Share passion by becoming a master gardener volunteer

By Marilyn McKinley

OSU master gardener volunteer

Should you consider becoming a master gardener volunteer? A better question is, “Why not?” If you have a love of plants, like to learn, would like sharing your knowledge with a diverse population and would like to make friends with those who share your passion of growing things, becoming a MGV may be right up your alley.

The training – well paced, comprehensive, diversified and practical. You will learn about a wide array of gardening topics, literally, from below the ground and upward. The training is designed to increase your confidence and horticultural skills. We will enable you to help the public with questions and problems about gardening. By participating, you will help contribute to your community. Training will give you the pleasure and reward of working with others who share your interest. Our 2016 training will begin in March.

Time – yes this is a consideration. Not only for the training classes, but beyond as volunteer service. Any volunteer activity takes time and commitment. But the rewards are immense. The diverse activities that await you are amazing. If you like working with children and would like to help them understand the joys of gardening, you can do that. If you enjoy speaking to groups by sharing your favorite garden plants or tips – you can do that. If you are interested in being a detective, identifying plants, pests or plant problems, you can do that. If you enjoy writing, there are opportunities. If you like digging in the soil, planting and caring for plants, you can do that. More ways of volunteering await.

Why did I become a master gardener? I have always grown flowers and vegetables. I love being outside. The wonders of nature fascinates me. I studied to become a biology teacher. I quickly discovered that I just was not cut out to teach high school. But my love for planting, caring for and watching things grow never waned. I grew up on a farm, but I must add, most of my fellow master gardeners grew up in the city or suburbs. Before becoming a master gardener volunteer I thought I knew about gardening. Ha! I hasten to say I unlearned a lot of bad gardening practices, and why they were mostly the stuff of old wives tales or just plain scientifically unsound. I learned why and when to do things correctly. Now don’t ever think just because you have the knowledge you are in control. Mother Nature definitely always has the upper hand. It’s always a challenge with the weather, the weeds, the pests and the diseases. However, understanding more about these challenges and how to deal with them puts you at an advantage.

Come to the fair to visit and talk with us about joining the ranks.

To view details about our 2016 training, go to: http://go.osu.edu/2016training.