The gardening articles you love each week are written by community volunteers certified as Master Gardeners by Washington State University. There are 37 Master Gardener programs in Washington's 39 states. This year we are celebrating our 43rd year in Yakima County.
In 1980, Dr. Roy Van Denburgh, WSU Extension Officer Emeritus, began training various people in gardening techniques. Today, we have grown to over 100 active volunteers at WSU Extension. The goal of the WSU Master Gardener program is to train WSU volunteer agents to provide and share scientific information about gardening, horticulture and pest control in their community. WSU's Master Gardener program celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.
From January to April, students begin their courses by meeting every Wednesday evening in the Red Barn in Ahtan Gazte Park for lectures. Lessons are taught by ASU professors and local residents who are experts in their field. For students, these classes are supplemented by the WSU Canvas online course. Subject areas include botany, plant identification, soils, composting, insect identification, plant diseases, integrated pest management, lawns, gardens, sustainable gardening, plant propagation, and more.
Yes, it sounds technical, but the purpose of the course is not to learn everything about gardening, but to be able to use science-based resources when needed. The primary goal of the Master Gardener program is horticultural education. Many of our members are retired teachers who continue to enjoy sharing their knowledge.
Another goal is social service, where we work as volunteers in groups. Volunteer interns work at least 40 hours and spend time in different groups. Among others:
• Some of our most important groups are the WSU Extension Diagnostic Plant Clinic, the Yakima Farmers Market and the State Fair. Master Gardeners research and answer the public's questions when they call, email or visit.
• We work in our four gardens. Akhtan in the beautiful display of youth park; The Heirloom Garden, which is strictly dedicated to preserving vegetables and seeds; West Valley Food Garden, which donates produce to a local food bank; and Toppenish's Kamiakin Edible Garden, which benefits the Yakama National Diabetes Program.
• During the winter months we propagate plants and grow plants in our greenhouse and then help with the annual plant sale on the first weekend in May. Sales help provide the funds needed to support our program.
• We can also attend Saturday morning public classes in our gardens, taught by master gardeners in their field or a guest teacher.
• Upon request, our speaker bureau will speak to local groups on gardening topics. Students can join this group after receiving their certificates.
• We write gardening articles for the Yakima Herald-Republic. Again, interns can join this group after receiving their certificates.
• We help educate our youth about horticulture through many schools, outreach programs and local events, including farmers markets and STEAM school nights.
We all work hard, but we especially find the Master Gardener program interesting and very rewarding because we make friends with other gardeners.
After completing these educational and service requirements, our interns receive a Master of Gardening Certificate of Completion at the end of the year. Many of our master gardeners say the friendships we make along the way are just as important as finishing the project.
Veteran Master Gardeners return each year to complete 10 hours of continuing education and at least 25 hours of volunteer work, although many Master Gardeners dedicate additional hours to their chosen groups.
If you think you would like to join our family of gardeners, we encourage you to apply to the WSU Master Gardener program by November 30th. Contact Patty Ratzlaff, Program Coordinator, at patty.ratzlaff@wsu.edu or 509-574-1582 and request an application and information sheet.
For more information, visit our website at https://bit.ly/4662V07 where the application and information sheet are available.
It's always important to follow your passion and we're here to help.
