WSU Extension Master Gardeners
are volunteer community educators.
The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program trains volunteers to be effective community educators in research-based gardening practices and environmental stewardship.
The program is open to those with an interest in gardening and the desire to use their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to make a positive impact in our local community. Although gardening experience is not required to participate in the program, having a willingness to learn and to serve your community as a volunteer are highly encouraged and recommended.
All WSU Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Volunteers receive in-depth horticulture training provided by WSU faculty, staff, and specialists. Training is critical to ensure that all volunteers have access to the information necessary to support our educational mission.
WSU Extension | Washington Green School
Washington Green School provides the knowledge and skills to garden responsibly in our changing climate. Learn practical techniques, connect with experts, and discover how your actions contribute to a healthier future for all.
Green School offers two courses for distinct purposes:
- Washington Gardener Certificate – this course is for individuals looking to enhance their gardening skills through research-based horticultural and environmental stewardship, for professional and/or personal development.
- Please note that enrolling in Green School to pursue the Washington Gardener Certificate, does not lead to a Master Gardener certification.
- WSU Extension Master Gardener Program – this course is for those who wish to serve their community by becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. Read below about the training requirements.
Go to the following resources to explore more about Green School:
- For a comparison of what’s the same and what’s different between the Washington Gardener Certificate versus the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program, go to the Green School course options.
- For tuition and fees, go to the Green School 2026-2027 Fee Schedule.
Are you interested in joining the WSU Extension Benton-Franklin County Master Gardener Program?
To become a WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer is a 12-month-long commitment in which you must complete these three training activities:
- WA Green School Course – designed and developed by WSU, delivered online over a 20-week period from October 2026 to February 2027 where you explore a variety of topics specific to the Pacific Northwest and Eastern Washington climate such as soil, plants, insects, and wildlife. Consists of textbook chapter readings and online training modules including virtual review sessions with WSU faculty or staff. The expected learning time or workload is 120 hours. Go to WA Green School for more information.
- Local Volunteer Training – supplemental training provided by the Benton-Franklin County Master Gardener Program, which consists of ten Saturday in-person training sessions primarily in Kennewick on the following dates from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- October 3, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- November 7, 2026
- November 21, 2026
- December 12, 2026
- January 16, 2027
- January 23, 2027
- February 6, 2027
- February 20, 2027
- March 6, 2027
- Volunteer Internship – 40 hours of service to be completed within the first 12 months. Volunteer service includes answering questions at our Plant / Ask a Master Gardener Clinics, helping maintain our Demonstration Garden, assisting our Adult and Youth Education teams, and much more. Work alongside Certified Master Gardeners to apply your newly gained knowledge and skills, gain confidence in our community education outreach efforts, and experience what it truly means to be an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.
After completion of Green School, local volunteer training, and your internship commitment, you will become a Certified Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
Being an Extension Master Gardener volunteer is an ongoing commitment
We begin our annual renewal process for all Master Gardener volunteers in the Fall season. Annual certification in the Extension Master Gardener Program is not automatic. There is no fee associated with annual certification.
To maintain certification, volunteers must give at least 25 hours of service and earn at least 10 hours of continuing education each year. Volunteers who have met the minimum requirements to remain certified will be offered the opportunity to request continuing certification for the following year.
To learn more…
If you are curious about what is expected from a Master Gardener Volunteer, review the program expectations here.
If you wish to learn more before applying to become a Master Gardener Volunteer, contact us at (509) 735-3551 or email wsuextension@co.benton.wa.us
Applications for 2026-2027 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Closed
The application period for the 2026-2027 Extension Master Gardener volunteer training session has ended.
The next application period for the Master Gardener Program in Benton and Franklin Counties begins July 2027. Check back with us next summer!
