Featuring thousands of plants for sale, the Skagit County Master Gardener Plant Fair is a local celebration of spring and gardening.

Gardeners across the region count on the plant fair as a place to purchase quality plants and look forward to gathering inspiration for the coming growing season. Did you know that all of the tomatoes–more than 3,600 plants–available at the plant fair are grown from seed by volunteer WSU Extension Master Gardeners? Not only that, the varieties grown are chosen because they are ideal for our climate.

The 31st annual event is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Skagit County Fairgrounds. The event and parking are free, entrance through the south gate of the fairgrounds. Attendees are encouraged to bring a wagon or wheelbarrow to help transport their selections. Boxes are available at the site and customers can leave purchased plants at a free plant parking area monitored by volunteers.

“As an organization and a community of people who live and love all things gardening, we are looking forward to this amazing annual event,” said Master Gardener Claire Cotnoir, who, along with her husband and fellow Master Gardener Hank Davies, co-chairs the plant fair. “This is our way to inspire all gardeners by offering quality plants suited to growing successfully in our region. We enjoy the opportunity to share information and enthusiasm for gardening.”

The plant fair will offer thousands of plants for sale, including vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, perennials, and native plant varieties. Many of the plants are grown or propagated by master gardener volunteers. 

Check out the varieties of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, and native plants on our website at: www.skagitmg.org/home/events/plant-fair.

The plant fair is truly a highly anticipated event, as illustrated by those who waited in line at the gates last year. Some called their annual visit to the event a “Mother’s Day weekend tradition” for their family. One smiling woman, with a wheelbarrow in tow, proclaimed, “It’s the only holiday I celebrate – Plant Fair Day!” 

In addition to plant sales, the Plant Fair will feature:

• More than 50 vendors will offer garden accessories, gifts, plants, garden art, hand-crafts and food.
• Master gardeners will host an educational booth and display, with a focus on pollinators, firewise gardening, and growing tomatoes.
• Master Gardener Denny Organ will give presentations throughout the morning on growing tomatoes successfully. Check the info desk for times and fairground location
• A Plant Clinic staffed by master gardeners will help address plant questions or concerns.
• Master gardeners will offer free tool sharpening, with a limit of one tool per customer.

The annual Plant Fair is the primary fund-raising event for the Skagit County Master Gardener Foundation. Proceeds enable the foundation to support master gardener outreach, events, education, and activities. The plant fair also builds community awareness of the master gardener program and encourages community participation in gardening.

Check out the plant lists and more information about the plant fair at www.skagitmg.org/home/events/plant-fair.

Kari Ranten is a retired journalist and health care communicator who became a certified Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardener in 2024.

Questions about home gardening or becoming a master gardener may be directed to: Skagit County WSU Extension Office, 11768 Westar Lane, Suite A, Burlington, WA 98233; by phone: 360-428-4270; or via the website: www.skagit.wsu.edu/mg 

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Washington State University Extension helps people develop leadership skills and use research-based knowledge to improve economic status and quality of life. Cooperating agencies: Washington State University, US Department of Agriculture, and Skagit County. Extension programs and policies are available to all without discrimination. To request disability accommodation contact us at least ten days in advance.