are now accepting applications for the 2026 training class for Master Gardeners serving Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
In 2026, our 70-hour training course will meet each Wednesday in person from February through April and will cover topics ranging from vegetable gardening, ornamental gardening, and fruit growing to soil health, wise water use, and disease and pest management. Our training emphasizes science-based best practices that conserve resources and protect our environment.
To learn more about what it’s like to become a Master Gardener and serve as a volunteer educator, take a look at this article in our Garden Shed newsletter by Katie Nicholson, a recent graduate. “Being an Extension Master Gardener is not just about growing plants; it is about growing a better world for our community and building relationships,” she writes. “As volunteers, we share what we learn with others. The joy of gardening is multiplied when it is shared.
The training class application can be found here on our website and is due by December 1, 2025. For more information, please contact Nick Saylor, Master Gardener Program Coordinator for our area, at 434-872-4581 or nickjs23@vt.edu.