The Ohio State University Extension office in Wood County is accepting applications for the 2020 Master Gardener Volunteer training program which begins in February 2020.
The Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program is an educational program designed to meet the consumer horticulture needs of Ohio citizens. Its purpose is to train volunteers and utilize their expertise to teach people more about plants and pests, their culture, and their importance to the environment and to our quality of life. MGVs provide technical assistance to their county Extension office in order that consumer horticulture activities and programs can be more effectively and efficiently delivered to Ohio’s gardening public.
MGV trainees receive formal training from their county Extension office covering a wide range of pertinent horticultural topics. To become a MGV, the trainee must complete the training program, pass the required exams, and volunteer a specified number of hours to OSU Extension.
The training program is to provide a balanced, integrated practical course in plant science. Core topics that are to be part of the training in every county are Orientation to Extension and the Master Gardener Volunteer Program; Basic Botany and Plant Physiology; Soils and Fertilizers; Basic Entomology; Basic Plant Pathology and Plant Disease Diagnostics; Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Use and Safety; Home Lawn Care; Annuals, Perennials and Bulbs; Trees and Shrubs; Home Vegetable Production; Home Fruit Production; Houseplants; and Backyard Wildlife Management. Special topics, based on local needs, may also be part of the curriculum.
The principle resource for the training will be the Ohio MGV Training Manual that includes the core topics and material appropriate to Ohio. Core training is held during a 2-3 month period, with continuing education or
in-service training provided during the year in accordance with county and regional needs and resources. An annual statewide conference is offered to assist in fulfilling continuing education requirements, give program updates and present awards.
To sign up or for more information about the program, follow this link : https://wood.osu.edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers
or contact Gail Ritzler at 419-354-9050 or [email protected]
