Many people are curious about what the Washington State University (WSU) Master Gardener (MG) Program is all about. Here are some questions and answers.

What is a Master Gardener?

Anyone can use the term Master Gardener. Only volunteers trained by universities can put the university’s initials in front of Master Gardener. When university initials are used, one can trust the information being taught is unbiased and science-based. WSU Master Gardeners are Washington State University trained volunteers who provide unbiased, research-based education on issues of importance in their local communities to help conserve and enhance our natural resources.

WSU Master Gardeners are not members of a garden club. Essentially, WSU Master Gardeners are unpaid agents of Washington State University and are trained to help WSU achieve its land-grant mission by providing unbiased research supported information to the public.

What is required to become a certified WSU Master Gardener?

Specialized training is held every two years in Grant-Adams Counties. Approved applicants attend more than 60 hours of on-line basic training supplemented with hands-on classroom/field labs and satisfactorily complete all assignments. The course is taught by WSU Extension faculty, WSU Master Gardeners and resource specialists. After the training is complete, the program requires at least 50 hours of additional volunteer service to qualify as a WSU Master Gardener. Then, every year after that, WSU Master Gardeners must attend 10 hours of advanced educational training and perform at least 25 hours of volunteer service per year to maintain the certification.

More on becoming a WSU Master Gardener next week.

For answers to gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant-Adams Extension office at 754-2011, ext. 4313 or email your gardening questions to ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu. Visit our web page at grant-adams.wsu.edu.