WSU Extension of Benton & Franklin Counties is the best source for gardening information in the Mid-Columbia region. Learn what plants grow well in our region’s challenging climate and soils, find help solving plant and pest problems, and discover new gardening techniques. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Upcoming Events

Walk to Demo Garden: Summer Tasks - 2022 Garden Education Series Class
Walk the Demonstration Garden with us! WSU Master Gardener volunteers will discuss what summer tasks we should be focusing on in the garden. Saturday, July 9th at 10:00 am Waterfall Classroom at the Demonstration Garden 1620 S. Union, Kennewick, WA

Heat Hardy Plants - 2022 Garden Education Series Class
The summer heat is here! Are your plants (and you) struggling with it? Join us on zoom to learn more about gardening with heat hardy plants. Saturday, August 13th at 10:00 am Class will be held via Zoom. Pre-registration is required to attend.

Collecting Native Plant Seeds – Garden Education Series Class
Are you interested in native seeds? Join our WSU Master Gardener volunteers as we discuss the ins and outs of collecting native plant seeds. Saturday, September 10th at 10:00 am Waterfall Classroom at the Demonstration Garden 1620 S. Union, Kennewick, WA
Garden Education

Our WSU Benton Franklin Master Gardeners have put together a How To Garden Series of fact sheets to walk you through each step of starting your own garden this year. Spanish versions are available here.
- #1 – How To Decide Where To Put My Garden
- #2 – How To Build My Food Garden
- #3 – How To Choose What To Grow
- #4 – How To Plant In My Garden
- #5 – How To Water My Garden
- #6 – How To Improve My Soil
- #7 – How To Know If My Plants Are Healthy
- #8 – How To Give My Plants Space To Grow
- #9 – How To Know When My Crop Is Ready
- #10 – How To Make My Garden Better Next Year
BONUS –
- Transplanting A Seedling Into A Container – English
- Transplanting A Seedling Into A Container – Spanish
View/print the full How To Series in English and Spanish
Gardening Fact Sheets
Home Fruit Production
Ornamental & Landscape Gardens
Lawns
Pests & Diseases
Soil & Water
Vegetable Gardens
WSU Gardening Publications

Still have a question?
Our Master Gardener volunteers are here to help! Get research-based answers through our Plant Clinic.

Pest Alert: Report Japanese Beetle Sightings to WSDA
If you have seen Japanese beetle in Washington, please report it immediately to Washington Department of Agriculture. Report sightings on the WSDA website agr.wa.gov/beetles You can also email PestProgram@agr.wa.gov or call 1-800-443-6684.

Master Gardener Program

Help our Master Gardeners provide crucial programs in our community
Please support the programs of the Master Gardener Foundation of Benton-Franklin County. The Foundation is a Washington State 501(c)(3) charity organization. Did you know that WSU Benton Franklin Master Gardener Program Volunteers: Help teach people how to grow their own food. Built and maintain a 2.5 acre Demonstration Garden in Kennewick that has 26 individual theme gardens. Provide community education and outreach to adults and youth through classes at our Demonstration Garden and at local schools and non-profits such as the Boys and Girls clubs and Head Start. Staff a plant clinics at our office to answer your plant problems and gardening questions. Work with youth at the Juvenile Justice Center, helping them to learn to give back to their community and gain skills they can use in the future. Distribute seeds to the community through our Plant A Row program to encourage people to grow food to donate to our local food banks...

Learn more about how you can become a Master Gardener
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is open to adults with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on our local community. You do not need to be an expert gardener to apply, you just need to have a desire to learn and serve your community.

Master Gardener Foundation is making an impact
The Master Gardener Foundation of Benton-Franklin County (MGFBFC) created, funds, and maintains a 2.5 acre Demonstration Garden with 25 individual gardens, including a vegetable garden. Besides showcasing vegetables that can be grown in the Mid-Columbia region and testing different vegetable varieties, MGs donate all produce grown to Tri-City Food Banks.
