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.
Local food: From seeds to sustenance
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
- Home Vegetable Gardening in Washington – EM057
- Growing Food in Parking Strip and Front Yard Gardens – FS115E
- Raised Beds – Deciding if they Benefit Your Vegetable Garden – FS075E
- Growing Your Own (OSU-English downloadable version)
- Su Propio Cultivo (OSU-Spanish downloadable version of Growing Your Own)
- Organic Soil Amendments in Yards and Gardens – FS123E
- Inorganic Fertilizers for Home Garden Vegetables and Fruits in Central Washington – EM070E
- Preventing Food Waste (ReFED website)
- Follow the journey of the extraordinary strawberry (YouTube video)
- Local Food: Cultivating Skills for Sustainable Food -The Evergreen Thumb podcast
- WSU Breadlab: Climate Blend flour (Article by NPR)
- WSU Breadlab | Washington State University
Impact of the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program
The Extension Master Gardener Program in Washington State directly impacts food growing and security practices.
Learn more about the public value of our impacts in our 2023 Annual Report.
Quick tips
- Start Small: Begin with a few easy-to-grow crops like tomatoes, lettuce, or herbs. This will help you gain confidence and experience.
- Choose the Right Location: Ensure your garden spot gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If space is limited, consider container gardening. Raised beds are also an excellent option.
- Prepare the Soil: Enrich your soil with compost or organic matter to provide essential nutrients and improve drainage.
- Water Wisely: Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Use Mulch: Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Rotate Crops: Change the location of your crops each season to prevent soil depletion and reduce pest and disease problems
- Pest Control: Use natural pest control methods like companion planting, neem oil, or introducing beneficial insects.
- Harvest Regularly: Pick your produce when it’s ripe to encourage more growth and enjoy the freshest flavors.
- Share Extra Produce: Consider donating extra produce to your local food bank and sharing with neighbors.
- Attend Classes: Extension Master Gardeners host gardening classes and workshops around the state. Find one in your county.
