Our Mission
Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County are The Ohio State University Extension-trained volunteers empowered to educate residents of Cuyahoga County with timely, environmentally sound, research-based gardening information. We are affiliated with The Ohio State University Extension, part of the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Science.
Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
MGCC embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all our education programs are available to individuals on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran’s status.
Become a Master Gardener
Our next class will begin in January 2026!
Five information sessions are being offered throughout Cuyahoga County in advance of the 2026 Basic Training Program. These sessions will describe the Master Gardener application and interview process, training program, volunteer requirements, and activities.
Please note that applicants are required to have attended one of these sessions. Click here for the flyer.
Tuesday July 22nd, 7 pm – 8 pm
Maple Heights Library, 5225 Library Lane
Monday July 28th, 7 pm – 8 pm
Westlake Porter Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road
Wednesday August 6th, 7 pm – 8 pm
Parma Snow Library, 2121 Snow Road
Saturday August 9th, 10 am to 11 am
Sterling Cleveland Public Library, 2200 E 30th St, Cleveland
Monday August 18th, 7 pm to 8 pm
Orange Library, 31975 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike
Master Gardener Volunteer Basic Training
Typically, Master Gardener training programs are held once per year. Becoming a Master Gardener begins with an application process. Interested individuals are required to:
- Attend a scheduled information session prior to applying.
- Complete an application through our online portal.
- Provide references.
- Complete an interview.
Individuals who are accepted into the program must attend Basic Training sessions. The focus of the training program is on basic horticultural skills that are needed to assist the gardening public. All information and techniques presented in the training program are based on the latest research conducted by the Ohio State University and other leading educational institutions. There will be a final, open-book exam to complete the formal training. New Master Gardeners are awarded their diplomas at our annual meeting.
Topics covered in training include:
Once individuals complete basic training, they are required to fulfill their volunteer commitment. During the first (intern) year, 50 volunteer hours are required to officially become a Master Gardener Volunteer. Volunteer opportunities abound! Share your horticultural knowledge with the community through established Master Gardener programs. After the intern year, Master Gardener maintain their active status by fulfilling annual requirements that include 25 volunteer hours and 10 continuing education hours.
If you would like information on our next class, please sign up here.