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Frequently Asked Questions GSEMG (FAQ)

The Green Spring Extension Master Gardener (GSEMG) program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization sponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and supported by the Fairfax County Park Authority at Green Spring Gardens. The GSEMG mission is to foster environmental stewardship by educating our community in sustainable gardening and horticultural practices. While new members join every year, some of our members have been part of our team for more than 20 years!

What is an Extension Master Gardener?
Extension Master Gardeners are trained volunteer educators. They work within their local communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management education and training.

What does the class cover?
The class covers a variety of topics including but not limited to: Botany, Soil, Entomology, Lawn and Turf, Plant Propagation, Plant Pathology, Water Quality and Conservation, Basics of Pruning, Natives and Invasives, Woody Landscape Plants, Herbaceous Landscape Plants, Vegetable and Fruit Gardens, Pesticide Use and Safety, Indoor Plants and Landscape Design. There are hands-on learning labs associated with several of the classes.

Who can become a Green Spring Extension Master Gardener?

Our EMG program is for those who reside in Fairfax County - and towns/cities: Clifton, Herndon, Vienna, Fairfax City, City of Falls Church - over which the Agent serves.  Arlington and the City of Alexandria have their own EMG program so potential volunteers should join that program.  Anyone living in Loudoun Co should join their program, same for Prince William, and so on.

How much gardening experience must I have to apply for the training?
Gardening experience is not a prerequisite to apply for any master gardener program in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Is there a minimum age requirement to be a master gardener?
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application to be eligible.

How much does the program cost?
The 2025 fee is $300 per person.

How do I apply to the GSEMG Program?
Complete the Information Request Form of or send an email to: gspublicityteam@gmail.com

What is the recruiting process?
Two information sessions will be held in early April. Afterwards, interested applicants will be sent a link to fill out an application. All applicants will be interviewed by mid-May. Selections will be completed by early June and applicants will be notified soon after. If you accept, you will be required to complete a background check. Payment will be accepted electronically, and an invitation to enroll in the online learning platform, Canvas, will be issued shortly after.

How many students are accepted into each class?
The maximum class size is 30. We maintain a wait list for the upcoming year.

What are the dates for the next GSEMG class?
We are no longer taking applications for the 2025 class. Check back here to find out important dates for the 2026 class.

What if I miss a class?
Trainees may miss no more than two (2) class sessions. The missed sessions must be made up by completing all required class work and reviewing the video recording of the missed class if it is available. Most Thursday classes involve labs and are more challenging to make up. Trainees must complete all course assignments, quizzes and labs and complete the semester-long collaborative research project which culminates in a formal presentation to your fellow trainees.

How many hours must I complete to be a master gardener?
Trainees must complete 50 classroom hours. Interns must complete 50 volunteer service hours, including 9 hours with the Demonstration Garden projects (Children’s and Edible) at Green Spring Gardens and 9 hours with the VCE Help Desks (Green Spring Gardens and Fairfax County Government Center Pennino Building / Virtual).

Interns normally complete their requirements within 12 months. With a recommendation of the GSEMG Board of Directors and approval of VCE, an intern may be allowed a second year.

To maintain certification, subsequent years require:

• 20 hours of service in approved volunteer activities

• 8 hours of approved continuing education

• Re-enrollment as an EMG with VCE

• GSEMG membership fee: currently $25

What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
GSEMGs are involved in a wide range of volunteer projects and activities at Green Spring Gardens and across Fairfax County, including:

• Communications, to inform and engage our GSEMG members, VCE, and the public about who we are and what we do.

• Community Gardens, to provide environmentally sound horticultural education to the public through garden plots, tours, activities, and materials, in partnership with Green Spring Gardens and other organizations.

• Public Events and Outreach, to provide environmentally sound horticultural education to the public, in coordination with partner organizations, through tabling and exhibits at public events and libraries, tours and activities at GSG, garden talks, and help desks.

• Training and Development, to conduct and/or coordinate all aspects of EMG training, education, and certification.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify Adria Bordas, VCE Fairfax, at (703) 3248558/TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Updated: May 2025