Master Gardener training classes for the late winter/spring 2027 term will be held every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., on January 7 through May 13. A total of 54 hours of training will be delivered through 18 sessions.
A few training sessions will still be offered in-person. Sessions, like the introductory class, might be offered in-person to allow those in the class to meet and interact with one another. Other sessions, such as plant propagation, pruning and landscape assessments, and student presentations might also be offered in-person, if possible. Think of it as having a "lab" that goes along with the “classroom curriculum.”
Please note that all interested participants will still have to go through their local WVU Extension office to sign up for the program and complete all necessary paperwork. All prospective trainees must undergo the WVU Extension volunteer selection process. This process includes a background check, references, and an interview.
Learn more about the WVU Extension Master Gardener Program.
Winter/spring 2027 topics and speakers include:
January 7
Introduction to EMG Program – Chapter 1 – 3 hours
- History of Extension and Master Gardener Program
- Introduction to West Virginia Master Gardener Program
January 14
An Introduction to Soil Science – Chapter 8 – 3 hours
Learn about physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, essential elements and their role, how to take a sample for testing, how to interpret lab results and use them to correct certain parameters to maintain nutritional balance for an optimal environment for plant development and growth, and more.
January 21
Basic Principles of Pruning – Chapter 14 – 3 hours
- Learn the art and science of pruning. Why do you need to prune, how often, when, and how? These are some of the basic approaches you will learn about.
January 28
An Introduction to Plant Science and Botany – Chapter 3 – 3 hours
- Introduction to the classification of plants and their nomenclature. Learn about plant parts and their function. Get to know basic principles of plant physiology, environmental factors influencing plant development and growth, and plant nutrition.
February 4
Turf and Weed Management – Chapter 9 – 3 hours
This session provides instruction on proper grass selection for the given area, establishment, and maintenance of a healthy and vigorous lawn.
February 11
An Introduction to Entomology – Chapter 6 – 3 hours
Get to know the basics of the bug world. Learn how to tell apart the “good guys” from the unwelcome visitors to our gardens. Learn to recognize the symptoms of various insect injuries and the best methods for their control.
February 18
Indoor Plants – Chapter 17 – 3 hours
You will learn basic care for subtropical and tropical plants, and how to keep them alive and thriving by making improvements in homes and offices or other “unnatural environment” for these plants.
February 25
Herbaceous Plants – 3 hours
- An introduction to flower gardening. Learn how to incorporate flowers into your landscape to add color, depth, dimension, texture, form, and excitement.
March 4
Wildlife Management – Chapter 20 – 3 hours
An overview of wildlife friends and foes.
March 11
Pesticides and Pest Management – Chapter 5 – 3 hours
Develop an understanding of pesticide labels, their formulations, safe use of pesticides, safe storage of pesticides, alternatives to pesticides, principles of integrated pest management (IPM), environmental impact of pesticides, and more.
March 18
Plant Propagation – Chapter 4 – 2 hours
An introduction to the process of sexual and asexual plant multiplication to increase their numbers and perpetuate the species and/or cultivars.
Grafting – 1 hour
- One of the vegetative propagation techniques.
March 25
Vegetable Gardening – Chapter 10 – 3 hours
An introduction to vegetable gardening, covering topics from planning and establishment to maintenance and harvest.
April 1
Plant Diseases – Chapter 7 – 3 hours
An introduction to the most common plant diseases and environmental conditions favoring disease development. Learn how to recognize common symptoms and their causes, as well as ways for their prevention and control.
April 8
Tree Fruits – Chapter 12 – 3 hours
An introduction to fruit tree establishment considerations, site, rootstock, variety, insect and disease complex, and mineral nutrition.
April 15
Landscape Design – Chapter 16 – 3 hours
Considerations for a good, well-balanced landscape design.
April 22
Break for West Virginia Master Gardener Conference
April 29
Woody Ornamentals – Chapter 18 – 3 hours
Learn about selecting and caring for woody ornamental plants, including native species and invasive plants.
May 6
Small Fruits – Chapter 13 – 3 hours
An introduction to growing blueberries, grapes, brambles, strawberries, gooseberries, currants, elderberries, and other less common small fruits, covering topics from establishment, insects, and disease complex management to mineral nutrition considerations.
May 14
WV Native Plants – Chapter 22 – 3 hours
- An introduction to some of the wildflowers and woody ornamental native plants of West Virginia.