MOSES LAKE — There’s more to gardening than just filling a pot with dirt and seeds and waiting for something to grow.  

“Gardening in Washington has a reputation for being easy — we live in the Evergreen State, after all,” the Washington State University Extension wrote on its website. “But we all know the reality can be more challenging, especially as the climate continues to change. Environmentally responsible gardening practices, grounded in horticultural research, are crucial in Washington to protect our state’s diverse ecosystems, from the majestic mountains and unique shrub-steppe to the delicate coastal habitats, as well as the health of our rural, suburban, and urban communities.” 

Registration is open now for WSU’s Green School, an opportunity for casual gardeners to take their skills to the next level. The online course includes science-backed insights into essential gardening practices, soil health, water conservation, pollinator protection and climate-conscious landscaping, according to the Extension. This program is designed to empower both new and experienced gardeners with practical strategies that promote long-term sustainability. Those who complete the course will walk away with a Washington Gardener Certificate, as well as a lot of knowledge about the art of gardening. 

Green School classes begin Oct. 5 and run through February. Each class is about a week long and takes four to six hours to complete, with a week off here and there to rest and catch up. The classes are all online and are recorded so participants can fit learning into their own schedule. Each class ends with a live question-and-answer review session. The cost for the entire course is $550. The course uses the Pacific Northwest Gardener’s Handbook, which can be downloaded free from WSU’s website. 

At the end of the course is an open-book final exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.  

The Washington Gardener Certificate is not the same as Master Gardener Certification, according to the Extension, which is considerably more rigorous and involves a commitment of volunteer service. However, the Washington Gardener course does provide the student with access to the same wealth of information as the Master Gardeners course.  

“Whether you’re a passionate home gardener, a teacher inspiring students, a professional looking to boost your resume, a green industry expert seeking sustainable solutions, or an active garden club member, this certificate equips you with science-backed knowledge to grow, lead, and thrive,” the WSU Extension wrote. 

Registration ends Sept. 30. To learn more about Green School, visit greenschool.extension.wsu.edu.