Apply to Become Master Gardener

Application Instructions

• Read all of the information on this webpage: “Apply to Become a Master Gardener”
• By clicking on the link provided, or scanning the QR code, you will be directed to the My Impact/Better Impact system to fill out your application.
• Start by filling in your information on the left side of the page if you are new to Better Impact. You will create your own Username and password. Please remember your log in information.  You will need this for all subsequent log-ins to the Better Impact site.
• Please fill in your information. The fields marked with a flag are required fields. Click Save and Continue.
• Note: For Date of Birth: Do not use calendar. Type in mm/dd/yyyy.
• Click SUBMIT once you have completed the application.
• Then, make your payment online using this link, or by mail as described below under “Important Dates and Payment Instructions.” Your application is not considered complete until payment is received.
• Ask two people (friends, coworkers, etc.  Do NOT use family members as a reference). Reference names will be listed on your application.
• You should receive an email verifying that your application has been submitted.
• NOTE: Application submission and payment do NOT guarantee acceptance.  Once your application has been reviewed, a background check will be done and references will be contacted. You will be notified once you have been accepted. If for some reason your application is NOT accepted, a $162.50 refund will be issued as described below under “Refund Policy.”

Important Dates and Payment Information

Applications for our 2026 Training Class are now open. The cost of the course is $185, and applications close on January 16, 2026, 7:00 PM.
Applicants for the class of 2026 will receive 50 hours of Classroom training organized by the Hill City Master Gardener Association with instructors from Virginia Extension Service specialists, agents, and local experts.

Class of 2026: Dates, Time and Location
Orientation – February 5, 9:00 AM to Noon, American Legion Post 16, 1301 Greenview Dr, Lynchburg, VA.
Training Classes – Mondays and Thursdays, February 9 through April 6, 9:00 AM to Noon Campbell County Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, 163 Kabler Lane, Rustburg, VA
Graduation – April 8,11:00 AM American Legion Post 16

In exchange for the education received and the Master Gardener Certification to be provided, participants are required to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours in approved programs in the first year.     Subsequent years’ requirements to maintain Master Gardener certification are a minimum of 20 approved volunteer hours and 8 approved continuing education hours.

• The cost of the course is $185. In addition to the classes, this includes a digital copy of the Master Gardener Handbook and a digital copy of the Pest Management Guide.  A printed version of the handbook is available online at Amazon or other sites.  
• Refund Policy: Refund of $162.50 available until January 31, 2026.  All refunds incur a $12.50 non-refundable background check and $10 processing fee.
• If you have any questions, please email:  Pamella Booth at pboothhcmg@gmail.com or Cathie Swango at cfswango@gmail.com

 (Note: if the mailto: link doesn’t work for you, try right-clicking and choose Copy Email Address, then paste into the address bar of a new email in your email client.)

• Payment for HCMGA Master Gardener Training Classes should be mailed to HCMGA, PO Box 2275, Lynchburg, VA 24505. Make checks payable to HCMGA.  
• If you would like to pay online, please click here:   https://tinyurl.com/MGV-HCMGA

We hope you will consider becoming a Master Gardener for Virginia Cooperative Extension. For more detailed information on who we are and how our projects impact the community, please continue to browse this site.