The Master Gardeners of Washington County offer fun, research-based talks for all ages through their Speakers Bureau. Presentations are available for a suggested donation and cover seasonal, practical topics that promote smart gardening and environmental stewardship.
Master Gardener demonstrating how to harvest microgreens by trimming them just above the soil line during a presentation.
The Speakers Bureau is a key part of how the Master Gardeners of Washington County share their learning with the community. Our trained Master Gardener volunteers offer engaging, research-based presentations on various gardening and environmental topics--tailored to audiences of all ages and experience levels.
Master Gardeners can bring a presentation to your community group, library, club, senior center, farmers’ market, or other local event. Each topic is designed to educate, inspire, and empower participants to grow their gardening skills and become more informed environmental stewards. Presentations are offered for a suggested donation, which supports Master Gardener educational outreach and materials throughout Washington County.
Speakers Bureau Donation
A $100 donation is requested for most presentations to support educational development and related expenses. We understand that some organizations have limited budgets, and we’re happy to discuss options. Our speakers are volunteers and do not accept personal payment for their time.
Interested in Requesting a Speaker?
To ensure availability, please submit your speaker request at least 30-45 days in advance of the desired presentation date. Requests are reviewed and scheduled in the order they are received.
To request a presentation for your event or organization, please contact:
Jaime Ursic, Master Gardener Coordinator
📧 jlu109@psu.edu
Please include “Speakers Bureau” in the subject line of your email.
Speakers Bureau Presentation Seasonal Topics List
We offer a variety of topics, some with hands-on demonstrations, customized for seasonal interest and audience needs:
Spring Topics:
- Seed Starting Methods – Techniques for indoor and winter sowing.
Hands-on: Participants plant a milk jug with native seeds. - Growing Potatoes for Fun – How to grow potatoes in-ground or in containers.
- Common Spring Weeds – Identification and management.
Hands-on: Weed samples for ID provided. - Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces – Containers, straw bales, vertical options.
- Straw Bale Gardening – Conditioning bales and best crops to grow.
Year-Round Topics:
- Attracting Beneficial Insects – Encourage garden allies like ladybugs and lacewings.
- The Importance of Native Plants – Why they’re essential for pollinators and ecosystems.
- Starting a Pollinator Garden – Step-by-step guidance and certification resources.
Late Summer/Fall Topics:
- How to Grow Garlic – Varieties, planting tips, and harvesting.
- Fall Gardening – Cool-season crops and season extension.
- Seed Saving Techniques – Saving flower and vegetable seeds.
Hands-on: Harvest and sort seeds during the session. - Winter Sowing – Starting seeds in milk jugs outdoors.
Hands-on: Participants plant native seeds to take home.
Invasive Species & Environmental Topics (All Seasons):
- Spotted Lanternfly – Learn how to spot, report, and reduce the spread.
- Gardening for Butterflies and Moths – Habitat and host plant tips.
- Identifying PA Invasive Species – Recognition and management.
Hands-on: Invasive plant samples provided. - Soil Health – Improve your soil structure, fertility, and biology.
Have an idea for a presentation or don’t see your topic listed?
We’re always looking to grow our programs—contact us to discuss how we can develop a presentation that meets your needs!
Contact: Jaime Ursic, Master Gardener Coordinator
📧 jlu109@psu.edu
Please include “Speakers Bureau” in the subject line of your email.
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