+ What is the Extension Master Gardener Program?

The WSU Extension Master Gardener program is part of a national volunteer organization that was introduced by WSU in 1973 with the purpose of supporting the land-grant university mission in the US. Master Gardeners are volunteer educators that are trained in the science and art of research-based sustainable gardening practices. There are around 75 Master Gardener volunteers in Cowlitz County.

+ What does it mean to be a Master Gardener, and what do Master Gardeners do?

WSU Extension Master Gardeners are enthusiastic and motivated volunteers who have a strong desire to learn more about horticulture, sustainable gardening techniques, and environmental conservation. They are trained community educators who serve the community and learn and pass on the most up-to-date research-based gardening information from WSU and other universities. And the best part is the friendships that are forged by members who share a passion for gardening and educating.

Does being a Master Gardener mean that you know all the answers? No, it sure doesn't. But the Master Gardener training provides the knowledge and the research tools to find answers. Master Gardeners are always learning!

Master Gardener training prepares volunteers to be effective communicators in gardening and environmental stewardship. They are trained to give advice to home gardeners in our own community about growing their gardens in a sustainable, science-based manner while enhancing awareness of invasive species, pollinator protection, and water conservation and protection. Master Gardeners also offer information about plant and pest problems and identification and responsible methods of pest management in the garden and landscape. We do this by:

• Providing speakers and community requested workshops about gardening-related topics.
• Offering our free Plant and Insect Clinic service to help our community solve gardening problems.
• Participating in the Home and Garden Show, Earth Day, the Fair, and Farmers Market, and other community events with classes, information, and activities.
• Providing community learning opportunities with our beautiful Master Gardener-maintained Demonstration Garden.

For detailed information, see the WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Handbook

+ Who can be a Master Gardener?

To be a Master Gardener, you must:

• Have a willingness to enthusiastically volunteer service hours to share your knowledge with the people in our community.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a passion for gardening. However, gardening experience is not required.
• Have an inquiring mind and a zest for learning.
• Commit to completing the required training.

The most important requirement isn't prior gardening knowledge--it's the desire to learn, share, and volunteer your time to communicate your knowledge with the people in our community.

+ What kind of training do Master Gardeners receive?

Master Gardener training prepares volunteers to be effective communicators in gardening and environmental stewardship. We provide research-based information from WSU and other university systems.

• Class are held January -June
• Fifteen intensive horticulture-related classes
• Combination of face-to-face, online instruction, and hands-on training
• Five hours per week of online instruction
• Seventy hours of required activities as on-the-job volunteer training to complete internship.
• Tuition is approximately $150, with scholarships available. All course materials are included.

Some of the topics include:

• Botany
• Soils and plant nutrition
• Plant pathology and plant problem diagnosis;
• Integrated pest management
• Pesticide safety
• Lawns
• Entomology
• Sustainable landscaping

+ What are the benefits of becoming a Master Gardener?

Yes, being a Master Gardener volunteer requires a lot of work. However, many Master Gardener volunteers feel that our community outreach activities have given us a renewed purpose in life. In the process of making new friends and having the opportunity for endless learning, we find that sharing our gardening experiences and knowledge with children and adults in our community is a life-changing experience. Having fun with other dedicated MG volunteers is a reward in itself!

+ Who do I contact about becoming a Master Gardener?

Please contact the WSU Extension Director, Gary Fredricks, at garyf@wsu.edu or (360)-577-3014 Ext. 3. Orientations will be offered to give more information and to see if the Master Gardener program is a good fit for you. More information at our WSU Extension MG Cowlitz County website.

+ I am not interested at this time. Where can I learn more about gardening?

Here is a list of resources that cover many different garden-related topics.