The Master Gardener Volunteer Program trains volunteers for The Ohio State University Extension in their county to help further the mission of engagement and outreach. Volunteers are trained in consumer horticulture including annuals, perennials, fruits, vegetables, soil, botany, turf, insects, diseases and more!
After completing the training class, each intern must complete 50 hours of service to the program to become a fully certified Ohio State Master Gardener Volunteer.
Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) become leaders and educators in the community tasked with sharing their new knowledge and gardening experience with the public through presentations, informational booths, offering workshops and fun events, and always providing research-based, unbiased reliable information.
How did the Master Gardener Program Originate?
The Master Gardener Volunteer program originated in Seattle, Washington in 1972. The Extension agent in the King County office of the Washington State University Extension Service began to train and utilize the expertise of volunteers to more effectively reach the gardening public with research-based educational information. It was a great concept that has now spread across the United States, to Canada and other countries.
The Master Gardener Volunteer program in Ohio has existed since the late 1970s and has grown steadily. Although its initial start and growth was in the more urban counties of our state, there are now more than 3,000 active Master Gardener Volunteers in more than 62 Ohio counties (urban, suburban and rural).
How do you know if you'd make a good Master Gardener Volunteer?
• Do you want to learn more about plants and gardening?
• Are you eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program?
• Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with others?
• Do you have the time to attend training and serve your community as a volunteer educator?
Prerequisites For Participation
- NONE!! Prior or expert knowledge in horticulture is NOT necessary to participate and enjoy the class.
- Motivation to learn and dedication to volunteerism are the most important qualities in a Master Gardener Volunteer candidate.
You must be accepted to the program, attend a training class and complete 50 hours of volunteer activity.
How to apply:
Volunteer Sign up | Master Gardener Volunteers
Option 1: Apply Online (Preferred)
Register for a Volunteer Account HERE. Once you create an account, open the MGV Application under the Forms tab at the top of this page (use the link HERE after you create your account). Once you complete the application a member of the Portage County Extension office staff will contact you.
Option 2: Fillable Form/ Printable Application
To complete option 2 please fill out the fillable MGV application:
Portage Master Gardener Volunteer Application
Email completed applications to kannberg.1@osu.edu or mail them to 705 Oakwood St. Suite 103, Ravenna, OH 44266. All applications will be reviewed and followed by a zoom or in-person interview.
If you are accepted to take the class, payment for the class will be due by the beginning of the class, plus you will need to pass a background check. To volunteer for any Ohio State University Extension program, you must complete a background check. Information on the background process will be provided to you during your interview.
The cost of the course is $225. The cost covers training books, handouts, speaker fees and other expenses related to the course. Once you complete the application the Portage County Agriculture and Natural Resources educator will contact you.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 330-296-6432.
Typically, the training is held once a year in the fall. The Master Gardener Volunteer training is the first step to becoming a Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer. Topics covered in the training include:
| •Annuals | •Native Plants |
| •Backyard Wildlife | •Perennials |
| •Composting | •Pesticide Safety |
| •Entomology | •Plant pathology and propagation |
| •Farming | •Pollinators |
| •Fruit | •Pruning |
| •Herbs | •Soils |
| •House Plants | •Therapeutic Horticulture |
| •Integrated Pest Management | •Trees |
| •Invasive species | •Vegetables |
| •Lawns | •Woody/Herbaceous Ornamentals |
Once you complete the training course, you will become an intern for the program. You can then begin to participate in Portage County Master Gardener volunteer activities and complete 10 hours of continuing education and 40 hours of volunteer commitment on approved Portage County Master Gardener volunteer projects.
The 50 hours must be completed within one calendar year after the completion of the training course to become an active Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer.
I already received my training. May I join the Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer Organization?
Yes, if you are a member in good standing with another state or county association, you may switch your membership to Portage County’s organization.
How do I continue as an Active Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer?
To remain active, you must do the following every year:
- Pay your county dues of $30.
- Complete 20 hours of volunteer time on pre-approved Master Gardener projects.
- Complete 10 hours of pre-approved, by Portage OSUE staff, continuing education hours