Roanoke Master Gardener Association
Roanoke Master Gardener Association
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Sharing knowledge. Empowering communities.
Sharing knowledge. Empowering communities.
Serving the Roanoke Valley since 1987
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.
Events and Activities
Events and Activities
We are very lucky to have permission to use and quote some of the OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC. This section is listed near the bottom of this page.
Other Affiliates
Other Affiliates
We are fortunate to have organizations by which we have the same "Mother", that being Virginia Tech. They are 4-H, Food Science and Preservation, Master Naturalists, and Tree Stewards. Even though the Master Gardeners do not volunteer for any of these groups (except for the Tree Stewards because they are specially trained Master Gardeners), we support them whole heartedly. We will be posting any of their activities that the public would be invited to participate such as classes or tours. This will be an ongoing feature of our website.
Did you know this?
Did you know this?
Herbs are the leaves of a plant.
Spices come from the roots, bark & Seeds.
Seasoning is the use of herbs or spices to flavor or enhance a dish.
Salt is a mineral and not a herb or spice.
Visit our booth at the Salem Farmers Market!
Visit our booth at the Salem Farmers Market!
3 East Main Street, Salem
We will be back on the 3rd Saturday every Month through October to answer questions and talk about the new Theme for the month
8 am - 12 pm
Little Red Wiggle Worms
Little Red Wiggle Worms
For those of you who need red worms for your vermiculture endeavors, we just discovered a new local store who carries them. They are a bit out of the way from Roanoke but you don't have to rely on the internet to obtain them.
The Honey Hole Bait & Tackle
2800 W Main St.
Salem, VA 24153
540-987-2248
If anyone knows of another shop on the Roanoke side, Please call the extension office and let them know so we can post here.
Community Gardens
Community Gardens
The Giving Garden in Salem has been planting like crazy and things are growing like crazy! If you would like to join them, here are their work hours:
1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9-12 pm and Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm for those that would love to volunteer but cannot on the weekends
We are holding classes each month at the garden. Check out he dates, time, and topics on the Giving garden website.
Our programs
Our programs
4-H & Youth Programs
4-H & Youth Programs
Engaging with young people and fostering the next generation of gardeners.
Speakers Bureau
Speakers Bureau
We provide our community with learning opportunities through our tailored programming. Complete a Program Request form or Contact us if you have questions.
Horticulture Therapy
Horticulture Therapy
Facilitating the opportunity for gardening as a means of physical, psychological and social well-being. We are fortunate to have three such facilities that allow us to participate in the therapy for patients.
Community Gardens
Community Gardens
So far, the Community Gardens committee has determined that our volunteers will assist with many gardens.
Community Arboretum at VWCC
Community Arboretum at VWCC
Supporting our community partner, the Arboretum at Virginia Western Community College, with events, groundskeeping, plant propagation, and tours.
Programs & Events
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.
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!
The Garden Dirt
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!
Become a Master Gardener
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 IS OVER. If you were not able to submit an application, you can complete the 2027 Waitlist Form at the the Join Us Page on this site.
Plant problems? We can help.
Plant problems? We can help.
Our help desk is available to assist you with numerous horticulture related concerns including:
- Insect and plant identification
- Plant disease and troubleshooting
- Pest management
- Soil health
- Lawn care
- Garden care
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 or send us an inquiry about and issue with pictures on our Help Desk form. Help Desk form
Please allow 3-7 business days for a response.
Please allow 3-7 business days for a response.
Sample of pest infestation
Sample of pest infestation
Spotted Lanternfly Awareness
Spotted Lanternfly Awareness
The first known sighting in the Roanoke area was in 2022. In 2024 they have now arrived to all parts of our county. Monitoring and reporting for the Roanoke area is no longer mandatory as they are widespread.
Please see the Learning menu above this page for more in depth information and what you can do to help eradicate them.
As of June, there will be little black critters with white spots and those that have morfed to the next stage of red with black dots. They jump so squishing is pretty much a waste of time. However, some Master Gardeners are having a bit of succes with dish soap and water!
THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC
Now is the time to get your seeds sorted. Check out the Planting Guide from The Old Farmer's Almanac for your best results:
Have you ever eaten Fairy Butter? It was a favorite of First Lady, Dolley Madison, who often served it at afternoon tea. The first known published recipe for Fairy Butter appeared in a 1747 cookbook The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy by Hannah Glasse. Find the Fairy Butter recipe at almanac.com.
Look for more great articles on their website
All information quoted here is done with written permission from The Old Farmers Almanac held at the Extension office,
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