Become a Master Gardener
The journey to becoming a Western Tidewater Master Gardener is exciting and structured. Follow the roadmap below to start your application process.
Review Info
Carefully review the program requirements, fees, and the intern commitment outlined below.
VCE Application
Complete the official state application on the Better Impact portal.
Better Impact Portal →Confirm Schedule
Review the 50-hour training schedule to ensure you can attend all mandatory sessions.
View DatesSubmit Payment & Background Check
Submit your $150 enrollment fee to the Isle of Wight Extension Office and pass the required VCE background screening to finalize your spot.
Attend Core Training Classes
Attend all scheduled instructional classes and training sessions to formally earn your Extension Master Gardener Internship status.
Complete Volunteer Internship
Complete 50 hours of volunteer internship with WTMG within your first year to graduate into a certified Extension Master Gardener (EMG).
2026 Core Training Schedule
Attendance at all core instructional sessions is required to transition to Intern status.
| Date & Time | Class Topic / Focus | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Jul 8, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Orientation / Volunteer Projects Getting to know each other, Better Impact Orientation, Canvas Orientation/Civil Rights. Assignment: Read Chapters 1 & 2 |
Mark Carroll |
| Mon, Jul 13, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Basic Botany / Taxonomy | TBD |
| Wed, Jul 15, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Soils / Nutrient Management / Fertilizers Assignment: Read Chapters 3, 4, & 6 |
Dr. Nathan Sedghi |
| Mon, Jul 20, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Basic Entomology | Elizebeth Cooper |
| Wed, Jul 22, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Abiotic Stress / Diagnosing Plant Damage Assignment: Read Chapters 5 & 7 |
Andrea Slye |
| Mon, Jul 27, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Plant Pathology | Dr. Langston |
| Wed, Jul 29, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) / Pesticide Safety - Risk Management Assignment: Read Chapters 8, 9, & 10 |
Livvy Priesser |
| Mon, Aug 3, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Plant Propagation | Mike Andruczyk |
| Wed, Aug 5, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
The Vegetable Garden Assignment: Read Chapters 12 & 15 |
TBD |
| Wed, Aug 10, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Fruits in the Home Garden Assignment: Read Chapters 11 & 13 |
TBD |
| Wed, Aug 12, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Indoor and Herbaceous Plants Assignment: Read Chapters 11 & 13 |
TBD |
| Wed, Aug 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
Woody Landscape Plants (Field Trip - Pinkham) Directions provided during class |
Brian O'Neil |
| Wed, Aug 12, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Herbaceous Perennials / Annuals / Houseplants Assignment: Read Chapters 11 & 13 |
TBD |
| Mon, Aug 17, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Lawns | Sterling White |
| Wed, Aug 19, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Landscape Design / Water Conservation Assignment: Read Chapters 16 & 17 |
Dr. Laurie Fox |
| Mon, Aug 24, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Pruning / Practical Hands-on | DW Coble |
| Wed, Aug 26, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Habitat Gardening for Wildlife / Virginia Natives Assignment: Read Chapters 18-20 |
TBD |
| Mon, Aug 31, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Students Choice / Final Exam | TBD |
| Wed, Sep 2, 2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Graduation Ceremony & Internship Kickoff | WTMG Unit |
Ready to start your application journey with us?
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