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.
Greening communities for health & well-being
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
- The Evergreen Thumb podcasts: Nearby Nature
- Nurtured by nature
- Human Health & Plants Research (University of Florida)
- 10 Mental Health Benefits of Gardening | Psychology Today
- Green is good for you
- National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture
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
- Grow Your Own Food: Plant a vegetable garden to enjoy fresh, nutritious produce and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Create a Relaxing Space: Design a garden area with comfortable seating and calming elements like water features to unwind and de-stress.
- Practice Mindful Gardening: Engage in gardening activities mindfully, focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells to boost mental well-being.
- Exercise Outdoors: Gardening involves physical activities like digging, planting, and weeding, which can improve fitness and flexibility.
- Connect with Nature: Spend time in your garden or nearby green spaces to reduce stress and improve mood.
- Plant Pollinator-Friendly Flowers: Attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to support biodiversity and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Compost: Create a compost bin to recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste, enriching your soil and reducing landfill waste.
- Grow Herbs: Plant a herb garden to have fresh, aromatic herbs for cooking and natural remedies.
- Join a Community Garden: Participate in a local community garden to meet new people, share gardening tips, and foster a sense of community.
- Learn and Experiment: Continuously learn about new gardening techniques and experiment with different plants to keep your gardening experience exciting and rewarding.
