Applications are being accepted for the next Master Training Class. Ohio Master Gardeners attend 50 hours of training and provide 50 hours of volunteer service to the community as volunteer educators. Master Gardener training for Allen and Van Wert Counties will begin on September 20, 2010.

Training will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through November 17, 2010. The classes will be held at the Microtel Inn & Suites in Delphos, Ohio.

Classes will cover topics such as: Basic Botany, Soil Science, Fruits and Vegetables, Diagnostics, Herbs, Annuals and Perennials, Trees and Shrubs, Entomology, Houseplants, Landscape Maintenance, Plant Pathology, and Pesticide Safety and Use.

Master Gardeners are gardening enthusiasts who work together with The Ohio State University Extension to provide such services to their communities as answering gardening questions, beautifying the community, developing community or demonstration gardens, and other horticultural activities.

In order to enroll in the Master Gardener training course, participants need to fill out the form at Master Gardener Fall 2010 Training Enrollment Form and return it with $125 payment to the Van Wert County Extension Office, 1055 South Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.  Questions may be directed to Andy Kleinschmidt at 419-203-5967.