WHAT IS THE MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?

The Master Gardener Volunteer 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. You may have even seen our flyer around the community (check it out).  Feel free to print it and share it with your friends.  And for more information on Master Gardener Volunteers, click here.

MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING:

The next Greene County training class will begin winter of 2022.  Applications will be accepted January 2021-August 20, 2021. The classes include but are not limited to: botany, entomology, woody ornamentals, native plants and pollinators. The program encompasses more than 50 hours of class room instruction and 50 hours of volunteer activities.

For more information and application process, click here.

REYNOLDSBURG, OH (March 29, 2021) – It’s time to get your hands dirty and start growing! The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and OSU Extension Offices are kicking off the second year of the Victory Gardens Program. Due to high demand, the program is expanding from 10 to 25 counties across the state, with 8,300 seed packets available free to the public to get people planting.

“We have seen a revived passion for planting through our Victory Gardens Program, which has expanded to 15 additional counties this year,” said Dorothy Pelanda, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “Our Ohio Victory Gardens are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, from urban apartment dwellers, to those living in the country, and everyone in between. We hope this will inspire a new generation of gardeners who will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor for years to come.”

“We are excited to expand our partnership with ODA on the Victory Garden Program. Last year, we had an overwhelming positive response to the program, so this year, we will be expanding the seed distribution initiative to 25 Ohio State University Extension county offices,” said Dr. Cathann A. Kress, Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Dean, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “No matter your level of gardening experience, our OSU Extension educators will provide expertise that will help your gardens thrive.”

Seeds will be available to pick up the first week of April at OSU Extension Greene County Office, 100 Fairground Road, Xenia, Ohio 45385.

Seeds will be available for pickup Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (April 5, 7, 8, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Planting resources and other information about gardening can be found at the Ohio Victory Gardens website.

Victory Gardens originated during World War I, an answer to a severe food shortage at the time. The idea was wildly successful, growing an army of amateur gardeners and serving to boost morale and patriotism. Although there’s no food shortage now, ODA and OSU Extension are reviving the effort and once again encouraging people to plant seeds, realize the fruits of their labor, and share with others if inspired.

Press Release

Thinking of adding a pet, hobby animal or poultry to your backyard? In this session, you will learn of things to consider and ways to manage your backyard critters. Add the tools to your toolbox to be successful in raising animals near the comfort of your property.

Presenter: Trevor Corboy, Trevor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for OSU Extension Greene County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture focusing in Animal Science and Agribusiness and a Master of Science in Agriculture as well. Trevor has an extensive farming background and knowledge to translate his experience in an urban agriculture environment.

When: Thursday, March 18, 2021 6:30 pm -7:30 pm

Location: Online Zoom

Cost: $7.00

Register Online: go.osu.edu/backyardcritters

Join us, Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.

Who knew that horticulture was such an intoxicating subject? Amy Stewart explores the odd, unusual, and surprisingly common plants that have produced the world’s greatest spirits.

Click Here to Register

Amy Stewart is the award-winning author of six books on the perils and pleasures of the natural world, including three New York Times bestsellers: Wicked Bugs, Wicked Plants, and Flower Confidential. She is the cofounder of the popular blog Garden Rant and a contributing editor at Fine Gardening Magazine.

Drunken Botanist Fact Sheet

Drunken Botanist’s Guide to Backyard Bartending

Flyer

For a schedule of upcoming programs including Amy Stewart (The Drunken Botanist) and more go to greene.osu.edu under Master Gardener, upcoming events and programs or click here: https://greene.osu.edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers/upcoming-programs-and-events

Join us, Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.

Who knew that horticulture was such an intoxicating subject? Amy Stewart explores the odd, unusual, and surprisingly common plants that have produced the world’s greatest spirits.

Drunken Botanist Fact Sheet

Drunken Botanist’s Guide to Backyard Bartending

Amy Stewart is the award-winning author of six books on the perils and pleasures of the natural world, including three New York Times bestsellers: Wicked Bugs, Wicked Plants, and Flower Confidential. She is the cofounder of the popular blog Garden Rant and a contributing editor at Fine Gardening Magazine.

