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Master Gardener Training

To be notified when the 2026 class opens, please add your name to the interest list below.

Master Gardener Training Interest List

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Master Gardener Training is now part of Washington Green School

Interested in taking the online portion of Master Gardener Training without the volunteer commitment? To learn more about this option, visit the WSU Washington Green School website.

Washington Green School

2026 Master Gardener Training class

The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program for people with an interest in plants and the environment, a eager to learn, and a commitment to serve our community. Whether you’re just starting out or already have extensive horticultural knowledge, what truly defines a Master Gardener is the enthusiasm to grow and share that knowledge with others.

Please review the information below about the 2025 Master Gardener Training. If you’re interested in joining this year’s class, complete the Master Gardener Training Application. Submission instructions are included in the PDF. *Tuition assistance is available. To learn more, contact Bridget Gregg at bridget.gregg@wsu.edu.

Master Gardener Volunteer Training Application (.doc)

Master Gardener Volunteer Training Application (.pdf)

About Master Gardener Volunteer Training

Becoming a Master Gardener begins with a comprehensive, multi-modal (online, live Zoom, in-person) training course. Class attendees should have computer experience and feel comfortable navigating the internet and using email. You’ll also need access to a computer for extended periods. This course blends:

Self-paced online modules (spanning 19 weeks, Oct 8, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 which includes breaks for holidays and catch-up time),
In-person sessions will be held at the WSU Classroom in Port Hadlock TBD.
Live Zoom lectures and Q&A sessions, and
Two optional workshops, fruit tree pruning in January and propagation in February.

Cost

Total cost of Master Gardener Training is $290. This includes Register for the course through WSU’s online platform ($275) and a completed background check ($15).

Time commitment

While in training, you commit to completing modules on time during the course. This includes reading the module chapters, completing chapter quizzes, viewing on-line videos, and completing a final exam, as well as other short take-home assignments. Feedback from past trainees indicates time spent each week in self-study is between 2 and 6 hours. These assignments prepare you for the live weekly presentations on Zoom and for the in-person classes/training. Additionally, you are required to have an average of 80% or higher on the quizzes and final exam.

Training Topics

The in-person portion of the course includes lectures by local experts, field trips, learning labs, and volunteer orientation/logistics. We ensure there are ample short breaks and time to refuel during class.

Botany
Insects
Soils
Pesticide Safety
Garden Management
Landscaping
Weed Control
Pruning
Plant Pathology
Sustainable Practices
Vegetable and Fruit Crops
and more!

Volunteering “Payback”

Upon successful completion of training, you will transition to an Intern volunteer to complete your “payback” hours to the community. During the first calendar year, interns serve at least 50 volunteer hours. During this time, you are asked to volunteer for at least 3 “Ask a Master Gardener” clinics while mentored by a certified volunteer (approx. 10 h), 20 hours volunteering for one or more Master Gardener service projects (community outreach, supporting our Growing Groceries class, maintaining the Seed Library, etc…). The remaining 20 hours are for you to explore a variety of approved Master Gardener volunteer activities, ranging from salvaging native plants to helping out in the office to creating to educational opportunities for Jefferson County residents.

If the Payback volunteer hours are not right for you, you can take the online portion of the Master Gardener Training class through WSU’s Washington Green School option.

Washington Green School

Certified Master Gardener

After you complete your internship, we welcome you to continue volunteering as a Certified Master Gardener. Each year, Certified Master Gardeners donate at least 25 hours of service and completing at least 10 hours of continuing education. Many volunteers continue with the Master Gardener Program, some have remained for more than twenty years!

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?

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 educational activities/presentations 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

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).