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
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
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, 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.
It is March 2025!
Spring is here but don't plant seeds outside! Our Frost Dates are April 11-20 this year. Plant them inside for now. Most Master Gardeners do not plant outside until after Mother's Day. I cannot seem to wait that long and chose May 1st!
Perennial Plant Sale at
The Community Arboretum
April 4th - 3-6 pm and April 5th 10-1 pm
4-H CAMP
JUNE/JULY
Contact Leslie Prillaman or Julie Ewen-Williams at the Extension Office for more information and registration.
Senior Fun and Health Day
Tuesday, March 25, 10-2pm Located at
William Byrd Middle School, 2910 E. Washington Avenue, Vinton
Salem Red Sox Educational Opening Day
April 16, 2025 9am - 11am held at the stadium
Visit The Master Gardeners booth and learn about Herbs and their medicinal properties and what we do for our community.
Earth Day at Grandin
April 19, 2025
We are so excited to be back at Grandin this year! Come and visit with us at our booth.
Seed and plant exchange at the Salem Farmers Market
April 19th 8 am-12 pm
Swap your seeds or a plant at the Master Gardener's booth
Belmont Library
Location: 1101 Morningside St. SE, Roanoke
April 26th 10:30 am
Wild Ones Roanoke Region Chapter presentation:
Series 3 of 3 -- How to Care for the New Plants Started This Year and How to choose your Garden
The Blue Ridge Wildflower Society
Natives Plant Sale
Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9:00 AM to12:00 PM at the Council of Garden CLUBS 3640 Colonial Ave., Roanoke
Community Gardens
All of the community gardens that we assist are in the dormant stage, or they might be putting in a cover crop, or testing out a hoop house over the plots for winter plants. Look for more information in the springtime 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!
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
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 2025 is over. If you were not able to submit an application, you can complete the 2026 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
The first known sighting in the Roanoke area was in 2022. In 2024 they have now arrived to all parts of our county. Monitoring for the Roanoke area is no longer mandatory as they are widespread.
Please see the Learning menu for more in depth information and what you can do.
THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC
Is America's favorite vegetable actually a fruit? In 1893 the tomato stood trial as the U.S. Supreme Court deliberated this very question. By decree of the Hon. Justice Horace Gray, for tariff purposes, the tomato would legally be considered a vegetable--although. the opinion added, botanically speaking, it's technically a fruit.
Some foresters consider American mistletoe a pest because it can retard tree growth and break branches. However, ecologists recognize it as a keystone species because not only do many forest creatures forage on its leaves and shoots but also its berries help to sustain birds.
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 recipe at almanac.com.
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,