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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MASTER GARDENER?

Master Gardeners are individuals who have undergone training in horticulture and sustainable gardening practices and are certified by a Master Gardener Program. These programs are typically sponsored by a land-grant university or cooperative extension service and are designed to provide in-depth training to individuals interested in becoming experts in gardening and horticulture.

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To become a Master Gardener, individuals must usually complete a certain number of hours of training and pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. They may also be required to fulfill a certain number of volunteer hours in order to maintain their certification.

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Master Gardeners come from all walks of life and may include home gardeners, educators, landscape professionals, and others who are passionate about gardening and want to share their knowledge and expertise with the community.

HOW DID THE WSU MASTER PROGRAM BEGIN?

The Washington State University Master Gardener Program began in 1972 as a way to extend research-based information on horticulture and gardening to the public. The program was developed by Dr. David Gibby, who recognized the need for a way to connect the knowledge and resources of the university with the needs of home gardeners in the community. The program is based on the concept of "trained volunteers," who receive in-depth training from WSU Extension faculty and staff in topics such as plant identification, soil science, pest management, and garden design. In exchange for their training, Master Gardeners are expected to give back to the community by volunteering their time and expertise to help others learn about gardening. The WSU Master Gardener Program has since grown to include over 2,000 active volunteers in Washington state, and has inspired similar programs in other states and countries.

HOW CAN I APPLY TO BE A MASTER GARDENER?

You can sign up here with WSU to learn more about becoming a Kitsap Master Gardener.