Click Here to Register

Flyer

For a schedule of upcoming programs including Brie Arthur (Foodscaping) and Amy Stewart (The Drunken Botanist) go to greene.osu.edu under Master Gardener, upcoming events and programs or click here: https://greene.osu.edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers/upcoming-programs-and-events

Thinking of adding a pet, hobby animal or poultry to your backyard? In this session, you will learn of things to consider and ways to manage your backyard critters. Add the tools to your toolbox to be successful in raising animals near the comfort of your property.

Presenter: Trevor Corboy, Trevor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for OSU Extension Greene County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture focusing in Animal Science and Agribusiness and a Master of Science in Agriculture as well. Trevor has an extensive farming background and knowledge to translate his experience in an urban agriculture environment.

When: Thursday, March 18, 2021 6:30 pm -7:30 pm

Location: Online Zoom

Cost: $7.00

Register Online: go.osu.edu/backyardcritters

For a schedule of upcoming programs including Brie Arthur (Foodscaping) and Amy Steward (The Drunken Botanist) go to greene.osu.edu under Master Gardener, upcoming events and programs or click here: https://greene.osu.edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers/upcoming-programs-and-events

Join us Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 6:30 PM via Zoom for Foodscaping in Ohio

Foodscaping is a modern term for the practice of integrating edible plants into ornamental landscapes. This program will inspire attendees to think creatively about planting veggies! Learn how to pair edibles with the best flowering perennials for your region.

Brie Arthur is a celebrated speaker and bestselling author and is known for her leadership with the suburban Foodscape movement and her lively, information packed presentations. A recipient of an American Horticultural Society Award, Brie studied landscape design at Purdue University. She has worked as a grower and propagator for leading nurseries and her passions center on sustainable land management and promoting the value of gardening across the US.

Click here to register

For a schedule of upcoming programs including Brie Arthur (Foodscaping) and Amy Stewart (The Drunken Botanist) go to greene.osu.edu under Master Gardener, upcoming events and programs or click here: https://greene.osu.edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers/upcoming-programs-and-events

Please join us via Zoom Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 6:30 PM

Speakers:

Thomas Mitchell, Ph.D., The Ohio State University

Jason C. Slot, Associate Professor, The Ohio State University

We will discuss several ways fungi are important for plant, soil, and environmental health because of their unique symbiotic and decomposition abilities.  Topics will include fungal pest control, nutrient exchange, and biomass recycling.

Cost: $7.00

Click here to register

Flyer

For a schedule of upcoming programs including Brie Arthur (Foodscaping) and Amy Steward (The Drunken Botanist) go to greene.osu.edu under Master Gardener, upcoming events and programs or click here: https://greene.osu.edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers/upcoming-programs-and-events

Conifers that change color… Conifers that require no pruning… Conifers for shady areas?  Join us to look at a brief description and cultural requirements for conifers.  Plus, a look at some of the many new varieties and where to find them.

Bob Iiames, Jr. is a member of the American Conifer Society, Ohio Valley North American Rock Garden Society, and is past president of the Miami Valley Hosta Society. Bob has provided continuing education to many Ohio and Indiana, Master Gardener Volunteers, as well as Miami Valley Green Industry Professionals.  He has spoken to numerous garden clubs, plant societies, the Great Lakes Region Hardy Plant Society, the Federation of Garden Clubs, Ohio Association of Garden Clubs, local garden centers, and at Hosta College.

This program will be presented via Zoom on Thursday, February 18. 2021 at 6:30 PM

Cost: $7.00

Register at: go.osu.edu/coniferstoday  (Registration will be open until 4PM on Thursday the 18th)

Flyer

For a schedule of upcoming programs including Brie Arthur (Foodscaping) and Amy Steward (The Drunken Botanist) go to greene.osu.edu under Master Gardener, upcoming events and programs or click here: https://greene.osu.edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers/upcoming-programs-and-events