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Becoming a Master Gardener

Program Contact: Patty Ratzlaff, Master Gardener Coordinator
(509) 962-7507 • patty.ratzlaff@wsu.edu

Become a Kittitas County Master Gardener

Master Gardener Training 2022-2023

Master Gardener Basic Training Starts!

Applications Due: September 20

When: October 18 with classes running every other week thru April 2023

Time: 10:00 – 2:00

Where: WSU Extension Office, 901 E 7th Ave, Ellensburg, WA for in-person speakers. Also, all participants will have access to WSU online training.

Cost: $175

We will have a booth at the Kittitas County Fair in Ellensburg September 1-5.  Come to our Info Table to learn more or pick up an application.  Our table will be in the 4-H building.

Welcome! We are excited that you are thinking of becoming a WSU Kittitas County Master Gardener! If you decide to become a WSU Master Gardener, you will be part of a world-class gardening program that began at WSU in 1973. Master Gardeners provide unbiased, professional, and research-based home gardening and horticultural information to the public. Besides classes in Ellensburg, the bulk of course work is online.

Here’s relevant information:

Master Gardener applicants are required to be Kittitas County residents.

All science-based classes are taught by WSU specialists, veteran Master Gardeners, and community experts. Some topics covered:

  • Soil Science
  • Plant Propagation
  • Vegetable and Fruit Gardening
  • Home Orchards and Berries
  • Landscape Design
  • Plant and Insect Identification
  • Backyard Forest Stewardship
  • Houseplants
  • Lawns
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Native Plants
  • Gardening for All Ages and Abilities

Each trainee is matched with a Master Gardener Mentor, who will contact the trainee prior to classes beginning. Two to three hours a week for online study is typical.

Immediately following graduation, trainees enter a year-long internship period in which they contribute at least 40 hours of community volunteer work. Following the internship year, active Certified Master Gardeners are required to provide 25 hours a year in the volunteer sphere, and acquire 10 continuing education credits annually. Volunteer and continuing education activities include: conducting workshops, diagnostic clinics, speaking to community groups, maintaining demonstration gardens, creating projects that feed your passion, field trips, and having fun!

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation, need to contact WSU Kittitas County Extension at (509) 962-7507 by application deadline.