Roanoke Master Gardeners Association
Sharing knowledge. Empowering communities.
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
Events are starting to pile up! Check a few of the activities below, and always check out the Calendar page! There are events that are already scheduled.
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 June 2024!
Heat is out current challenge. Water in early mornings so that the plants have moisture to draw upon during the heat of the day. You should be having some harvesting going on with hot peppers, zucchini, early tomatoes, and yellow squash to name a few. Pests are out in mass. Call the Help Desk to ask about how to get rid of your pests.
Carver Gardens
Join us at the Carver Gardens every Tuesday and Saturday from 9am-11am
525 Loudon Ave. Roanoke
They have two locations and only 2 blocks from each other:
At the corner of 8th and Gilmer, Roanoke. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 9am-11am and Saturdays 9am-12pm
We assist the Garden Manger with any tasks that need working on. Plus, we are available to answer any questions you may have.
Envision Garden
Another of our Community Gardens is located at the Envision Center.
2607 Salem Turnpike NW, Roanoke
We assist every Thursday 4pm-6pm
Come and see us and join the group for planting, picking, and just good company.
The Giving Garden
Salem has their very own Community Garden located at:
37 E. Clay St., Salem
We assist them on the first Saturday of every month from 9am - 11am.
These gardens have been around for a number of years and can always use your help as well as experiencing the comradery they all share.
Rain barrel workshops are back!
We only have one workshop left for August. Click on the workshop to Pre-Register. Pay $80 upon arrival by check or cash Workshop will be held at Penn Forest Worship Center 3735 Chaparral Dr. Roanoke.
Please ensure that you have a vehicle large enough to carry a 60 gallon barrel home!!
In the Know...
Sometimes we get information that we just HAVE to share.
They are usually short bits but to the point and usable information.
We hope you enjoy these tidbits.
Something NEW! A company that carries Native Seeds! Online presence: https://www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com/
The Alliance of Native Seed Keepers has a multitude of native seeds of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Very reasonably priced, Check out their website and plan a whole garden of natives!
Our Plant Hardiness Zone has Changed!!
The new map—jointly developed by USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University's (OSU) PRISM Climate Group—is more accurate and contains greater detail than prior versions.
Their changes were based on an intense amount of factors including a 30 year temperature average
You can visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov and enter your zip code to find your exact hardiness zone. If your zone has changed then make sure to reference your new zone on the Virginia Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide before you finalize your planning for spring vegetables.
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:
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.
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. 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
Have you seen a Giant Hogweed plant?
It is a sight to behold! It can grow to over 18 feet. Don't be taken in by its large maple-like leaves, beautiful flowers, and its mythical bean stalk character. This monster only weaves BLACK magic! This deceptive plant has sap that can burn our skin causing dermatitis and when exposed to the sun creates blisters that scars for years.
It isn't kind to our flora either as it shades out our native plants and in turn degrades the wildlife habitat. Removing it requires protective clothing from the sap. And, if it is in bloom (every 3-5 years), steps have to be taken to collect all the seeds and place them in a sealable black plastic bag in the sun for 1-2 weeks to ensure their demise. Do not burn or use them in compost!
Most importantly, a sighting should be reported to our local invasive plant organization (Click here for more information) and our ANR Agent at the Extension Office.
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,