By Andi Anderson
Visitors to the Ohio State Fair often arrive with questions about their gardens, lawns, trees, and landscapes. Whether they are dealing with plant diseases, insect damage, or growing challenges, they can find expert guidance at the Ask-a-Master Gardener Volunteer booth.
The program is supported by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) through Ohio State University Extension. At the booth, trained Master Gardener Volunteers provide free, research-based advice to help visitors solve common gardening problems and improve their gardening success.
Fairgoers frequently bring photos, plant samples, or descriptions of issues they are facing at home. Questions range from vegetables that are not producing well to concerns about insects, lawn care, trees, flowers, and wildlife. The goal is to provide practical solutions based on scientific research rather than unverified online information.
According to Pam Bennett, CFAES Associate Professor and Statewide Director of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, the volunteers play an important role in educating homeowners and gardeners. She said, “It’s a friendly face who will do what they can to help someone with a gardening question. All of our Master Gardener Volunteers have gardening experience, and all are willing to help people learn more about good gardening habits.”
One of the most common topics discussed during a recent fair was the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that has become a growing concern in many areas. Mike Hogan, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with the Franklin County Office of Ohio State Extension, noted that visitors frequently sought information about identifying and managing the pest. He said, “Folks had questions about how to deal with this pest, so Master Gardener Volunteers were able to educate them and send them home with resources they could use.”
The booth helps visitors throughout the year by answering questions related to seasonal gardening challenges. Topics often include seed starting, soil testing, pest management, vegetable gardening, and landscape maintenance. Volunteers use the latest university research to provide accurate and reliable recommendations.
Bennett emphasized the value of trustworthy information, stating, “There is a lot of information available on the internet, and just because it’s available doesn’t mean it’s right. Our Master Gardener Volunteers are trained to find the most current, research-based information and help consumers use it.”
She further explained, “We are not selling products or services. We just want to help them have a successful experience in the landscape and garden.”
Located in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Natural Resources Park, the booth also helps visitors learn about local Extension services. Many people discover for the first time that Extension offices and Master Gardener programs are available in their own communities.
Hogan highlighted the dedication of volunteers, saying, “Master Gardener Volunteers love helping gardeners. They love the challenge of diagnosing problems and coming up with solutions that make people’s gardening efforts more successful.”
Through community events, local offices, and online services, Master Gardener Volunteers continue to expand Ohio State Extension’s outreach. Their commitment to sharing reliable, research-based knowledge helps gardeners make informed decisions and achieve greater success in their landscapes and gardens.
Photo Credit: greta-hoffman
Categories: Ohio, Education