Applications are being accepted for the Allen and Van Wert Counties Master Gardener Training Class of 2012. Ohio Master Gardeners attend 50 hours of training and provide 50 hours of volunteer service to the community as volunteer educators. Allen County residents commit to volunteer service in Allen County and Van Wert County residents commit to volunteer service in Van Wert County.
The Training Classes will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Microtel Inn and Suites, 480 Moxie Lane, Delphos. Training will be held each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 25 through Nov. 15. All classes will be held at the Microtel Inn and Suites in Delphos.

Classes will cover topics include: Basic Botany, Soil Science, Fruits and Vegetables, Diagnostics, Herbs, Annuals and Perennials, Trees and Shrubs, Entomology, Houseplants, Landscape Maintenance, Plant Pathology, and Pesticide Safety and Use.
Master Gardener Volunteers are gardening enthusiasts who work together with The Ohio State University Extension to provide such services to their communities as answering gardening questions, beautifying the community, developing community or demonstration gardens, and other horticultural activities.

For more information about the Master Gardener program in Allen County contact Gretchen Staley at 419-302-4234 or email [email protected].