Upcoming Events
rain barrel workshops
Rain Barrel Workshops are designed to educate homeowners in the importance of water conservation and recycling while creating a rain barrel for use in their home landscape and gardens. Our workshops, held throughout the year, feature experts from Newport News Waterworks, Newport News Recycling Division, and Newport News Extension Master Gardeners.
March 21, 2026
April 11, 2026
May 9, 2026
vermiculture workshops
Ready to take your home gardening to the next level? Want to compost but don’t have room? Looking for a year round source of fertilizer? Vermiculture, or worm composting, may be the answer for you. Learn about the benefits of raising worms in your own home and walk away with your own complete worm composting bin. Your kids will LOVE this workshop!
March 21, 2026
April 11, 2026
May 9, 2026
Spring plant sale
Saturday, April 25, 9AM – 4PM
Location: Brittingham Midtown Community Center,
570 McLawhorne Drive, Newport News, VA 23601
Our spring plant sale focuses on offering native plants (plugs and pots), houseplants, ornamentals, perennials, herbs, veggie plants, plus trees and shrubs along with a few surprises, too. All plant sales benefit our Horticulture Grants for Newport News Public & Private Schools & other Master Gardener Programming. Our Master Gardener Help Desk will be on site to answer your horticulture questions.
Native plant offering details will become available closer to the sale date.
Mobile Help Desk at CNU Gardening Symposium
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 7:45 AM - 2 PM
Location: Christopher Newport University, David Student Union Ballroom
Our Help Desk will be on-hand offering a wealth of information – native plants, pollinator details, vegetable & herb gardening and much more. We'll have information about our rain barrel and vermiculture workshops, school horticulture grants, our upcoming plant sales, as well as soil test kits ready to pick up.
To learn more about this event and how to register visit: https://cnu.edu/gardening-symposium/
Plant Swap and Mobile Help Desk
Saturday, May 2, 2026 10AM-12PM
Main Street Library in Newport News
Do you love plants?! Join us for a community plant swap at the Main Street Library. Bring a plant, take a plant....but don't let that keep you from coming if you don't have a plant to share!
Bring your herbs, vegetables, annuals, native plants, shrubs, trees, houseplants to share.
Newport News Master Gardeners will be set up with resources to share, like helping you determine the best place for your new plant! We are always thrilled to answer your questions, hear your gardening stories, and help you find your green thumb. This is a family friendly event!
Native Plants Lecture with Newport News Master Gardeners
Saturday, May 16, 2026 2PM - 3PM
Location: Pearl Bailey Library
2510 Wickham Ave, Newport News, VA 23607
Join us at Pearl Bailey Library on Saturday, May 16, 2026 2PM with Master Gardener Christina Verderosa to learn about Native Plants in our area! Do you want to restore biodiversity, protect the planet, or reduce the cost of lawn maintenance?
This is the time to learn about the importance of native plants! We will discuss why native plants are critical for the environment, as well as share alternatives for commonly planted ornamental plants.
Adults 18+, registration not required. Free and open to the public.
Microgreens Make and Take
Wednesday, June 3, 6:00 PM
Location: Main Street Library, 110 Main St, Newport News, VA 23601
Registration is required and opens 10 days before the event.
Register here: library.nnva.gov/264/Events-Calendar
Want to add color, crunch, and nutrients to your meals? Join us for a fun, hands-on Microgreens Workshop with Extension Master Gardener Sue Campbell!
Learn how to grow nutritious microgreens at home and take home your own planting to get started right away. Microgreens are easy, fast, and packed with flavor, perfect for salads, sandwiches, and more!