How do I become a Master Gardener Volunteer?

It's easy!

Well, it's easy.  First, you need to complete the fifty hour initial training program.  Next, you must take the open-book final exam at home.  It's easy; you can even use your computer to look up the answers.

   You are now ready to become a probationary status volunteer.  This means you then perform fifty hours of volunteer service in Extension sponsored horticultural activities within a twelve month period.  These activities are many and varied, so getting your fifty hours in is easy. You can take part in landscaping projects, give talks to gardening groups (team effort here), or most anything else related to horticulture.

   You must also complete ten hours of advanced training. Many of the current Master Gardener Volunteers fulfill this requirement by going on group field trips.

   When you've done all the above you are now a full-fledged Master Gardener Volunteer.

What do Master Gardener Volunteers do?

   They do most anything you can think of. You can volunteer to answer gardening questions at the Brown-OSU Extension office. We also have given talks to various garden clubs and interest groups in the area.

   Many of us had fun this year when we acted as the judges for the 4-H Skillathon at the Brown County Fair. We also act as advisors to the 4-H clubs.

   Besides talks, we also conduct educational meetings and workshops.  And yes, we also get down into the soil to plant and improve the communities' landscaping.

What's this about a rebate?

   If you fulfill all the requirements to become a Master Gardener Volunteer, you are entitled to a large rebate of your initial Master Gardener Classroom Program tuition. Again, the requirements must be done in the twelve-month time period once the intial classroom instruction is over.