Throughout this site there are links to documents of various file types. Please contact our Statewide Program Leader if you require this information in a different format.
Clean water, sustainable earth
Engaging university-trained volunteers to empower and sustain diverse communities with relevant, unbiased, research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education. Read about Extension Master Gardeners in the news around Washington state.
Learn & Apply
- Water Quality for Homeowners
- Organic Soil Amendments in Yards and Gardens – FS123E
- Protecting Water Resources: Planting and Caring for Home Wetlands – FS091E
- Rain Garden Online Training | Master Gardener Program | Washington State University (wsu.edu)
- Nurturing Gardens with Clean Water – The Evergreen Thumb
Impact of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program
WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers teach communities ways to protect our local ecosystems, leading to improved water quality, providing cleaner drinking water and healthier aquatic environments.
Learn more about the public value of our impacts in our 2023 Annual Report.
Quick tips
- Avoid Overuse of Fertilizers: Test your soil and only fertilize when necessary. Opt for organic fertilizers instead of chemical ones. They break down naturally and are less likely to contaminate water sources.
- Compost: Composting kitchen and garden waste reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and improves soil health, which can help filter water.
- Mulch: Applying mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, reduces runoff, and prevents soil erosion.
- Rain Gardens: Create rain gardens to capture and filter runoff water. These gardens use native plants to absorb and filter pollutants.
- Avoid Pesticides: Use natural pest control methods instead of chemical pesticides, which can leach into water supplies.
- Proper Watering Techniques: Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and runoff. Use drip irrigation systems to minimize water waste.
- Plant Native Species: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less water and fewer chemicals, reducing the risk of water contamination.
- Collect Rainwater: Use rain barrels to collect and store rainwater for garden use, reducing the need for treated tap water.
