Become a
Master Gardener
communities since 1973
Join us!
Do you want to learn more about gardening, meet new people and make a difference in the community? The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program may be just right for you. You will learn science-based knowledge to tackle the yard and garden problems that matter to you, your friends, neighbors and to your community.
More Information
The next application period is for 2025 Volunteer Training.
- Applications will open on September 1, 2024. Check back here at that time to find our online application.
- All applications must be submitted by October 31, 2024, at midnight; any submissions after that time will not be considered.
- Accepted applicants will receive a registration packet, which includes links for enrolling in the learning platform, signing agreements (or seeking exemptions), paying non-refundable course fees, and completing a background check. All these requirements must be fulfilled by December 10, 2024 to attend the program.
Your introduction into becoming a certified WSU Extension Master Gardener will be the completion of an academic training course. The course includes a 25-chapter manual, online modules, speaker lectures, online quizzes, and a final exam. All quizzes and the final exam are open book, and your ability to research and find answers is more important than your ability to retain information, as a Master Gardener.
The training occurs each Friday from approximately 9am-2pm from mid-January – May each year. See FAQs below for more detail.
Upon completing their training (Jan-May), trainees transition into interns (June-Dec). As interns, they volunteer alongside certified WSU Extension Master Gardeners, enhancing their knowledge and skills while gaining comfort in community education and program participation.
Interns are required to complete 40 hours of hands-on learning through volunteer hours in the following categories: Plant Answer Clinic (10 hours), Demonstration Gardens (10 hours), Intern Project (10 hours), and Intern Choice (10 hours).
After achieving certification as a WSU Extension Master Gardener, you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 25 hours annually and completing at least 10 hours of ongoing education annually. At the end of each year, if you’ve met these requirements, your continued interest in the program is confirmed by submitting a straightforward re-application form. There is no fee associated with annual re-application.
The passion and dedication demonstrated by WSU Extension Master Gardeners underscores the positive impact that programs like these can have on individuals and communities. The reasons they’ve provided for their involvement highlight the multifaceted benefits of participating in such a program:
Being a WSU Extension Master Gardener offers a continuous learning experience. Participants have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of horticultural science and gardening practices, staying up-to-date on the latest research and techniques.
The sense of community and the opportunity to learn from fellow WSU Extension Master Gardeners contributes to a supportive and enriching environment. Sharing experiences and knowledge among members fosters continuous growth and improvement.
The core aspect of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program is community service. Participants take pride in using their expertise to benefit their local communities by offering guidance, workshops, and assistance to fellow community members.
WSU Extension Master Gardeners often earn respect and recognition from their communities for their valuable contributions. This acknowledgment can be a source of pride and satisfaction, reinforcing the importance of the work they do.
Involvement in the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program provides a sense of purpose. Participants find fulfillment in contributing to a greater cause, knowing that their efforts positively impact the environment and the well-being of the community.
Want to learn more before applying? Join us at an info session
If you’re passionate about gardening and want to make a positive impact, participating in the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program can be a fulfilling and educational experience. It’s an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts, and give back by sharing your expertise with others.
Frequently asked questions:
A:
- $249 total. (The training fee is $150. The online platform fee is $85. The mandatory national background check is $14.)
- Accepted forms of payment: Check & *Credit Card. (*This fall, we intend to accept Credit Card barring any unexpected issues. This will be a new payment option starting this year).
- The training manual, “The Pacific Northwest Gardener’s Handbook: Growing for the Future” can be downloaded for free upon receipt of payment. Physical manuals are available for purchase.
- No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Financial assistance is available to those becoming Pierce County Master Gardeners.
A.
- The academic portion of training takes place January 2025 – May 2025. Training will primarily be virtual classes with some in-person sessions. Training sessions take place on Fridays and are recorded for asynchronous viewing. Times will vary depending on the date, but trainees should plan to be available from 9am-2pm on Fridays.
- The internship portion of training begins after successful completion of academic portion. Internships are June 2025 – November 2024.
- Graduation occurs in December 2025.
The integration of various topics offers a comprehensive education, encompassing both the science and art of gardening. Additionally, it equips participants with the necessary skills to effectively disseminate this knowledge within the community. This approach underscores the program’s dedication to science-based education and sustainable practices. As a result, graduates of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program possess a solid horticultural foundation and the confidence to engage in community education and outreach.
A: Time will vary by student, but students can anticipate about 5-10 hours a week spent on training. Each week you will be responsible for reading 1-3 chapters of the course manual, completing a corresponding 8-question quiz (open book), and attend the weekly Friday classroom session.
A: The training includes virtual and in-person trainings, in addition to an online self-paced curriculum. The online study portion includes topic-based modules and open-book quizzes for each module through our Canvas Learning Platform. There is also an open-book final exam at the end of the training. You’ll need reliable computer access and be willing to learn new computer platforms to complete this training and maintain your certification for the following years.
A: Upon completing their training, trainees transition into interns. As interns, they volunteer alongside certified WSU Extension Master Gardeners, enhancing their knowledge and skills while gaining comfort in community education and program participation. To earn WSU Extension Master Gardener certification, intern volunteers must contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours.
A: After achieving certification as a WSU Extension Master Gardener, you commit to volunteering for a minimum of 25 hours annually and completing at least 10 hours of ongoing education. At the end of each year, if you’ve met these requirements, your continued interest in the program is confirmed by submitting a straightforward re-application form. There is no fee associated with annual re-application
A: Applicants to the WSU Extension Pierce County Master Gardener Program must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess a strong volunteer ethic and an interest in gardening (prior gardening experience is desirable but not required).
- Commit to participating in the WSU Extension Master Gardener Basic Training course, including completing the final exam with a minimum score of 80% and achieving an overall average score of at least 80% on all quizzes.
- Engage in the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program training.
- Be available to perform volunteer work as needed by the WSU Extension Pierce Master Gardener Program.
- Agree to use technology such as email, learning platforms, and the volunteer database.
- Pledge to contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours during the training year.
- Commit to donating a minimum of 25 volunteer hours each year after completing the training.
- Earn a minimum of 10 continuing education hours annually after training.
- Document volunteer hours each month using our electronic database, GivePulse.
- Sign a Pest Management Recommendation Agreement and a Code of Conduct Agreement.
- Complete Child Protection Training.
Automatic recertification each year is not guaranteed; every volunteer must reapply to the program annually. There is no fee associated with re-applying
A: While our program is designed to create a strong base of passionate volunteers who are eager to continue their learning and engage the Pierce County Community through educational outreach, we have some space available each year for people who are only interested in completing the academic course. The course-completion-only track fee is $500. No background checks are required. This track is restricted to only the lecture portion of the training, and you will not be considered a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer upon completing the coursework.
