When tomato leaves curl or seedlings fail to take hold, Josephine County gardeners can bring their questions to an Oregon State University Extension plant clinic. The people helping them sort through possible causes are local volunteers trained in plant care, soil and pest management. This fall, the program is holding four public sessions for people interested in joining their ranks.
The Josephine County Master Gardener program puts volunteers to work well beyond the plant clinic. They teach gardening classes, share growing techniques in demonstration gardens and help residents choose plants that support pollinators. Some grow produce for local food pantries and schools. Others answer questions one-on-one from people figuring out what will grow in their yards or why a plant that did well last year is struggling now.
The hourlong sessions will cover how to apply, what the training involves and where volunteers can serve in Josephine County. They are open to people who have gardened for years as well as those who are just getting started. Prospective volunteers will have time to ask questions about the program before deciding whether to apply.
Training combines online lessons with hands-on workshops led by OSU faculty and experienced volunteers. Participants study topics such as soil health, plant growth and pest management, then use what they learn in community settings. Certification requires 40 hours of volunteer service. Depending on the assignment, that can mean answering gardening questions by phone or email, helping at a school garden or staffing a plant clinic at a community event.
The first session begins at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, followed by a noon session Tuesday, Nov. 17. The third session will be held online via Zoom at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. The final session begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. All three in-person meetings will take place in Building V at Rogue Community College’s Redwood Campus, 3345 Redwood Highway in Grants Pass.
The local program is part of OSU Extension’s work in all 36 Oregon counties, where the university works with community partners to bring research into everyday use. In Josephine County, that can be as practical as helping someone decide whether a struggling plant needs different care or showing a first-time gardener what to look for before planting.
For more information, including how to join the Dec. 2 Zoom session, call OSU Extension in Josephine County at 541-237-8880. Anyone requesting a disability-related accommodation should contact Stephanie Garcia at that number or at stephanie.garcia@oregonstate.edu at least one week before the session they plan to attend.