WSU Extension Washington Green School
Join a community of gardeners dedicated to protecting Washington’s environment. WSU Extension Green School (Green School) provides the knowledge and skills to garden responsibly in our changing climate. Learn practical techniques, connect with experts, and discover how your actions contribute to a healthier future for all.
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Green School offers two distinct tracks:
- One track for individuals looking to enhance their gardening skills through research-based horticultural and environmental stewardship, the Washington Gardener course.
- Another track for those who wish to take it further by becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener Program volunteer.
I want to be a better gardener and receive science-based horticulture information.
Track 1: Washington Gardener certificate (non-volunteer track)
- Benefits of earning the “Washington Gardener” certificate through WA Green School:
- Learn from horticulture experts
- Boost your resume
- Promote your business
- Grow your gardening knowledge
- Fully online course with virtual instruction and live review sessions
- Great for gardeners, horticultural professionals, garden club members, and teachers
- Non-volunteer track – no volunteering commitment after completion of Green School course.
Process to earn your “Washington Gardener” certificate:
- Register for WA Green School. Registration is currently closed and will open August 2026.
- Attend and successfully complete WA Green School. Classes start October 2026 and end February 2027. Exact dates TBD.
>>What if I complete Green School now, can I become a WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer later? Get the answer.
>>Learn more about Washington Green School
I want to learn more about gardening in WA and serve my community.
I want to become a WSU Thurston County Master Gardener volunteer!
Track 2: WSU Master Gardener Volunteer Track
Important Note: WSU Thurston County Extension is not training WSU Master Gardener volunteers for the 2025/2026 training cycle.
- Great for people that want to learn science-based gardening information, build new friendships, embrace opportunities for lifelong learning, and find a renewed sense of purpose.
- Washington Green School course and local volunteer training prepares you to provide free, research-based horticultural and gardening information to your community.
- Internship includes 40 hours volunteer service in Thurston County.
- Earn the “WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer” certification upon successful completion of Green School, local training, and internship.
- Certified volunteers agree to give a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service per year in Thurston County and earn at least 10 hours of continuing education per year to maintain certification.
The process to become a WSU Thurston County Master Gardener volunteer:
- Apply during the August 2026 application period.
- Complete required interview and background check.
- Register for 2026/2027 WA Green School.
- Attend and successfully complete WA Green School from October 2026 to February 2027.
- Take local Thurston County in-person training from March to June 2027.
- Complete your internship in Thurston County from June to December 2027.
- Earn your “WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer” certification upon completion of Green School, local training, and internship.
FAQ
What is Green School?
Washington Green School (Green School) is a Washington State University (WSU) Extension course for people that want to improve their gardening experience by learning research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship practices.
Completion of Green School and the local volunteer training, and fulfillment of 40 hours of local volunteer service is the new path that WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers take to earn their WSU Master Gardener Volunteer certification. Green School is also meeting the demand of people that don’t want to become volunteers but still want to become better gardeners and receive research-based horticulture information.
WSU Extension Master Gardeners AND Washington Gardeners have access to the same online gardening training through Green School.
Why is Thurston County not offering the volunteer track in 2025?
WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener program is not offering a volunteer track in 2025 because we knew we would not be able to prepare for the new training model while also fulfilling our other program obligations in 2025.
We look forward to welcoming the next class of WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener volunteers in 2026. Information about the volunteer track is on this page, in the above section.
What if I complete Green School now, can I become a WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer later?
Can I just access the training manual and not take the online course?
Yes, get the 620-page manual for free.
Pacific Northwest Gardener’s Handbook: Growing for the Future
Who can I contact in Thurston County, if I have questions?
Please contact the Program Manager, Cori Carlton, if you have questions.
Email: cori.carlton@co.thurston.wa.us
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