The Master Gardener Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested gardeners who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local Ohio State University Extension county office.
What is the Master Gardener Program?
Working with county Extension personnel, Master Gardeners provide such educational services to their communities as answering gardening questions from the public; conducting plant clinics; gardening activities with children, senior citizens, or disabled persons; beautifying the community; developing community or demonstration gardens; and other horticulture activities.
How do I know if I’d make a good Master Gardener?
You could qualify to become a Master Gardener, if:
- You want to learn more about plants and gardening.
- You are eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program.
- You enjoy sharing your knowledge with others.
- You have the time to attend training and serve your community as a volunteer educator.
How do I become a Master Gardener?
To become a Master Gardener, you must:
- Be accepted into the Master Gardener program by completing the volunteer application. Registration and application can be found at https://go.osu.edu/2022newmgvtraining Please complete your registration and application by October 4, 2022. More information will be emailed directly to you upon completion of online registration.
- Complete the formal training provided by The Ohio State University Extension. The training is approximately 50 hours and participants must pass all quizzes and examinations with a cumulative average of 70% or better.
- Complete 50 hours of volunteer time on projects pre-approved by the Master Gardener coordinator. This volunteer time must be finished within one calendar year after their formal training.
Is there a cost for the training?
The 2022 class costs $200 plus the cost of a required background check. If paying by check, make checks out to Ohio State University Extension. Background checks can be done upon acceptance into MGV class.
When is the next training? Beginning October 18 and ending November 17, classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. Hour lunch break. 1p.m. – 4:00 p.m. You will be required to attend all the classes listed in order to complete the required 50 hours of training.
Where will classes be hosted? Training will be offered in-person Tuesdays in Brown County and Thursdays in Clermont County, rotating between the sites for the series.
Dates of:
October 18, orientation 9-Noon
October 25 & 27
November 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, & 17
I already received my Master Gardener Volunteer training. Can I join a different county association?
Yes, if you are a member in good standing with another state or county association, you can switch your membership to a different county’s association.
There are additional criteria for transferring from out of state. Contact your local extension office for those details.
How do I continue as an active Master Gardener?
To stay active, you must do the following every year:
- Pay your local association dues.
- Complete 20 hours of volunteer time on pre-approved Master Gardener projects.
- Complete 10 hours of pre-approved training in horticulture. Training opportunities will be provided locally but are also available at state and national conferences.
Contact Information
- Brown Contact
- James Morris, Extension Educator, 937-378-6716 or morris.1677@osu.edu
- Amanda Perkins, Program Assistant, perkins.715@osu.edu
- Clermont Contact
- Gigi Neal, Extension Educator, 513-732-7070 or neal.331@osu.edu
- Deb Garner, Clermont MGV Volunteer Coordinator, deborahhgarner@gmail.com
