The Union County OSU Extension uses an interview and test process to select volunteers for the Master Gardener Program. If accepted, they will attend a training course taught by Ohio State University Extension Specialists, Staff and Local Experts.

The course consists of 50 hours of classroom instruction which covers the best management practices of lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect, disease, and weed control; soil science and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening; home fruit production; and other horticultural subjects. The next training begins January 27, 2009. Classes will be held in Union County at the Agricultural Center of Union County, 18000 State Route 4, Marysville, Ohio, on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on three Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon.

Along with classroom training, a 400-page manual containing Extension publications and horticultural text is provided to participants. This mini-library is used as a reference, and includes fact sheets, pamphlets, folders, and bulletins and lecture outlines pertaining to subject areas covered in the training program. The cost of the materials is covered by the $125 registration fee. Out of county residents have an additional $25 fee.

In return for specialized training, Master Gardeners are asked to volunteer time in Union County Extension Programs. Volunteer activities include responding to telephone requests for gardening information, working with community groups, holding plant clinics--providing home gardening information to the community through a wide variety of gardening-related activities. The Union County Master Gardeners have worked with nursing home residents and school children, talked with civic groups, and helped landscape areas in Richwood, Marysville and Jerome Township. They have also participated in the Union County Home & Garden Show and the Honda Environmental Day.  The annual Tour of Gardens is organized by the Union County Master Gardeners.  We also have a plant sale each year which is organized by the Union County Master Gardeners. (To view a small sample of projects that Master Gardeners are involved in click here).

The benefits of becoming a Certified Master Gardener are many. Master Gardeners receive quarterly newsletters and other free update materials, participate in regional, State and National Conferences and attend educational in-services. These sessions provide opportunities to address gardening problems and new horticultural developments with other Master Gardeners. Master Gardeners are also given countless opportunities for community service and become recognized experts in their horticultural specialties.

If you still have additional questions  to become a Master Gardener, contact the Union County Extension Office at  unio@cfaes.osu.edu