The purpose of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to train volunteers and utilize their expertise to teach people more about plants and pests, their culture, and their importance to the environment and to our quality of life. MGVs provide technical assistance to their county Extension office in order that consumer horticulture activities and programs can be more effectively and efficiently delivered to Ohio's gardening public.

MGV trainees receive formal training from their county Extension office covering a wide range of pertinent horticultural topics. To become a MGV, the trainee must complete the training program, pass the required exams, and volunteer a specified number of hours to OSU Extension.

The volunteer commitment may be fulfilled in a number of different ways depending on the determined needs of the county residents. After the completion of the initial required training and volunteer hours, one becomes a certified OSUE MGV. Volunteers are encouraged to continue with the program by recertifying and assisting with the horticulture program as a certified OSUE Master Gardener Volunteer.

The Ohio MGV Program is supported on the state level by the OSU Extension Agricultural and Natural Resources Program Area and the Department of Horticulture & Crop Science. The State MGV Coordinator along with the guidance of a State MGV Advisory Committee develops policies and guidelines for the operation of the program; develops and implements the state support budget; provides some training and recognition materials; in-service opportunities; and other resources for counties conducting the program. On the county level, the program is coordinated by an Extension professional who manages the program directly or supervises a MGV program coordinator.