OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers at the 2016 Diagnostic Workshop. (Submitted photo)

“I can identify more trees, shrubs and plants than I could have ever imagined.”

“I have a better understanding of how to plant, how to improve my soil, better pruning practices, the good insects and how air and sunlight can reduce diseases.”

“I feel like I’m part of a family. I love helping others learn about gardening.”

“This course ‘polished’ my gardening skills!

• Current OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers

These statements from our current volunteers show what a great adventure it is to take the Master Gardener Volunteer course and join the program. It is more than just learning about new things from insects to plants. It is joining a team and supporting the local community.

It is more than 40 hours of class time interacting with experts from across Ohio. The program involves hands-on activities and the chance to work on a presentation for small groups.

So what will you learn? The importance of pollinators, reading a soil test, understanding fertilizers and compost, the difference between an heirloom and a hybrid, horticultural therapy, herbs and more. No expertise is required.

You do not need to be a scientist to understand the material. The group works as a team, doing activities on growing fruits and vegetables, diagnosing plant problems and interacting with current volunteers.

The course is a great time to take advantage of new opportunities relating to gardening and turning them into volunteer service with your new colleagues. It is learning, growing and tons of fun.

After the course is complete, you can choose to help with our community gardening programs, work and learn in our Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic, help grow plants with school children, write gardening articles, teach classes, record phenology data on plants and more. Our project list is long and ever changing.

So, what’s in it for you? You wll gain increased confidence in your gardening skills, learn lots of new skills, and gain a sense of pride when helping others with their gardening knowledge. You will gain new friendships with fellow gardeners, enjoy fellowship, and have a sense of belonging to something new. You’ll find a new love for gardening while learning something new all the time.

Sounds good? Now is the time!

The course begins Tuesday, Feb. 7, and continues each week through April. We have fantastic homemade lunches each week with fellowship time with current volunteers and trainees. After training, we work side by side through the intern process.

Call OSU Extension with your questions about the class — 330-533-5538. We’ll help you decide if this course and program are for you and explain the training process.

Our volunteers are a group of diverse, community minded people. If your passion is gardening, please consider joining us. For details on training, the program, and to get the application, go to: https://go.osu.edu/mgvapp2023.