Join the Fluvanna Master Gardeners 2024 training program.
Completion of the Master Gardener class is the first step to joining a welcoming community of like-minded folks who appreciate the many aspects of horticulture and wish to share their enthusiasm.
Classes begin in mid-January and run through mid-April. A combination of in-person, online, and field trip training will familiarize students with botany, soils, predators, diseases, composting, landscaping, and other aspects of fruits, shrubs, trees, vegetables, and ornamentals. Students learn how to identify problems as well as how to plan for gratifying results.
Experts from throughout the Virginia Cooperative Extension office network as well as members of the local community who are experienced professionals will conduct the training. Students will learn to address the opportunities and requirements for horticulture that are uniquely applicable to the Fluvanna area.
Online classes will be held Thursday evenings 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and 4-6 field trip experiences will be on Saturdays. Classes will be based on the Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook 2023 edition, a valuable information and reference tool. Its chapters provide extensive information and research recommendations for each subject area covered in the classes and will be a valuable resource for many growing seasons to come.
Within the year following the successful completion of the classes, students are expected to complete 50 hours of volunteer service in FMG projects, which include help desks, school and library programs, demonstration gardens, and similar activities. At the completion of the 50 hours, they will receive the designation of Master Gardener.
A fee of $200 covers the digital version of the Master Gardener Handbook, training materials, and other class-related costs. A criminal background screening is required for all volunteers, and the cost of this screening is included in the fee. Need-based financial aid is available.
Please complete and submit the form below and a member of the FMG team will get back to you soon. Questions on the class or the application process? Please use our contact form.
