MGV

Public Invited to 2025 Plant Diagnostic Clinic in Paulding County

Do your trees look stressed? Are your tomatoes showing strange spots? Would you like to learn how to better identify what’s affecting your flowers, shrubs, or garden vegetables? Whether you’re a backyard gardener, a small-scale grower, or simply curious about plant health, the 2025 Plant Diagnostic Clinic is for you!

Hosted by the Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, the clinic will occur on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Paulding County Extension Office. Paulding County Master Gardeners are excited to host this program, as this is the first time in 20 years to be able to host the regional program. Paulding was selected as one of the four (4) locations statewide.

This hands-on, interactive workshop will teach participants how to diagnose problems in trees, shrubs, woody ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, and other plants commonly grown in Ohio landscapes and gardens. Morning sessions will include training on using a dichotomous key for woody plant identification and instructions for collecting and submitting plant and pest samples to the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic. In the afternoon, attendees will put their knowledge to the test by diagnosing real plant samples and applying the diagnostic process.

“This event is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to gain confidence in identifying plant problems and making informed decisions in the garden or landscape,” said Sarah Noggle, Extension Educator in Agriculture and Natural Resources. “The skills you’ll learn can save your plants and your pocketbook.”

Cost for the clinic is $45, which includes morning snacks and lunch. Those currently enrolled in the statewide hotline called Ask a Master Gardener Volunteer program can attend for free.

Space is limited, so register today! To register, visit: https://go.osu.edu/pauldingmgvdiagnostic25. View the official flyer here!

Questions? Contact: Sarah Noggle at noggle.17@osu.edu or by calling the office at 419.399.8225. For more information about the Master Gardener Volunteer program, contact Sarah Noggle at noggle.17@osu.edu, stop by the OSU Extension Office at 503 Fairground Drive, or call 419-399-8225.

Apply to Master Gardener Training by February 10

Do you want to join the Ohio State University Master Gardener Volunteer Program? Applications are now available for the 2022 training class. The Ohio State University Master Gardener Program reaches hundreds of people in Paulding County each year. While this program is held in 2022 in Williams County, the initial certification classes are universal statewide and will count toward becoming a volunteer in Paulding County.

Volunteers receive training from OSU experts on topics such as lawns, soil health, tree identification, annual and perennial plants, insects, pest management, plant diseases, and more!  Once trained, Master Gardeners volunteer for OSU Extension to increase the outreach efforts of Ohio State University throughout the community.  Some projects include conducting public seminars and workshops, hosting informational booths, and maintaining local gardens.

The training will begin in March and run through April. Applications are due February 10, 2022.  Classes will be held Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at 1425 East High St., Bryan, OH.  The cost for the complete program is $65 per person or $95 per couple for Williams County residents payable by the first class and $100 per person for non-Williams County residents. Printed applications are available at the OSU Extension Williams County Office or applications may be submitted online at go.osu.edu/WmsCoMGVTraining.