The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested Ohio residents, who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their local OSU Extension county office. Volunteers are not required to have gardening skills or knowledge; but a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others is a must!

Working with county Extension personnel, Master Gardener Volunteers provide such educational services to their communities as: answering gardening questions from the public; conducting plant clinics; gardening activities with children, senior citizens, or disabled persons; beautifying the community; and developing community or demonstration gardens.

More information about state-level Master Gardener Volunteer programs and activities is available at http://mastergardener.osu.edu.

Areas of MGV expertise include integrated pest management, invasive species, backyard and local foods, and environmental horticulture as they provide local programs such as the spring gardening series at local libraries, ‘Children’s Day in the Friendship Gardens’, and ‘An Evening Garden Affair’(in cooperation with the Men’s Garden Club).  The organization meets monthly February through October and has various fund raisers such as the Ada Harvest and Herb Festival, Christmas Around the Square, and the annual plant sale at the fairgrounds.  The educational demonstration garden, called the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County is located at 960 Kohler Street in Kenton.

Master Gardener Volunteers take advantage of yearly continuing education opportunities and provide volunteer community service to educate the public with specific answers to their questions regarding botany, soils, fertilizer, IPM, entomology, plant propagation, plant pathology, plant diagnostics, woody ornamentals, herbaceous ornamentals, herbs, houseplants, water gardens, weeds, turf, vegetables, small fruit production, and trees.  So, if you have questions about a plant or insect in your lawn, garden, or landscape, the Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers can help you find an answer.

Hardin County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Overview

2015 Master Gardener Activity Sheet