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Master Gardener Training

Program Contact: Bridget Gregg, Master Gardener Program
(360) 379.5610 x 210 • bridget.gregg@wsu.edu

Become A Master Gardener

Join the waitlist by completing this form:

Master Gardener Training Interest Form

The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program for people with a passion for plants, a drive to learn, and a commitment to serve. Candidates for the program may have very little experience or knowledge about horticulture or they may have a lot, but all have a desire to learn.

After completing training, trainees become interns and are required to complete 40 hours of service each year, for two years (80 hours total), to the community by assisting the public in solving their home gardening problems and answering questions. Upon completion of these hours, they become Certified WSU Master Gardeners.


Dates

2024 class is full. Next training Scheduled for fall 2025

Download the application here: TBA

About The Training

Time commitment

The process to becoming a Master Gardener starts with intensive 11-week classroom and hands-on training. Participants are asked to apply only if they can attend 90% of class days. The training is academically oriented and requires approximately 3 – 6 hours per week of outside of the classroom lectures and homework. The course has online components which include chapter readings and quizzes, and a final exam. Active class participation is expected.

Trainees receive over 60 hours of college-level, WSU-certified training. Lectures and labs are taught by university faculty/staff, local and state experts, and Master Gardeners.  The online portion of the training course is divided into modules that cover the core competencies for WSU Master Gardener volunteers in the state.   Computer web access is necessary for compatibility.  In the classroom, we supplement the online content with additional lectures on horticultural topics from local experts, field trips to outstanding local and regional garden and farms, and hands-on learning activities with experienced Master Gardener volunteers.

Topics 

    • Botany
    • Insects
    • Soils
    • Pesticide Safety
    • Garden Management
    • Landscape Ornamentals
    • Weed Control
    • Pruning
    • Plant Pathology
    • Sustainable Practices
    • Vegetable and Fruit Crops
    • and more!
Certified Master Gardener Requirements

Applicants must complete:

    • Master Gardener Training which includes class attendance, completion of all quizzes via the online course, and associated labs and field trips.
    • Average score 80% or better on the chapter tests and final exam
    • Complete 80 hours of volunteering as an MG intern over the course of two years

For an additional cost of $200, we offer a limited amount of space for community members interested in attending for personal or professional horticulture advancement (attendees complete course without volunteer commitment)

Time/Location

Tuesdays, February 27 – May 7, 2024 from 9:00A – 2:30P at the WSU Classroom at 97 Oak Bay Road, Port Hadlock, WA.

Fee

The total cost of the Master Gardener education is $265.00*.  It is paid to three different organizations:

  • $15 is paid to Sterling Volunteers for a background check.  A background check must be completed before enrollment and is a requirement for participation in the program.
  • $175 is paid to the WSU Jefferson County Extension Master Gardener program to facilitate the in-person class;
  • $75 is payable to WSU’s online education platform to access the at-home portion of the class.

*Tuition assistance is available. To learn more, contact Bridget Gregg at bridget.gregg@wsu.edu.


Master Gardener Volunteer Activities

Master Gardeners are community educators trained to work in partnership with WSU Extension to teach the public and enhance the quality of life in the community by promoting sound gardening practices with research-based information.

The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program for people with a passion for plants, a drive to learn, and a commitment to serve. Candidates for the program may or may not have experience or knowledge about horticulture, but all have a desire to learn. By signing up to join the program, you are committing to serving the community as a gardening/horticulture educator. Trainees develop the skills and knowledge to become effective community educators on plants, plant communities, pests and much more.

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 Demonstration Garden in Port Townsend.
  • Donate vegetables from demonstration plots to local food banks and soup kitchens.
  • Develop and present fun and stimulating education for our popular Growing Groceries class.
  • Coordinate/present at 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.
  • Staff Master Gardener information booths at the Jefferson County Fair, the Conservation District Native Plant Workshop, and other events.
  • Conduct plant sales to provide plants to the public at affordable prices  Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation (JCMGF) fundraiser to support MG educational outreach.
  • Put on the annual Secret Garden Tour of beautiful and unique area gardens (JCMGF fundraiser to support MG educational outreach).

For more information, please contact: Bridget Gregg, Master Gardener Coordinator,  bridget.gregg@wsu.edu

Master Gardener Training Interest Form


If you are looking for a way to expand your gardening knowledge, serve your community, and continue your personal growth, we hope you will consider joining this premier volunteer program created and administered by Washington State University (WSU).