Goochland Master Gardeners open registration for April 25 garden fest

The Goochland/Powhatan Master Gardeners Association has opened registration for its 2026 spring activities, with Master Gardener class enrollment beginning Jan. 8 and the Spring Garden Fest scheduled for April 25 at the Goochland Sports Complex. The festival is described as a free, family-friendly event featuring dozens of booths, a plant sale, educational classes, food trucks and local vendors.

For residents, the announcement matters beyond a weekend outing. Community gardening and Master Gardener education build local capacity for food production, pollinator habitat and neighborhood greening that can improve household food access, reduce grocery costs and support mental and physical health. The festival’s plant sale and classes create direct, low-cost pathways for families and aspiring growers to start gardens or expand existing plots.

Local vendors and small businesses also stand to benefit. Dozens of booths and food trucks at the sports complex will draw visitors from across Goochland County and neighboring areas, circulating dollars within the local economy and providing an opportunity for growers, craftspeople and food entrepreneurs to reach new customers. The event page includes vendor registration details and timelines for the plant sale and gardening-class signups for those interested in participating.

Public health officials and community organizers often point to gardening as a preventive health strategy: homegrown produce increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables, while hands-on outdoor activity supports mental well-being and social cohesion. For Goochland, where access to nutritious food and recreational opportunities varies by neighborhood, events like the Spring Garden Fest can help bridge gaps by offering free educational classes and low-cost plants to residents who might otherwise face barriers to starting a garden.

The Master Gardener program itself is a volunteer-driven extension of local horticultural education. Opening class registration now gives community members time to plan for training that can turn personal interest into neighborhood-level impact—creating micro-initiatives like community plots, school gardens or food-donation gardens that feed households and food pantries.

Logistics and timelines for plant-sale participation, vendor booths and Master Gardener course enrollment are posted by the association for those who want to get involved. For families, gardeners and small vendors, the April 25 festival is a practical, low-cost way to learn, buy plants and connect with neighbors.

Our two cents? Put this on your calendar, register early if you want a class spot or vendor booth, and come ready to dig in—bringing a few extra hands and an open mind can turn a single plant into a neighborhood benefit.