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
Although the Roanoke Master Gardeners are not hosting or partnering with the following activities, this information is helpful to all of us. Links to the flyers and a necessary form for pesticides are listed for you to print out.
Pesticide disposal program: If you have pesticides you are no longer using or pesticides that have expired you can safely dispose of them through the pesticide disposal program. Registration is required 14 days prior. Collection site for our area is Rockingham Cooperative Troutville Ag Supply 79 Mountain View Rd, Troutville on October 15 from 9am - 1pm.
Pesticide Flyer and Disposal Registration form
Callery/Bradford Pear exchange program is coming to Blacksburg Nov. 2. Remove a Callery Pear and receive a free native tree. Registration is required. Registration does not open until September 30th at which time there will be a link on their website to access the form.
Are Trees the Best Medicine? This FREE presentation is coming to Virginia Western Community College Oct. 2 at 6pm in the Whitman Auditorium. See the flyer for more information and parking.
Day of the Dead Celebration: Morningside Urban Farm November 2 from 4-6pm. This is sponsored by Carillion and you will need to register.
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 month so now is the time to get them ready for winter. Check out the Seasonal News for winter garden prep.
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 and third Saturday of every month from 8:30am - 10:30am.
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
Our workshops are now over for 2024. Please check back in spring 2025. Thank you all who participated in our workshops!
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. 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,