VCE/Newport News Master Gardeners Association

06/02/2026

Dive deep into the world of sustainable landscaping and community stewardship with our Extension Master Gardener Training Course. From native plants to pollinator habitats, discover the secrets to creating vibrant green spaces in Newport News. We maintain a Grin and Grow Learning Garden at Riverview Farm Park in Newport News.

Apply today and become a scholarly advocate for horticultural excellence! Link in bio or visit nnmastergardeners.org

Application period: 4/30 - 7/7/25 Space is limited, so apply early!
Become an Extension Master Gardener and make a difference in your community! Apply for our comprehensive virtual training course.

Training dates: 8/12 - 11/18/26
Weekly Wednesday evening online Zoom classes (7-8:30 pm)
Reading assignments with online open-book quizzes
Some Saturday hands-on trainings
Course fee: $185 (includes digital training manual & background check fee)
Apply online at: nnmastergardeners.org, Send questions to: [email protected]

About Us
The Extension Master Gardener program, part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, shares research-based horticulture information with the public. We educate on a variety of topics, such as native plants, pollinator habitats, home landscaping, vegetable gardening, and turf management.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Newport News Extension Office at 757-591-4838/TDD* during business hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

06/01/2026

June is such a sweet spot for planting here in 8a & 8b. The soil is warm, days are long, and there’s still plenty of time for a fantastic summer harvest! 🍉🍆🍅🥒🌶🫑🌽
What are you planting this month?
Zone 8A and 8B
Direct Sowing - Bush, Lima and Pole Beans, Cucumbers, Okra, Southern Peas, Pumpkin, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet corn, Sweet Potato, and Watermelon

Transplants - Eggplant, Peppers, and Tomatoes
You can prepare for the entire planting season by visiting https://brnw.ch/plantguide.

See the link in our bio for the Virginia's Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide.
To determine your USDA zone, you can enter your zip code here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

05/29/2026

If you've recently mulched your trees, be sure you haven't made the mulch pile to high on the tree trunk!

If you want to learn more about mulch donuts vs. volcanoes, check out this great article on why it's so important via our Linktr.ee https://linktr.ee/nnmga

05/26/2026

Transform your love for gardening into community impact! Apply for our Extension Master Gardener Training Course today. Spaces are limited! Link in bio or visit nnmastergardeners.org

We teach vermiculture workshops in the community where neighbors learn about how they can reduce their food waste and feed their soil.

Application period: 4/30 until full! Space is limited, so apply early!

Become a Master Gardener and make a difference in your community! Apply for our comprehensive virtual training course in Newport News:
Training dates: 8/12 - 11/18/26
Weekly Wednesday evening online Zoom classes (7-8:30 pm)
Reading assignments with online open-book quizzes
Some Saturday hands-on trainings
Course fee: $185 (includes digital training manual & background check fee)

Apply online at: nnmastergardeners.org, Send questions to: [email protected]

Link in our bio!

About Us
The Extension Master Gardener program, part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, shares research-based horticulture information with the public. We educate on a variety of topics, such as native plants, pollinator habitats, home landscaping, vegetable gardening, and turf management.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Newport News Extension Office at 757-591-4838/TDD* during business hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

05/20/2026

Book your spot now and learn to grow microgreens with Master Gardener Sue Campbell!

Join us a the Main Street Library on June 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to learn how plant and care for microgreens. Participants will plant and take their own pot of microgreens. Registration is required and opens on May 18, 2026. Age 18+.For more information or to register, please visit, https://library.nnva.gov/264/Events-Calendar

05/19/2026

🌸 Ready to make a difference? Join our Extension Master Gardener Training Course and meet new people who share your gardening passion. Apply now!

Link in bio or visit nnmastergardeners.org

Application period: 4/30 until full. Space is limited, so apply early!
Become a Master Gardener and make a difference in your community! Apply for our comprehensive virtual training course in Newport News:
Training dates: 8/12 - 11/18/26
Weekly Wednesday evening online Zoom classes (7-8:30 pm)
Reading assignments with online open-book quizzes
Some Saturday hands-on trainings
Course fee: $185 (includes digital training manual and background check fee)
Apply online at: nnmastergardeners.org, Send questions to: [email protected]

About Us
The Extension Master Gardener program, part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, shares research-based horticulture information with the public. We educate on a variety of topics, such as native plants, pollinator habitats, home landscaping, vegetable gardening, and turf management.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Newport News Extension Office at 757-591-4838/TDD* during business hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

05/19/2026

The invasive lanternfly - if you see it in any of it's forms, please squish and kill these invasive pests that put our environment at risk by defoliating our forests and plants.

They're baaaack! 🪰 👀 Have you seen spotted lanternfly nymphs in your area? They begin hatching in April.

These invasive insects feed on more than 70 plant species, so check around your yard. If you find any, squash, stomp and smash on sight. 🥾

Another important measure is to remove any invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) on your property. See the comments for resources on tree of heaven ID and treatment methods.

05/15/2026

You still have a chance to get a free native tree from the city of Newport News! Learn more on their website.

05/08/2026

If anyone still needs more plants, the Portsmouth and Hampton master gardeners are both holding plant sales on Saturday, May 9!

05/07/2026