Master Gardener Volunteer Training
Have you always wanted to learn more about gardening, to meet new people and to make a difference in the community? Then the WSU Master Gardener Program might be right for your volunteer time. The process of becoming a WSU Master Gardener is a rewarding and educational endeavor.
The next training classes begin in late January 2025. The application period will begin in September, 2024. Space in the class is limited.
2024 Applications
Here are the highlights of training:
- Training is offered one time per year, over 13 weeks, starting in late January through April.
- Read the Letter for Prospective Volunteers for the applications deadline and more information. Complete and submit the Application Form. Both are listed to the right.
- The main component of the training program is online. There are also weekly in-person classes taught by WSU Extension faculty and staff, Master Gardener volunteers, and other experts.
- In-person classes will take place on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Training is estimated to require 120 hours to complete. When satisfactorily completed, trainees become interns.
- Interns who successfully complete an internship that includes a Plant and Insect Clinic requirement will become Certified Master Gardeners.
- Certified Master Gardeners annually volunteer 35 hours and complete 15 hours of continuing education to remain in the program.
Master Gardener volunteer options
- diagnose plant problems in our diagnosis clinics
- educational outreach at events such as the Home & Garden Show, county fairs, farmers markets
- teach classes
- develop and maintain the Community Education Gardens at Springwater and Western avenues in Wenatchee, WA
- maintain our demonstration gardens, such as the xeriscape demonstration garden at Riverfront Park in Wenatchee and the Pollinator Garden in Leavenworth
- teach children about gardening
- write gardening columns for the local newspaper
- speak on radio and television
- projects of special interest to you
- help fundraising to help support the Master Gardener program
1. Click on the Letter for Prospective Volunteers link in the upper-right area of this page and give it a read. If you have questions or seek additional details, phone Chelan-Douglas Master Gardener Coordinator Marco Martinez at (509) 667-6540 or email him at marco.martinez@wsu.edu.
2. Complete the Master Gardener application and email it to marco.martinez@wsu.edu. The application link can be found in the upper-right area of this page.