About Master Gardener Volunteer Program

The OSU Extension Master Gardener Program is a statewide network of volunteer education and leadership development; as well as a consumer horticulture education delivery system that maximizes human, material, and natural resources, and values teamwork and excellence in educational programming.

About Master Gardener Volunteer Program

There are many exciting opportunities for continuing education and camaraderie which has helped OSU Extension develop a corps of dedicated volunteers. The Master Gardeners' knowledge, experience and enthusiasm have become essential to Extension education of consumer horticulture in the state of Ohio.

Feel free to contact us with any questions about our programs and services to the community. We are available for presentations, programs and information sharing that your group, company, or organization might like to know more about. 

The formal training program is the responsibility of the Clinton County Extension professionals.  Instructors are Ohio State University faculty, Extension Specialists, Extension Associates, experienced Master Gardeners, and other experts.

Training

The training program provides a balanced, integrated practical course in plant science. Core topics that are to be part of the training in every county are oriented to Extension and the Master Gardener Program:

  • Basic Botany
  • Plant Physiology
  • Soils and Soil Fertility
  • Basic Entomology
  • Basic Plant Pathology
  • Plant Disease Diagnosis
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Pesticide Use and Safety
  • Plant Identification
  • Home Lawn Care
  • Annuals
  • Perennials
  • Bulbs
  • Trees and Shrubs
  • Home Vegetable Production
  • Home Fruit Production
  • Backyard Wildlife Management
  • Organic Gardening
  • Herbs

Special topics based on local needs may be part of the curriculum 

Volunteer Commitment

The Master Gardener training course consists of a minimum of 50 hours of instruction. An equivalent number (50) of horticulturally significant volunteer hours is required to become a certified Master Gardener. Master Gardeners may recertify by completing 25 additional hours of public service and 6 hours of advanced educational training.  Only unpaid public service in Ohio State University Extension-sponsored activities count toward the requirement. 

Statewide Mission Statement 

Our Mission -  The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Program provides knowledge to and develops the leadership abilities of volunteers who, in turn, enable others to improve the quality of their lives by enhancing their home and community environments through horticultural education and activities. 

Document Actions
About Master Gardener Volunteer Program
The OSU Extension Master Gardener Program is a statewide network of volunteer education and leadership development; as well as a consumer horticulture education delivery system that maximizes human, material, and natural resources, and values teamwork and excellence in educational programming.

 

Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status. This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration; Associate Dean, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; Director, Ohio State University Extension and Gist Chair in Extension Education and Leadership. TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-6181.