The 2026 Master Gardener Training Program is now full, thank you for your interest.
For information on the Master Gardener Training Program, invitation to the Zoom Info Session on August 27, and complete Registration details, please join the Master Gardener Interest list using the button below, or email [email protected]
Important: Please supply an accurate email address when you sign up as all registration communications will be via email.
The Master Gardener Training Program at HCP is a prerequisite for joining the Victoria Master Gardener Association. It is also a great program for the serious home gardener to learn current, reliable home gardening basics.
Lifelong learning is at the heart of the Victoria Master Gardener Association, where it is accepted that no one can possibly know it all and that there is no shame in saying, “I don't know but I know who to ask." Amazing gardeners here at the HCP say it all the time. The Master Gardener Training Program is a great place to start building your knowledge and confidence by providing a framework of reliable home gardening basics. You will learn how to look it up, who to ask, and how to share that knowledge of sound, environmentally responsible gardening practices with the community.
Description of Program & Instructors
The course is taught at the HCP by a Pacific Horticulture College (PCH) instructors, professional horticulturalists, and Master Gardeners and consists of 26 x 3-hour sessions that combine classroom and online instruction, home study, hands-on practice, assignments and in-class projects. Guest lecturers add their knowledge, contributing immeasurably to the experience. There are a small number of homework assignments to help build your plant identification and culture knowledge.
In some cases we will join other Master Gardener classes elsewhere in the province via Zoom for instruction. There will also be some practical components in the gardens at HCP, and field trips.
Note that each instructor will have their own style of teaching and sharing resources. Instructor contact information will be provided if you have any questions.
Program Schedule
The program runs from Sunday January 25 through the May 7, 2026. Details of the schedule are subject to change.
2026 Master Gardener Training Schedule (Victoria)
Please note that the current schedule may be updated based on instructor availability, or class rescheduling due to weather etc.
For general information about the program, please see the 2026 Program Handbook.
2026 Master Gardener Program Handbook v.1
Program Delivery
This program has a blended delivery and is partly in-person in the HCP classroom (Sundays 9am-noon) and online via Zoom (usually Thursday evenings, 6-9, some Tuesdays, recordings available). Participants will need to be comfortable with using Zoom and have a computer and Wifi that meets the requirements. In-person classes are not recorded.
Information Session (Zoom) Wed. Aug 27 @ 6:30 PM
You can view the recording and slides from the 30-minute information session with Sharon Labossiere (VMGA) and Janet Munsil (HCP) for a introduction to the program and information on how to register. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
Registration Dates for 2026
Registration will open on Wednesday September 17 - Please join for the Master Gardener Interest List for updates, course information, and early registration.
2026 Program Pricing
Total Course Fee: $870.00 includes:
- Application Fee: $75.00 (due on registration, non-refundable for cancellations after Nov. 30)
- Program Fee: $795.00 (includes tuition, books, handouts, materials)
Cancelations & Conditions
Payment deadline for Program Fee is Dec. 1.
Program fees are fully refundable for cancellations up until Dec. 15.
Cancellations after the start of the course are not refundable.
Questions?
If you have questions, or would like more information about the program or registration, please contact [email protected].
Important: Please supply an accurate email address when you sign up as all registration communications will be via email.
After Basic Training: Becoming a Master Gardener
Once you complete the course, you have the option to join the Victoria Master Gardner Association and become a Master Gardener. Note that this is optional and not a requirement when you complete the course.
What is a Master Gardener and what do they do?
Master Gardeners combine a passion for gardening and the dedication to share their knowledge with the community. As part of an international, non-profit organization, all Master Gardeners are volunteers and offer their knowledge in many venues. To become a Master Gardener, you first qualify to be a Master Gardener in Training (MGIT) and then become qualified as a Master Gardener, following a period of further education and volunteering.
Qualification as a Master Gardener Intern (MGT)
- Attendance (80% of classes)
- Assignments (complete a minimum of 80%)
- Final open book exam (minimum grade of 80%)
Qualifications to become a certified Master Gardener
Volunteer hours are the cornerstone of certification. In the first 24 months after completing the basic training course, MGITs complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer hours in such activities as gardening events, seminars, fairs, plant sales, nursery clinics, workshops, demonstrations, community projects, research and writing and fundraising events. Once certification has been obtained, the number of clinic hours /year is reduced. In addition to volunteer hours, members attend regular meetings and commit to on-going education.
Visit the Victoria Master Gardener Association website for more information – www.mgabc.org/victoria
