If you think gardening is as simple as shoveling dirt, think again. It's harder than it looks, which is why an Albemarle County organization will teach you to plant like a pro.
The Master Gardener organization, a program of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, is made up of over 100 trained volunteers. They're now looking for more people who want to try their hand at helping others to grow things.
It takes 50 hours of classroom training and interning to be considered a Master Gardener. Once achieved, the volunteers then spend time teaching classes in Albemarle County and Charlottesville schools, jails, and community events. Volunteers even have the option to create their own outreach opportunities.
The organization also has a hotline to answer questions about gardens.
"I think the volunteers really enjoy it because not only are they having fun and connecting with people that also like to garden, but they're serving the community that they live in," said program coordinator Ellie Thomas.
The next training program starts in February, and they're starting to take applications for it soon. There will also be an information session on October 22 and 29.
The organization's contact information is below, or you can click here for more details.
Ellie Thomas
Master Gardener Coordinator
(434) 872-4580
elliet@vt.edu
