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People interested in gaining expanded knowledge of gardening for home or professional purposes will have two choices going forward. Starting in the fall of 2025, the structure and schedule for master gardener training will change as Washington State University introduces the Washington Green School.

Green School replaces the previous training format with a more unified statewide system. This new platform ensures that every participant receives consistent, research-based content and allows greater flexibility for students. This updated structure helps reach a wider audience and support a strong, sustainable WSU Extension Master Gardener Program across the state.

Green School is WSU Extension's new comprehensive online training platform designed to provide research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education. The new model offers two distinct tracks:

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Track 1
Washington Gardener Certificate

This option is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their gardening skills without the commitment of volunteering. This self-paced, online-only course provides a certificate upon successful completion.

Key dates and details:

  • Green School Registration: August 15 – September 30
  • Fee: $550
  • Volunteer Commitment: None
  • Online Classes Begin: In the first week of October
  • Training Format: Hybrid – self-paced online modules, live Zoom sessions, and in-person volunteer training

Learn more about the new Washington Green School and the Washington Gardener Certificate.

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Track 2
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

This track is for those interested in becoming certified WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and includes the Green School online coursework, in-person, local volunteer training, and a commitment to volunteer service hours.

Key dates and details:

  • Skagit Master Gardener Application Period: Mid-summer through August 15
  • Skagit Master Gardener Volunteer Track Screening: Required interview to assess trainee match with the Skagit Master Gardener program and background screen (required for all volunteers).
  • Fee: $275
  • Volunteer Commitment: A minimum of 40 volunteer hours during the training year is required for certification.
  • Online Classes Begin: In the first week of October
  • Training Format: Hybrid – self-paced online modules, live Zoom sessions, and in-person volunteer training

For Skagit County, individuals interested in the Master Gardener Program may apply on the Skagit County WSU Extension website.

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The History of the Master Gardener Program

The State of logo for Master Gardener 50th AnniversaryWashington is the birthplace of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program more than 50 years ago, under the auspices of Washington State University, a land-grant institution. The respected, science- and research-based program has since been shared and spread to all 50 states, four Canadian provinces, plus Puerto Rico, United Kingdom and South Korea, according to Washington State Magazine, Fall 2023.

The program launched in Pierce County in 1973 following a successful series of plant clinics at Tacoma Mall in the fall of 1972. Today, 35 of 39 counties in Washington host master gardener programs. Plant clinics remain a mainstay of the program, along with education, demonstration gardening and community outreach. Master gardeners serve more than 250,000 clients annually in Washington through clinics, and outreach activities.

“We’ve been here for 50 years, and we say ‘50 years and counting’ because we are committed to learning and evolving to meet community needs, ensuring that we remain current, relevant, and resilient,” writes Jennifer Marquis, Statewide Program Leader, on the program’s website.

In Skagit County, the program started in 1977 and has grown significantly since with approximately 150 current active master gardener volunteers. Volunteers maintain the Discovery Garden, a display garden featuring 30 “rooms” ranging from roses and heathers to vegetables and a cottage-style garden.

In addition, volunteers provide outreach at area farmers markets, assist the public with plant questions and problems at year-round plant clinics, and host the popular “Know and Grow” monthly lecture series. The annual fund-raising event to support the program is the annual Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardener Plant Fair, held the Saturday before Mother’s Day each May, featuring the sale of thousands of plants propagated, grown and tended by volunteers.