Vancouver Island Master Gardeners How can you become a member of VIMGA?
Next Basic Training Program
starts in January, 2024
The program consists of 78 hours of classroom training, followed by 65 hours of volunteer service. The classroom training component is delivered on Tuesdays and Saturdays in a workshop format (12 weeks). The program will take place in a hybrid delivery model with coursework being available online and in person.
For more information,
visit the VIU program page:
If you are an experienced home gardener with a strong commitment to volunteering and like to work with adults or children, you may be interested in the Master Gardener Basic Training Program which is offered in collaboration with Vancouver Island University (VIU). The program may be offered at the Nanaimo, Cowichan or Parksville campus.
All Master Gardeners who are members of MGABC have completed a MG Basic Training program. This program is based on a comprehensive set of material covering botany, plant identification, herbaceous and woody plants, right plant / right place, propagation, soils, basic entomology, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), plant diseases, vegetables, roses, vines, fruit and berry culture, and other locally oriented gardening information.
Usually this course is offered in alternate years with the next course is tentatively scheduled for January 2022.
What happens when you have completed the Theory portion of the Basic Training Program?
Once the classroom component including the assignments and exam are complete, you join VIMGA for a $10 fee and become a Master Gardener in Training.
MGs in Training must complete 65 hours of organized volunteer service over two years at clinics, providing education to the public. During this time commitment, a plant profile project must also be completed.
Upon completion of the above requirements, VIU will present you with a Certificate of designation as a Certified Master Gardener.
How do I remain a Certified Master Gardener?
Certified Master Gardeners must complete 15 volunteer advice hours each year and 10 hours of continuing education. Annual membership dues are $40.
Is VIMGA part of the Master Gardener movement?
Yes – we are a Chapter of the Master Gardeners Association of BC, and actively participate in the governance and administration of the provincial organization. The Master Gardener Basic Training Program meets all requirements of the MGABC and uses Sustainable Gardening, the manual developed by Washington and Oregon State Universities for Master Gardeners.