The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program

Master Gardeners are community volunteers who provide public education in gardening and environmental stewardship based on research at WSU and other university systems. Volunteers are trained to be community educators about issues of importance in their local communities that enhance natural resources, sustain communities, and improve the health and wellness of Washington residents. It is estimated that the Master Garden Program in Island County makes between 2500 and 4000 contacts each year through its various outreach and educational programs and plant clinics.

There are over 90 Certified WSU Extension Master Gardeners active in Island County. As trained, volunteer community educators, these Master Gardeners record thousand of hours of volunteer service and program support. Each Master Gardener also completes at least 10 hours in continuing education each year.
WSU Extension manages a comprehensive hands-on training class, bringing an average of 15 to 20 new Master Gardeners into the program each year in service to Island County.

Train to become a Master Gardener Volunteer

Do you have an interest in gardening and enjoy working in the community to share knowledge with others? Learn more about becoming an Island County Master Gardener Volunteer here.

Community Services Provided by WSU Island County Master Gardeners

Free Plant Clinics

Each spring and summer, Master Gardeners staff free public plant clinics in various retail and public market locations in the north, central and south end of Whidbey Island, and new for 2018 is a clinic on Camano Island. During 2014 alone, Master Gardener volunteer educators will conduct over 40 free plant clinics. Based on yearly reports, these clinics will help over 1000 Island County residents with plant problems and offer vegetable, tree and ornamental plant gardening advice and valuable information about the integrated pest management control of noxious weeds and pests.

Producing Food For Those In Need

Managed by a Master Gardener and volunteers, Lord’s Garden in Oak Harbor supplies fresh produce in season for low-income seniors, homeless and abused women and children and others in need. In 2013 alone, this garden produced an estimated $10,000 in retail value of fruits and vegetables. This healthy harvest was distributed to Oak Harbor Senior Center, Cambridge Cove and Cam-Bey Apartments, CADA, Meals on Wheels and Help House, among others.

Free Gardening Seminars

Master Gardeners conduct a series of open to the public seminars at the Master Gardener Educational Garden at Greenbank Farm from May through October each year. Topics include vegetable gardening, composting, integrated pest management techniques, water management, fruit tree management and proper plant selection and maintenance for success in Island County growing conditions. Visit our events calendar for more information.

The Whidbey Gardening Workshop

Hosted by the Island County Master Gardener Foundation, the Whidbey Gardening Workshop has educated and inspired gardeners from Whidbey Island and beyond for more than 30 years. Each March, the workshop offers more than 45 classes from expert instructors on all aspects of gardening. Gardeners ranging from beginner to advanced can choose from classes on garden care, maintenance and design with a focus on sustainability and the growing conditions in our maritime environment. For more information about the event, visit the Whidbey Gardening Workshop website.

The Educational Garden at Greenbank Farm

Designed, maintained and managed by Master Gardeners, the mission of the Educational Garden is to educate the public on best home gardening practices and to encourage their application. The educational program includes demonstrating environmentally responsible gardening, providing ideas for planning and maintaining gardens, experimenting with new plants and techniques, conducting workshops and serving as a resource for all gardeners, from beginner to experienced. Visitors are often able to speak with on-site Master Gardeners who are there every Wednesday morning working in the garden.