People interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer follow a volunteer selection process. The first step in this process is to inquire about an application at the Miami County Extension office. The process also includes attendance at an Intern Orientation and Meet Your Mentor one week before the first class and completing a fingerprint background check.
As part of their training, interns must complete 50 hours of horticulture education (arranged by Miami County Extension) and donate 50 hours of time back to the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Having acquired the necessary education hours and giving the required volunteer hours, interns acheive Master Gardener Volunteer status.
For each Master Gardener Volunteer, 10 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer work, along with a $20.00 fee are required each year to maintain Master Gardener status.
Miami County currently has 52 Master Gardener Volunteers and 20 Master Gardener Volunteer interns actively pursuing horticulture activities. Their commitment to the health and beauty of our community is greatly appreciated!
To learn more about the Master Gardener Volunteer program in Miami County, download this informational brochure or contact the Miami County Extension office.
The next in-person training class will be held Tuesdays, February 4 through March 25, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Apply below or email bennett.709@osu.edu with questions. There will be a mandatory orientation on January 28 from 2 - 4 p.m. Deadline for early bird registration is October 15, 2024.
Master Gardener Projects
The Master Gardener Volunteer program of Miami County is currently involved in the following special projects:
- Pruning Workshop
- Community Plant Sale
- Miami County in Bloom (biannual garden tour - even years)
- Fall Farm Fest at Lostcreek Preserve
- Tipp City's Christmas in the Village
- The Garden Tribe - Piqua Central Intermediate School
- Miami County Fair each August
- Scholarship program