What is the Master Gardener Program?

 
Working with county Extension personnel, Master Gardeners provide such educational services to their communities as: answering gardening questions from the public; conducting plant clinics; gardening activities with children, senior citizens, or disabled persons; beautifying the community; developing community or demonstration gardens; and other horticultural activities.  In Athens County some of the activities that Master Gardeners volunteer time and service to include: an annual public plant sale, a children's demonstration/learning garden located behind the Community Center off East State Street, answering questions at the Farmers Market, presenting gardening programs through the public libraries and hosting a public garden symposium.  In 2008, the Athens County Master Gardener program began providing some educational assistance to Community Food Initiatives (CFI) with their community garden projects.  This cooperation should continue in 2009.

How did the Master Gardener Program originate?

The Master Gardener program originated in Seattle, Washington in 1972.  The Extension Agent in the King County office of the Washington State Extension Service began to train and utilize the expertise of volunteers in order to more effectively reach the gardening public with research-based educational information.  It was a great concept that has now spread across the United States, Canada and to other countries.

The Master Gardener program in Ohio has existed since the late 1970s and has grown steadily.  Although it's initial start and growth was in the more urban counties of our state, there are now nearly 3000 active Master Gardeners in more than 60 Ohio counties, urban, suburban and rural.

How do I know if I'd make a good Master Gardener?

You could qualify to be an Ohio Master Gardener if:

•  You want to learn more about plants and gardening.

• You are eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program.
• You enjoy sharing your knowledge with others.
• You have the time to attend training and serve your community as a volunteer educator.

When is Master Gardener training conducted?

In Athens County, Master Gardener training is generally conducted from mid-February through early April, typically consisting of ten, week-night sessions that run from 6:00 pm to 9:15 pm along with two Saturday sessions that run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  In 2009, Athens County Master Gardener training will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning February 18 and continuing through April 22.  Two Saturday sessions will be held, one on March 21 and the other on April 18.

Topics that will be covered in the 2009 Master Gardener training include: Basic Plant Botany, Basic Entomology, Soils, Plant Diagnostics, Woody Ornamentals, Backyard Fruit Production, Fruit Pruning, Organic Production, Plant Propagation, House Plants, Herbs, Lawn, Herbaceous Ornamentals, Vegetable Gardening, Composting, Wildlife Issues, Emerald Ash Borer Update, Invasive plants, Fertilizers, Plant Pathology and Integrated Pest Management.

Is there a fee for Master Gardener training?

Yes, there is a fee for Master Gardener training.  The fee covers the cost of the master gardener manual, additional fact sheets, bulletins and handouts plus refreshments and any speaker costs that are incurred.  In 2009, cost of training is $85 per person or $140 for a couple sharing a manual.

What is the process to become a Master Gardener?

1. Contact the Athens County Extension at 593-8555 or stop by the office at 280 West Union Street (behind the Health Department, use the Fairgrounds entrance) to obtain an application form and master gardener policy statement
2. Fill out the form and return it to the Athens county Extension office by January 21, 2009
3. Applicants are expected to attend an interview/orientation session on either Wednesday, January 28, or Wednesday, February 4.  The interview/orientation session is designed to provide more information about the master gardener program, master gardener volunteer opportunities/responsibilities, answer last minute questions, and insure that the master gardener program matches the applicant's expectations/understanding.  All interview/orientation sessions will take place at the Athens County Extension office at 6:30 pm.
4. Upon acceptance into the training program, volunteers will need to schedule and complete a criminal history and fingerprint record check
5. Attend and participate in training classes
6. Contribute 50 hours of volunteer service to Master Gardener educational events, preferably within 12 months after completion of master gardener training

How can I find out more about my county's Master Gardener program?

Contact Rory Lewandowski, Extension Educator at the Athens County Extension office at 740-593-8555, or by e-mail at: lewandowski.11@cfaes.osu.edu