Interested in gardening? Apply for Thurston County's Extension Master Gardener Program

The Washington State University (WSU) Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Program now accepts applications for the 2025 cycle. The application period closes on December 13, 2024, at 5 p.m.

The volunteer training program provides comprehensive training in horticulture and environmental stewardship.

Extension Master Gardener volunteers share research-based gardening information with the public through community outreach, forging stewardship of the soil, water, and wildlife, and contributing to food security by using sustainable gardening practices.

The program welcomes all applicants aged 18 and above, regardless of experience levels and backgrounds. It is also open to those who are passionate about increasing their gardening knowledge and giving back to communities through volunteer service.

History

The WSU Extension Master Gardener Program started in 1973. University-trained volunteers are trained to empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education.

Each county under Washington State has a WSU Extension Master Gardener Program.

Washington State University Extension and Thurston County sponsor this Thurston County program.

How to become a volunteer

Becoming a certified WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer takes several steps in a 2-year timeline.

“Besides the training and volunteer requirements, the only other requirement is that you have the desire to share professional, unbiased, research-based gardening and horticulture information with our local community,” stated the application site.

The first step to being certified is gaining the necessary knowledge for service, which is achievable bypassing the application and completing the WSU Master Gardener Training.

The 2025 WSU Thurston County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training requires approximately 75 hours of instruction, starting on January 31, 2025, and ending on June 6, 2025.

Classes are held in person and virtually via video conference, and asynchronous learning can be done at home outside of classes.

“Training focuses on familiarization with and learning how to use resources to research, educate, mentor, and answer horticulture questions from the general public, usually serving with other WSU Master Gardener volunteers in an enjoyable, collaborative environment,” the training page stated.

In addition to classes, trainees will have an average of two to three hours of weekly homework. This includes reading chapters from the WSU Master Gardener Manual, using the online training system to complete interactive activities, and completing assignments that reinforce concepts discussed in the classroom.

Trainees must also complete online quizzes in multiple-choice, open-book, and graded pass/fail formats. Each WSU Master Gardener trainee will have an assigned mentor to assist in the education process.

After completing the training requirements with sufficient class attendance and passing scores, each trainee graduates from training and becomes a WSU Master Gardener Intern.

To become a certified WSU Master Gardener, interns are required to perform 60 hours of volunteer service.

After becoming a Certified WSU Master Gardener, volunteers can represent the WSU Master Gardener Program whenever they engage in services and give gardening advice to the public.

“In order to maintain their certification, every certified volunteer is required to give a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service per year, complete 10 hours of continuing education per year, pass a background check every 3 years, comply with WSU Master Gardener Program Guidelines and WSU Integrated Pest Management Policy, and adhere to the Volunteer Code of Conduct,” the application site stated.

2025 Training Dates/Times/Format    

The training dates for 2025 are every Friday. Morning, lunch, and afternoon breaks are scheduled but vary depending on the day's agenda.

Training cost

The extensive training program costs $335.00 plus 60 hours of volunteer service on designated Thurston County WSU Master Gardener projects. Registrants have until December 31, 2026, to complete the 60 hours of service. Payment is not sent with the application.

Cost break-down:

• $15 for the background check (credit card only) – to be completed and paid for after meet and greet.
• $85 for WSU online training program fee (credit or debit card) – to be paid between January 31 and February 7.
• $235 for local training fee (cash or check only) – to be paid on January 31, unless participating in the payment plan (see below).

 Payment plan information and Scholarships:

There are payment plans available for the training fee to those who complete a payment plan form. The training fee ($320) is broken into the following four monthly payments:

• $85 is due to WSU the week between January 31 and February 7.
• $78.33 is due on/by March 31
• $78.33 is due on/by April 30
• $78.34 is due on/by May 31

Limited full and partial scholarships are also available to those experiencing financial limitations. Payment plans and scholarship forms will be available at the meet and greet sessions.