Roanoke Master Gardeners Association

Sharing knowledge. Empowering communities.

People outdoors in garden area

Serving the Roanoke Valley since 1987

Extension Master Gardeners are volunteer educators who work within their communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management, education, and training. As an educational outreach component of the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the Roanoke Valley Chapter of Master Gardeners brings the resources of Virginia’s land-grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, to the Roanoke Valley, Botetourt County, and Craig County. 

What's New!

Events and Activities


We are very lucky to have permission to use and quote some of the OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC.  A new section is listed near the bottom of this page.

It is September 2024!

Lots to do for the change over to fall. The winter plants should have been growing for about a couple of months so now is the time to get them ready for winter.  Check out the Seasonal News for winter garden prep.

Rain barrel workshops

Our workshops are now over for 2024.  Please check back in spring 2025.  Thank you all who participated in our workshops!

Community Gardens

All of the community gardens that we assist are rapidly coming to a close letting the gardens go dormant for some, putting in a cover crop, or testing out a hoop house over the plots for winter plants.  Look for more information in the spring when everything springs to life.

Our programs

4H & Youth Programs

Engaging with young people and fostering the next generation of gardeners.

Speakers Bureau

We provide our community with learning opportunities through our tailored programming. Complete a Program Reqest form or Contact us if you have questions.

Horticulture Therapy

Facilitating the opportunity for gardening as a means of physical, psychological and social well-being.

Community Gardens

So far, the Community Gardens committee has determined that our volunteers will assist with many gardens.  There are no set dates or times yet.

Click the Learn More button below to find out more. 

Community Arboretum at VWCC

Supporting our community partner, the Arboretum at Virginia Western Community College, with events, groundskeeping, plant propagation, and tours.

Programs & Events

Throughout the year we offer public presentations and booths at various events including Farmers Markets, GoFest, Berglund Home Show, Earth Day, and more.  All of our events are posted on the Calendar.

Our local 4-H organization is sponsored through Virginia Tech and as Master Gardeners we support and encourage participation in this extremely worthy group for children from 5-19 years old.  All activities, classes, and workshops (except the annual camping experience) are free to these children.  Don't miss out on these opportunities for your child!  

Become a Master Gardener

Join a network of passionate gardeners serving their community through the Extension Master Gardener program. Each year we offer Master Gardener training which involves both textbook and hands-on learning, designed to help each new member gain the foundation they need to confidently serve our community.

OPEN ENROLLMENT for 2024 is over.  If you were not able to submit an application, you can complete the 2025 Waitlist Form at the bottom of the Join Us Page.

Plant problems? We can help.

Our help desk is available to assist you with numerous horticulture related concerns including:

This program is offered free of charge to the communities we serve. To best serve you, please include a detailed description and clear, well-lit images. Use the online request form or call 540-776-7178.
See our Help Desk page for commonly asked questions.

Please allow 3-7 business days for a response.

Spotted Lanternfly Awareness

Help us monitor and better understand the impact of the Spotted Lanternfly in our area. If you discover one at any stage of development please contact us with the location you found it and an image (if possible); or if you're able to collect the specimen you can deliver it to any local extension office.

The first known sighting in the Roanoke area was in 2022.  In 2024 they have now arrived to all parts of our county.  Monitoring continues through the collaborative effort of numerous organizations and local citizens.

Please see the Learning menu for more in depth information.

The Garden Dirt

The Garden Dirt is our quarterly newsletter filled with upcoming events, classes, monthly garden chores and activities, and lots more. Complete the form to the right to subscribe!


THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

Our article for The Old Farmer's Almanac is contained within the Seasonal News.   Lots of great information for our gardens.

Look for more great articles on their website:  almanac.com

All information quoted here is done with written permission from The Old Farmers Almanac held at the Extension office,