The 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 county office.  Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge; a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others is a must!
 
Working with county Extension personnel, Master Gardener Volunteers 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.
 
How did the Master Gardener Volunteer 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 71 Ohio counties, urban, suburban and rural.

As of the end of 2008 over 17,000 volunteer hours and 28,000 continuing education hours have been counted in the State of Ohio.

All counties participating in the Master Gardener program receive guidelines from the OSU State Master Gardener Coordinator, which currently is Pam Bennett, of Clark County. The guidelines help the counties in the State of Ohio maintain some constancy in the program; however procedure does vary from county to county.

Extension Impact:

Master Gardener Volunteers work in their communities to teach best management practices for home landscapes and gardens.  They focus on integrated pest management, storm water, retention, water quality and run-off issues and save families money by sharing research-based information and practices.  In addition, they teach citizens how to garden and landscape their homes in ways that are environmentally friendly.  They help strengthen families and communities by developing pocket parks and small display gardens, improving the aestetics of the community and showcasing community pride.  In many cases, they are working side-by-side with other organizations and with very little money to create these “slices of heaven” for a community.  They assist in nursing homes, medical centers, county MRDD units, food banks, schools, and many other social service organizations, adding value with educational programs that partner agencies do not have the resources to offer themselves.  Many projects that the Master Gardener volunteers carry out would otherwise not occur due to lack of funding.  By sharing their knowledge, experience and love of gardening with their neighbors, your and old, these volunteers plant seed of enthusiasm for making the word a better, greener place.

Taken from: OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers 2008 report.

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

Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Delaware County

The Delaware County Master Gardener program was started in the summer of 1994 by Rob Leeds, Delaware County Extension Agent and John Hixson, Union County Extension Agent.  The school was initially started as a combined school between Delaware and Union Counties. Nancy Bendle joined Delaware County Extension in 1995 to coordinate the program on a part time basis.  Nancy continued with Delaware County until 2005, when Dr. Gary Gao joined as a fulltime Educator. 

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Delaware County has approximately 95 active Master Gardeners in 2009, which makes it one of the biggest Master Gardener volunteer programs in Ohio.  As of 2009 the Delaware County Master Gardeners have volunteered over 30,000 hours. Our Master Gardener Volunteers put on the "Green Thumbs - Gardener's Fair" each year.  They also conduct many other community projects. 

In 1997 the Master Gardeners voted to adopt a constitution and form the Master Gardener Association.  It is governed by five officers, President, 1^st V. President, 2^nd V. President, Secretary and Treasurer. 

Dr. Gary Gao is the Horticulture Extension Educator and Master Gardener program coordinator.  Master Gardener training in Delaware County is held in the afternoon from February to May, and is offered every other year.  Next Master Gardener Volunteer training session will be offered in 2011.  If you would like to participate, please call OSU Extension in Delaware County at 740-833-2030 for an application packet.  Cindy Kaelber will place you on our waiting list.  We will start interviewing applicants around late 2010. 

See the Section: How To Become a Master Gardener