Washington Green School options
Green School
Pacific Northwest horticulture courses from WSU Extension
What is Washington Green School?
Washington Green School (Green School), offered by Washington State University Extension, is for people who want to improve their gardening experience by learning research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship practices. The Washington Gardener Certificate curriculum addresses important sociological and environmental issues for a more resilient Washington.
- Build practical skills that help protect Washington’s natural beauty.
- Become a champion for healthy, resilient ecosystems.
- Take meaningful action—be part of the solution.
Want to take it further?
Learn how to make an impact in your community by becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
I really enjoyed the variety of leaning methods: reading, video, slideshow, the assortment of online activities, chapter quizzes and zoom presentations. This worked really well with my brain – reading can become monotonous and while my eyes read, my brain can be somewhere completely different. It was awesome having different presenters each time– while some truly stand out by being so completely conversant in their subjects, they are all wonderful and much appreciated. Overall, the content was informative, interesting and there was a lot of it!
Erica (Class of 2026)
Washington Gardener Certificate course
- A fully online course with virtual instruction
- Live review Q & A sessions with subject-matter experts WGS schedule | WA Green School | Washington State University
- Washington Gardener Certificate upon successful completion
- Supplement your resume
- Promote your business
- Grow your gardening knowledge
Next steps
- Complete online training.
- Complete quizzes with an average of 80%.
- Complete final exam with at least an 80%.
- Earn a Washington Gardener Certificate of Completion to display in place of employment, list on a resume, or to use in marketing.
Registration is currently closed and will reopen August 17-September 30, 2026.
Become an Extension Master Gardener volunteer
Key requirements for successful completion:
- Completion of the Washington Gardener Certificate course and local volunteer training
- Fulfillment of 40 hours of volunteer service during the training year
Benefits of becoming an Extension Master Gardener volunteer:
- “WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer” Certification upon successful completion of key requirements
- Your training prepares you to provide free, researched-based horticultural and gardening education to your community
- Building new friendships
- Embracing opportunities for lifelong learning
- Finding a renewed sense of purpose
Extension Master Gardeners make an impact by…
- Offering Plant Answer Clinics to support gardeners
- Delivering engaging community presentations
- Hosting hands-on gardening demonstrations
- Organizing educational youth workshops
- Contributing in many other meaningful ways!
Next steps
- Complete application.
- Agree to volunteer at least 40 hours in the first year to earn WSU Extension Master Gardener certification. Agree to volunteer at least 25 hours per year and earn at least 10 hours of continuing education per year to maintain certification.
- Complete background check once accepted into the Program.
- Successfully complete Washington Green School.
- Attend local volunteer training.
WSU Extension Master Gardener applications become available at different times in each county but generally speaking from late spring to early summer*. Applicants will complete a required interview. Once accepted, access to register and pay for Green School as a volunteer will be given. Registration period is August 17-September 30. Classes begin in October.
*Reach out to the WSU Extension office in your local county to apply to the program.
Who should enroll in the Washington Gardener Certificate course?
Anyone living in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, or any interested person is welcome. While the content will be PNW-centric, core tenets like botany, soil science and entomology are applicable to gardeners world-wide.
Green Industry professionals may earn continuing education credit for course completion.
K-12 clock hours may also be available.
Learn who can benefit by earning a Washington Gardener Certificate.
Where we teach
Online via a learning management system called Moodle. The live reviews will be delivered via Zoom. Extension Master Gardener volunteer learners will attend local volunteer training located in their resident county. Dates and times for local volunteer training are determined by the respective county.