Become A Master Gardener

Have you always wanted to learn more about gardening, have more of a science-based knowledge of gardening, meet new people and make a difference in the community? Then the WSU Master Gardener Program might be right for you.

As community educators, Master Gardeners   work in partnership with Washington State University (WSU) Extension to educate the public and enhance the quality of life in communities by promoting unbiased, research-based gardening practices. They donate over 44,000 volunteer hours giving gardening advice and educating the public at plant advice clinics, demonstration gardens and other outreach activities.

Master Gardeners come from all walks of life. They are more than just good gardeners – they are trusted stewards of the communities in which they live.

The application window for the 2024 class is open until October 31, 2023.

Two items are required and must be received no later than October 31:

1. The completed application form, a fillable PDF form. Email the completed application to king.mg@wsu.edu.
2. The online contact information and clinic group preferences form. Complete and submit this form online.

Please complete and submit both of these forms to apply for the program.

Informational group interviews will be hosted throughout November and are recommended but not required. Applicants will be notified of acceptance on November 30.

Please note that each year we have more applicants than we can accommodate. Therefore, we do not accept late applications. Although we are looking for volunteers throughout King County, we especially need applicants who can volunteer in South King County and in the Snoqualmie Valley.

Thank you for your interest in our Master Gardener of King County Program.

Before becoming a Master Gardener, trainees must complete coursework in WSU Extension horticulture-related subjects, attend ten weeks of in-person and online classes, and volunteer 40 hours of service. At the end of the year, trainees who complete all of the requirements become certified Master Gardeners.

For 2024, classes will be held on 11 weekend dates, as follows:

In-person classes at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Aaron Education Center:

• Saturday, January 13, 9am-3pm
• Sunday, January 28
• Saturday, February 10
• Sunday, March 10

Via Zoom only on Saturdays, 9am-noon

• January 20
• February 3, 17 & 24
• March 2

In-person at our Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens:

• Saturday March 16 & 23, various location & time options.

After completing their training, Certified Master Gardeners continue to give back to their King County communities, by volunteering at least 25 hours per year and keeping up to date with 10 hours of required continuing education yearly.

Minimum Technical Requirements

• Internet access
• E-mail that is checked weekly or more
• Zoom account or access to use one
• Smart phone (strongly recommended)
• Access to a printer is helpful but not required

We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone who wishes to become an Extension Master Gardener. Please contact king.mg@wsu.edu if financial assistance is needed.

• $350 for 2023 tuition due upon acceptance
• $75 fee for Canvas teaching platform
• $14 for background check, due upon acceptance, payable by Credit Card only