The Allen County and Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers will partner to host a master gardener volunteer training course for new master gardener volunteers this spring.

The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested Ohio residents who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local Ohio State University Extension countyoffice.  

Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge but a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with
others is a must.

Classes will be held on the Ohio State University Lima Campus beginning with orientation on Tuesday, March 5, and classes being held each Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. beginning March 7 and continuing through April 25. Additionally, a day-long seminar on Saturday, March 16, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is required for the course as well.

The training course is open to interested volunteers from any county with the volunteer commitment to be completed in the volunteer’s home county program.

The cost of the training is $150 and includes the training manual and materials for the class. The program requires 50 hours of class room training
and a commitment of 50 hours volunteer time to become a certified Master Gardener Volunteer.

Volunteer projects vary by county, but include assistance at project gardens, children’s classes, educational seminars, library events, and other projects as directed by the program coordinator. There is also a requirement for a background check at the volunteer’s expense.

Registration is required. Registration deadline is Feb. 23.

More information is available at: allen.osu.edu or hardin.osu.edu and clicking on the Master Gardener link or by calling Gretchen Staley at
419-302-4234, Allen County Master Gardener Volunteers or Mark Badertscher at 419-674-2297, Hardin County OSU Extension Office.