How to Become a Master Gardener Volunteer

Attend an "Information Session"

At least two information sessions are held in mid-fall for Cuyahoga County residents.  Locations vary, but are usually on opposite sides of the county, East, West or South.  You can choose the location that is most convenient to you.  Prior to the evenings, the specific dates, times and locations are posted on this web site, or call the OSU Extension office at (216) 429-8224 for the specific details.

At these sessions there will be the opportunity to meet with Ohio State University Extension faculty and Master Gardeners for an in-depth look at the Master Gardener program.  The answers to any questions you might have regarding training, volunteer opportunities, and special events will be handled.  The Master Gardener Volunteer Position Description provides some of these details.

To be put on a mailing list to receive information about the upcoming training or Info Nights, fill out the form in the Master Gardener Brochure and send to our office.  Click here for an Information Packet for the Class of 2010.

Information sessions for the Class of 2010 have concluded.  However, you may still review the materials on this web page and download, complete and submit an application by November 1, 2009.

Complete an Application

You may obtain an application by:

  1. Clicking on one of the following links to download an application in:
  2. Contacting the Extension office at (216) 429-8224
  3. Picking one up at an Information Session
  4. Please provide all information required and return the completed application by the deadline listed on the application.  In addition, three references are required to be named on the application. 

The application deadline for the Class of 2010 applicants is November 1, 2009.

Master Gardener Volunteer Basic Training

The process of becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) begins with gathering information and attending training classes.  Training is held once per year, usually in late winter, before the gardening season starts.  All potential volunteers will:

  1. Receive a MGV Position Description.
  2. Complete an application and return it to the county Extension office.
  3. Have references collected by Extension professionals.
  4. Complete an interview.
  5. Submit to a criminal history fingerprint record check.
  6. Agree to and sign the Volunteer Standards of Behavior form. 
  7. Each potential MGV will receive a copy of the MGV Program Policy Statement.
  8. Agree to and sign the MGV Pest Management Information Policy.

For questions, contact the Nancy Whisler, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator at the OSU Extension Office on Wednesdays at (216) 429-8200.

Applicant Interviews

Meet with the program's selection committee for a personal interview.  Discuss your primary interests, skills and talents and ask any questions you may have about the Master Gardener Program.  Applicants are chosen on a competitive basis.  Interviews for the prospective Class of 2010 are scheduled on November 30 and December 2 & 4, 2009, at the OSU Extension Office.

Acceptance Notification

Because enrollment in the Master Gardener Program is limited, not all applicants will be able to enter the upcoming training session.  Mail notification will either indicate acceptance or encourage those who are "closed out" of the program to reapply next year.

Some of the most dedicated and effective Master Gardeners did not get into the program the first time they applied.  If you are not able to participate in the current year's program, do not be discouraged.  Reapply for the next year.

Pay Course Fee and Fingerprinting

A fee to cover training and materials is due upon acceptance into the program and must be paid prior to the first class.  For the Class of 2010, that fee is $230. Financial assistance may be available upon the demonstration of need.  Due to Master Gardener work with children and other vulnerable populations, fingerprinting is also required prior to the first class.  Fingerprinting information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

Attend Training Classes

Classes meet from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. one day a week for ten weeks, with an hourlong lunch break. Attendance is mandatory. Should illness or emergency force an absence, arrangements can be made to get that particular day's lecture information or to attend in a surrounding county.  Training classes for the Class of 2010 begin on Tuesday, January 26, 2010.

Classroom training centers around the Master Gardener Training Manual and lectures presented by Ohio State University Extension faculty and staff.  A quiz at the beginning of each session measures your grasp of the previous week's material.  If you have difficulty with a course topic and score badly on a quiz, you will be given similar quizzes until you pass.

The Master Gardener Training manual, provided by OSU Extension, provides the framework for classroom instruction.  Extension faculty members, all experts in the specific  areas of horticulture, build on the manual's basic information to give trainees greater breadth and depth of horticultural knowledge.

Topics covered in training include:

  • soils and fertilizers
  • entomology, pesticides and integrated pest management
  • plant pathology
  • plant propagation
  • houseplants
  • lawns
  • herbaceous and woody ornamentals
  • vegetables
  • herbs
  • fruits

Focus is on selecting, growing and maintaining healthy and attractive plants in the residential landscape.  Volunteer opportunities are presented at the final class meeting.  All information and techniques presented in the training program reflect results of the latest research conducted by the Ohio State University and other leading educational institutions.

Complete the Final Exam

Work alone or team up with fellow trainees to complete this comprehensive take-home test.  Completion requires reference to the Master Gardener Training Manual, lecture notes, OSU Extension FactSheets and Bulletins, and various publications available in the Extension Resource Center.

Fulfill your Volunteer Commitment

Volunteer opportunities abound!  Share your horticultural knowledge with the community through established Master Gardener programs: devote some time to educating others (adult and child-oriented programs); develop, maintain and teach at demonstration, community, and test gardens; represent the Master Gardener Program at fairs, home and garden shows, and other community events; answer questions phoned to the Horticultural Hotline; write for the Trumpet Vine, the Master Gardener newsletter; help physically or emotionally challenged people with horticultural therapy; and provide clerical or administrative support.  Master Gardener trainees must complete 50 hours of volunteer time by the end of the year.

Receive Your Designation of Master Gardener

New Master Gardeners are recognized at a special dinner held in February.  Now "official," new Master Gardeners can look forward to advanced training, fun and interesting social events, and expanded volunteer opportunities.

Keep Going

To keep Master Gardener designation active, participants must fulfill yearly training and volunteer requirements.

 

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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 614-292-1868.