Become a Master Gardener

Dedicated to Fauquier and Rappahannock counties, we educate with science-based programs, demonstrate sustainable gardening practices, and respect nature.

Grow With Us

If you have the desire to give back to the community through volunteerism, and if you are enthusiastic about learning the fundamentals of gardening. Master Gardeners could be the perfect fit for you!

Prior gardening experience is not necessary to become a part of the Master Gardener community, but a commitment to continued education and service is!

How Do I Join?

Our 2026 class of  Extension Master Gardeners will begin on January 20th and will run until the end of April, with three Saturday labs. The training course includes approximately 50 hours of instruction taught by experts in various gardening areas such as soil, botany, integrated pest management, disease diagnosis, and more.

The 2026 class will be held on Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 8:30pm to accommodate those who cannot attend during the day. The 3 Saturday labs will be from 9am to 1pm. There will be 3 opportunities to attend a mandatory orientation from 5:30 to 6:30pm - November 18th in Washington, Va, or December 2 or December 10 at the Extension office in Warrenton.

Prior to the beginning of the course, a background check must be completed for all trainees.

After Training

Trainees are expected to complete 50 hours of volunteer project service within one year. Once completed, interns then become certified Extension Master Gardeners.

Afterwards, they are then continuing to give at least 20 hours of volunteer project service plus complete 8 hours of continuing education each year to remain active.

How to Apply

 The deadline for applying for the 2026 Training Course will be December 10, 2025.
The training course costs $225 (cost after the deadline is $275), with need-based scholarships available by request. We welcome all and do not want financial considerations to be an obstacle in gaining great volunteers and partners from across our communities.

The 2026 application is available now. Please visit the link below to apply through Better Impact. For questions, please contact Tim Ohlwiler, Horticulture Agent.

Apply Now
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“The classes were great... There are so many ways to volunteer from working with kids in school or answering questions at a public gathering, to volunteering in gardens with ornamentals, and vegetables to helping homeowners with their lawns.”

— Steve Raggo, Warrenton, VA

 
 
 

“I was a new resident of Fauquier County and had NO experience in gardening. I wondered how best to get involved in something that would benefit my community and also make new friends and learn something completely new. Becoming a Master Gardener did all that and much more. The Master Gardener program has been so rewarding and at the same time I feel I have made a difference to my neighbors and community.”

— Yuri Cole, Bealeton, VA

 

Steps to Become a Master Gardener

  • Classroom Hours

    Becoming a Extension Master Gardener begins with 50 hours of classroom education. This training covers many topics including botany, pruning, pest management, soils, insects, and various types of plants.

    After completion of this course, interns complete 50 hours of hands-on training through volunteer activities available in our community.

  • Our Courses

    The course is typically held from January to April with classes meeting once a week.

    The majority of the classes are taught at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office in Warrenton. However, classroom field trip/laboratory work is conducted as well.

  • Program Cost

    The fee for this program is $225, after the December 10th registration deadline the fee is $275.

    This cost covers your soil test, reading material, lab supplies, background screening, guest speaker fees, shirt, and other class supplies. If there is a financial need, scholarships are available.

  • Next Steps

    All active Extension Master Gardeners who have completed their internship are invited to participate in Master Gardener College.

    This is an advanced training program held annually in June on the Virginia Tech campus. In addition, there are monthly educational sessions by the Master Gardener Association along with other opportunities throughout the year.