Become a Master Gardener

How To Apply:

Master Gardener Program Application now available online!

Print out, complete application, and return to:

>> NEW ADDRESS <<

WSU Skagit County Extension office
Attn: Master Gardener Program
11768 Westar Lane, Suite A
Burlington, WA 98233

Application deadline is October 15.

Please fill out application form completely. Partially completed applications will not be considered.

We will contact applicants to schedule interviews in early November, and select our 25 trainees by the end of the month.

Initial Training:

All Skagit County Master Gardener volunteers are provided a series of initial training workshops that cover such subjects as basic botany, basic entomology, weed/insect/disease management, pesticide safety, soils and fertilizers, tree fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, pruning, turf grass management, water quality, composting, and plant identification. The classes are taught by Washington State University plant pathologists, entomologists, weed specialists, and other experts. The trainees receive a course outline and other Extension publications pertinent to the subject areas addressed.

The next training session for new WSU/Skagit County Master Gardeners will be held in Mount Vernon, beginning in late January and continuing through late February. The training sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4 pm.

Volunteer Commitment:

Upon completion of the training, each new Master Gardener intern is required to complete 60 hours of volunteer service in authorized program activities. 25 of those hours must be spent in the Discovery Garden, and 16 in the Plant Clinics.

The remaining hours (and whatever additional time you are willing to contribute!) can be spent in any other Master Gardener projects that interest you (see above for some examples of other program offerings).

In subsequent years, each "veteran" Master Gardener is required to contribute a minimum of 25 hours in program volunteer work, and spend 10 hours engaged in continuing education. Many continuing Education opportunities are offered through the Skagit County program.