Today we continue with more questions and answers about what the Washington State University (WSU) Master Gardener (MG) Program is all about.

Is there a cost to attend the training?

Fees for volunteers to participate in the program are $170 though a portion of the fee is reimbursed after completion of the training.

What are the primary responsibilities?

WSU Master Gardeners serve as educators and resources on horticulture and gardening. They work with issues in rural or urban yards, gardens or landscaping. If there are referrals or questions from commercial enterprises or farms, they are directed to the appropriate local or regional extension agent.

WSU Master Gardeners compile and distribute educational materials at plant clinics, farmers markets, workshops and county fairs. There are all kinds of outside activities including demonstration, community gardens or work with schools in the communities we serve or through hands-on training sessions.

They are often requested to make presentations to groups or to other MGs. Some write articles for a quarterly newsletter, newspapers or other news media, though articles are reviewed ahead of time before being sent out. There are opportunities to help prepare and staff exhibits, displays, booths and demonstration sites.

When is the next scheduled training?

The next WSU master gardener class begins September 2019 for Grant-Adams Counties. For anyone interested in becoming a certified WSU Master Gardener, a training brochure is available on the WSU Extension website at extension.wsu.edu/grant/ or the WSU Extension office in Moses Lake.

Interested applicants can fill out the contact form and return a completed application. Applicants should have a strong volunteer ethic, commit to becoming a volunteer educator for WSU Extension, pass the background screening, abide by WSU Master Gardener regulations and be willing to take additional required trainings.

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.