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 2025 class of Extension Master Gardeners has begun and will run until the end of April. 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 in the evenings to accommodate those who cannot attend during the day. Updated information will be posted here in the fall.
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 has not been determined yet. Come back in the fall for more information.
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 2025 application is available now. Please visit the link below to apply through Better Impact. For questions, please contact Tim Ohlwiler, Horticulture Agent.
“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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.