Master Gardener Classes

​The Virginia Cooperative Extension Office (VCE) in Stafford manages the Master Gardener Program in Planning District 16, which includes the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline.  Stafford's senior extension agent annually offers Master Gardener classes, normally in the fall.

 Anyone interested in obtaining information on the program or being placed on the mailing list for the next class should contact the Stafford Extension Office at 540-658-8000 ext. 1056.

Certification Requirements

​Volunteers undergo 50 hours of education from the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE).  Afterwards, Master Gardener interns are each required to provide 50 hours of volunteer service through approved projects in the first year.  Upon completion of these requirements, the volunteers are recognized as Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs).  

​To maintain active status each year, Master Gardeners are required to volunteer 20 hours on approved community service projects and attend 8 hours of additional educational training.