Become a WSU Extension Master Gardener

A: WGS fee schedule | WA Green School | Washington State University

A. WGS schedule | WA Green School | Washington State University

Local in-person training sessions are scheduled as follows:

Printable copy of schedule (PDF)

The integration of various horticulture 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.

There is one required textbook, PNW Gardeners Handbook: Growing for the Future which will be available to you through your course fees.

There are no prerequisites for this non-credit course other than a desire to learn, and a demonstrated volunteer ethic. You will need a computer, email address and reliable, high-speed internet to successfully participate in our online training program.

A: Estimated 180 hours over 52 weeks:

• Completion of online Green School course (120 hours).
• Approximately 20 hours of in-person, in-county labs, activities, and field trips.
• 40 hours volunteering as an Extension Master Gardener intern.
• Be prepared to spend 6-8 hours per week studying for Green School and labs.

A: Green School online course. The online course will take place over a 20-week period between October 5, 2025, and February 21, 2026. Green School offers flexible, remote and hybrid training options. This includes self-paced online classes and online review sessions with subject matter experts from WSU. Courses are specific to the PNW’s climate, soil, environment, insects, wildlife, and plants. Training is a big commitment and includes reading (online, no text required), homework, quizzes, in-class activities, lectures, and a final exam.

In-person labs/field trips. Trainees attend in-person local learning experiences (or labs) including field trips. Details about labs/field trips coming soon.

A: Upon completing the course, trainees transition to interns. Interns volunteer alongside certified WSU Extension Master Gardeners to enhance 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 hours by the end of the first calendar year.

The volunteer hours are in the following venues:

• 15 hours spent assisting in the Answer Plant Clinic
• 10 hours in 3 of our Demonstration Gardens
• 10 hours in the Greenhouse
• 5 hours in Youth Programs

WSU Extension Master Gardeners are active across the state and their impacts are impressive. We have a user-friendly reporting system so that logging hours, reporting outreach, and signing up for projects is simple. We’re required to report our efforts locally and to the state annually – we want to show off the good work our volunteers are doing! Check out our Annual Reports to read more. 2024 WSU Extension Master Gardener Program Annual Report

A: After we’ve put our outdoor gardens to bed, we start our annual renewal process for all Master Gardeners. Annual certification in the Extension Master Gardener Program is not automatic. After completion of Green School and your internship commitment, you will become certified. To maintain certification, volunteers must give at least 25 hours of service and earn at least 10 hours of continuing education each year. Volunteers who have met the minimum requirements to remain certified will be offered the opportunity to request continuing certification for the following year.

There is no fee associated with annual certification.

• I understand that I must be 18 years of age at the time I am accepted into the Program.
• I understand that I must apply to the program and that my acceptance is not automatic. I may not be accepted. The right to accept or deny is held by WSU Extension.
• I understand that my acceptance into the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program commits me to 1) completing WSU Extension Master Gardener training, and 2) a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to be completed by the end of the first calendar year or 60 hours by the end of the second calendar year after completing training.
• I understand that if I do not complete the minimum service hours requirements, I will be billed for each hour of service not completed at a rate of $25/hour.
• I understand that WSU Extension conducts background checks on all volunteers using a third-party vendor. A criminal record will not necessarily bar me as a volunteer but will be considered as it relates to the specifics of volunteer work.
• I understand that volunteering is a privilege, not a right. If selected as a volunteer, I understand that I serve at the request of WSU Extension and that the request can be withdrawn at any time.
• I agree to disseminate information without regard to race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sec, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity of expression.
• I agree to follow all applicable federal, state, county, WSU, and WSU extension policies, regulations, laws.
• I agree to provide only research-based horticulture information from WSU or other research-based and approved resources.
• I understand that as a volunteer, I am limited to giving advice to home gardeners only. It is not my role to advise commercial industries.
• I understand that I must not give advice that could be perceived as legal, nor am I permitted to give advice about growing marijuana, food safety and preservation, and mushrooms and foraging.
• I understand that I must not use my WSU Extension Master Gardener Certification to provide product or service endorsements; nor may I use my certification to advertise my personal business or while I am performing professional services i.e., landscape management.
• I understand that I must follow the pest management recommendation policy, which follows and integrated pest management (IPM) approach. An IPM approach includes providing information about cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods using WSU approved resources. If your personally held values prohibit your ability to advise about the safe and appropriate use of pesticides, becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener may not be for you.

• I understand that I must have access to a computer, high speed internet, Zoom, email and the skills necessary to use the technology.
• I will engage in alignment with the mission, vision and values of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program
• I will engage in alignment with the Program Priorities.
• I will represent WSU Extension with dignity and pride. I understand that others may think and act differently than what I personally prefer, but I will be respectful of their held values and perspectives.
• I will respect all persons with whom I interact as a WSU Extension Master Gardener (fellow volunteers, Extension and other county personnel, and the general public).
• I will conduct myself in a courteous, respectful manner and refrain from profanity, harassment, disruptive behavior, or abuse of any kind.
• I will provide a positive role model when working with youth.
• I will respect and follow WSU, county, and program policies and guidelines.
• I will comply with equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination laws.
• I will not consume alcohol, use marijuana, tobacco (including vapor products), or illegal substances while representing WSU Extension.
• I will participate as a team member within the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program.
• I will wear my name badge when serving.
• I will cooperate with and support the local Extension Office staff and volunteers. I agree to comply with training, reporting, certification, annual requirements and all other policies as defined in the Master Gardener Program Handbook.
• I understand that WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers are held to high professional standards. Behaviors in direct conflict with the code of conduct or other federal, state, county and program policies will result in disciplinary action and could result in dismissal from the program.
• I understand that as a WSU volunteer I am considered an un-paid state agent and as such am covered under Washington State Workers Compensation Insurance. Furthermore, I understand that I am required to enter my volunteer time on a monthly basis into a database.