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Washington State University Extension

Master Gardener Training

Program Contact: Harmony Rutter, Master Gardener Program Assistant
(360) 565-2678 • harmony.rutter@wsu.edu

The Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program is open to everyone with an interest in sustainable research-based gardening practices and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.

Program volunteers expand their gardening knowledge and serve communities throughout Clallam County. We hope you will consider joining this premier WSU program.

Master Gardener Training Course

WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners offer a training course in alternate years. The next training will be offered in Winter/Spring of 2025.

To become a Master Gardener: Students attend an 11-week training session that includes Washington State University research–based courses in botany, soil science, pruning, growing ornamentals and vegetables, fruit and berries and other elements of sustainable home horticulture. Students should expect 6 hours of class time and 3 – 6 hours of coursework per week. An 80% is required on all quizzes and the final exam to pass the training.

After completion of classes, Master Gardener Interns complete 100 hours of approved volunteer service through the County Extension office over a period of two years to earn their Master Gardener Certification. Volunteer service hours include participating in sustainable gardening public education activities, diagnosing plant problems through the Plant Clinic, working in demonstration gardens, and serving on Master Gardener committees and projects. Volunteers may work with children or vulnerable adults and therefore must complete an industry standard background check.

The class fee for the Winter/Spring Class of 2023 was $300, and included reference and learning materials and other supplies.

Scholarships are available!

The Master Gardener Program is open to all who desire to become a volunteer community educator in sustainable gardening, regardless of ability to pay for training. We will make the latest edition of the scholarship application available once we open enrollment.

What Do Master Gardeners Do?

  • Serve the community and enjoy the camaraderie of great people who love gardening, learning, and serving.
  • Assist the public diagnosing their plant problems, and learning sustainable garden practices in plant clinics.
  • Participate in the design, development, and maintenance of the Woodcock Demonstration Garden in Sequim and the Fifth Street Community Garden in Port Angeles. Donate vegetables from demonstration plots to local food banks and soup kitchens.
  • Develop and present fun and stimulating plant and gardening related educational programs for school children across Clallam County.
  • Conduct classes, workshops, and demonstrations for the general public about a wide variety of horticulture topics.
  • Teach, facilitate, or assist new Master Gardener trainings.
  • Participate in continuing education to further develop personal gardening knowledge and skills.
  • Conduct plant sales to provide plants to the public at bargain prices (Master Gardener Foundation of Clallam County (MGFCC) fundraiser to support MG educational outreach).
  • Put on the annual Home Garden Tour of beautiful and unique area gardens (MGFCC fundraiser to support MG educational outreach).
  • Staff Master Gardener information booths at the Clallam County Fair, the Sequim Garden Gala, and other events.

To apply, please fill out the form below.

 

We will contact you as soon as registration begins.

Master Gardener Training Interest

Sign-up here to be notified about the next WSU Clallam County Master Gardener Training. We look forward to growing with you!
Email(Required)

Looking for more?

Visit WSU’s Statewide Master Gardener Website:

https://mastergardener.wsu.edu