In exchange for the training program participants have the opportunity
to volunteer for some of the following services:
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Answering Hotline questions on the phone
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Diagnosing plant problems in the office
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Information booths at parks, nursery and fairs
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Demonstrations
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Teaching gardening classes
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Help train New Master Gardeners
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Numerous other activites
The following steps will help explain your path to becoming a Master Gardener
in Delaware County
1. Attend a "What's It All About " session
One evening session will be held in February for Delaware County residents
and surrounding counties (counties without Master Gardening programs can
apply). At this session you will have the opportunity to meet OSU
Extension faculity and other Master Gardners. They will answer questions
you might have regarding training volunteer opportunities and special events.
Current and past projects will be discussed. This is a great session
to attend if you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener. Please note
at this time there is a 25 volunteer maximum trained per year.
2. Complete the Master Gardener Application
Call the Extension office for an application or you can pick it up
prior to the above session. Please provide all information requested
and return to the office by the deadline listed. At that time references
will be asked for and checked. Call 740-833-2030 or an application.
3. Personal Interview
Meet with the program coordinator and a Master Gardener for personal
interview. Discuss your goals, skills and talents. This is
a great time to ask any other questions you may have.
4. Receive an Acceptance Letter
Because enrollment is limited, not all applicants will be able to enter
the current training session. You will be notifed by mail of your
acceptance.
Note: There is a possibility that you will not get into the current
class the first time you apply. If you are not able to participate
in the current year's training, please re-apply the next year!
5. Pay the Course Fee
A fee for the upcoming class will be $155.00 which covers
a course manual and handouts. It also provides a amnual, educational handouts,
monthly newsletters and the "Wild Grapevine" newsletter.
6. Attend Training Classes
Classes meet on Tuesday and Thurday evenings from 6pm - 9:30pm for
a period of
13 weeks. This year classes start Saturday, March 11th, 2006
and then continue on Tuesday and Thursday evenings through April 27th,
Attendeance is mandatory. The course is based on the OSU Master Gardener
Manual. Lectures are in addition to the classes and are an enhancement
to the course material. Should illness and an emergency cause an absence,
arrangements must be made to acquire that evenings lecture information.
7. Complete and Pass the Final Exam
The final exam is held on the final night of class. It is an open book
test. References are made to the manual, lecture notes and OSU fact
sheets and bulletins.
8. Complete 40 Hours Volunteer Activities
Delaware County offers a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Sharing your knowledge with the general public in several ways. Master
Gardener interns must complete 40 hours of volunteer time by the end of
the calender year, which runs from May 1 - April 30.
9. Receive your Master Gardener Designation
New Master Gardeners are recognized at a banquet held in June.
You will receive a certificate designating you as a Master Gardener.
10. Continue and Keep it Going!
To keep and Master Gardener designation you must fullfull yearly educational
programs for 8 hours a year and 10 hours of Volunteer opportunities.
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