Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Trusted Gardening Experts in Chesapeake
Chesapeake Master Gardeners is a dedicated team of volunteers committed to promoting sustainable gardening practices and environmental stewardship through education and community engagement. Our organization partners with Virginia Cooperative Extension to deliver research-based horticultural knowledge, empowering residents to create thriving gardens and healthier communities. With programs ranging from soil testing to youth education, we emphasize practical solutions for home gardeners and landscapers. Our volunteers undergo rigorous training in environmental horticulture, ensuring accurate and reliable guidance for all gardening needs. Through initiatives like the Grow Eat Live Garden and school tree-planting programs, we demonstrate innovative techniques for maximizing small spaces and improving public health.Our community outreach includes seasonal workshops, plant sales, and hands-on demonstrations that cater to both novice and experienced gardeners. By focusing on native plants, invasive species management, and water quality protection, we help residents make informed decisions that benefit local ecosystems. Our collaboration with Virginia Tech and Virginia State University ensures that all recommendations align with the latest scientific research. With over a decade of service, including the 2014 launch of our flagship demonstration garden, we continue to expand access to gardening education through free presentations and online resources. Our commitment to accessibility is demonstrated through ADA-compliant programming and multilingual support when available.
Services
Gardening Workshops
Soil Testing
Community Education
Plant Sales
School Programs
Water Quality Testing
Invasive Species Management
Native Plant Guidance
Composting Education
Tree Planting Services
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer research-based gardening education from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University partners
- Our volunteers complete 50+ hours of specialized horticultural training
- We provide free community workshops on seasonal gardening topics
- Our Grow Eat Live Garden demonstrates space-saving food production techniques
- We offer accessible programming with ADA-compliant facilities and materials
Services
Gardening Workshops
Our educational workshops cover seasonal gardening topics, from fall vegetable planting to pest management. Participants learn research-based techniques for improving soil health and maximizing yields. Sessions combine classroom instruction with hands-on demonstrations for practical skill development.
Soil Testing
We provide soil testing services through Virginia Tech's Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Homeowners receive detailed reports on pH levels, nutrient content, and lime/fertilizer recommendations to optimize plant growth while protecting water quality.
Community Education
Our Master Gardeners deliver free presentations to community groups about sustainable gardening practices. Programs cover native plants, invasive species management, and environmentally-friendly landscaping techniques tailored to Chesapeake's climate and soil conditions.
School Programs
The 'What is a Tree?' program teaches first graders about tree benefits through interactive lessons and hands-on planting experiences. Schools receive educational materials to reinforce learning about environmental stewardship and urban forestry.
Grow Eat Live Garden
This educational garden showcases space-saving techniques for food production in small spaces. Visitors learn about intensive planting, vertical gardening, and year-round crop cultivation through guided tours and seasonal programs focused on specific vegetables.
People
Carolyn Sanford
Founder
Public Health Nurse and Master Gardener who established the Grow Eat Live Garden in 2014. Combines health promotion with sustainable gardening practices to improve community well-being through fresh produce access and outdoor activity.
Keith Lansley
Gardening Expert
Bonsai specialist who shares expertise through educational tours of his English gardens. Provides specialized knowledge on plant shaping techniques and sustainable garden design during monthly Master Gardener meetings.
Questions
What gardening education programs do you offer?
We provide workshops on seasonal topics, soil testing guidance, and the Grow Eat Live Garden demonstration program. Our Master Gardener volunteers also offer free presentations to community groups.
How can I get my soil tested?
Soil testing kits are available at our public events and the Chesapeake Extension Office. Samples are analyzed by Virginia Tech's Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
Do you have programs for schools?
Yes! Our 'What is a Tree?' program teaches first graders about tree benefits and includes a hands-on planting demonstration at local elementary schools.
How can I become a Master Gardener?
The training program requires 50+ hours of coursework and a $175 fee. Participants must complete 50 volunteer hours within one year and maintain annual requirements.
What community gardening resources are available?
We offer plant sales, gardening workshops, and the Grow Eat Live Garden demonstration site. Our volunteers provide advice on space-saving techniques and native plants.
Do you test well water quality?
Yes, we participate in Virginia's Household Water Quality Program. Testing clinics help homeowners assess and maintain their private water supplies.
