The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Program is a volunteer educational program designed to meet the horticultural needs of citizens of Ohio. Its purpose is to train volunteers and utilize their expertise to teach people more about plants, their culture, and  their importance to the environment and to our quality of life. Master Gardener volunteers provide technical assistance to their county Extension Office in order that consumer horticulture activities and programs can be more effectively and efficiently carried out. Master Gardener trainees receive formal training covering a wide range of pertinent horticultural topics. To become a Master Gardener, the trainee must complete the training program, pass the required exams, and volunteer 50 hours to Extension.