OSU Extension: Master Gardener training will begin in April

Connie Smith
·6 min read

Master Gardener Training will begin in April 2024

Do you want to learn more about gardening? Do you have extra time to volunteer? Do you live in Fairfield County? Would you like to be a part of a group that loves learning and teaching others? Then it is time you considered being a part of the 2024 Fairfield County Master Gardener Training slated to begin on Friday, April 12, and run through May 24. All classes will be held on Fridays at the Fairfield County Ag Center, located at 831 College Avenue in Lancaster.

You will have homework as we work our way through the 270-page Master Gardener Manual, which covers everything from soils to woody ornamentals, Fruit, Lawns and so much more. The cost for the program is $150 which includes your online access as well as the Master Gardener binder. The cost for the second participant from the same household is $70. You will also be required to complete a background check through the Ohio State University provider Sterling Talent Solutions approximate cost is $50.

What is the volunteer commitment? 50 hours of volunteer service is required at any of the active projects Fairfield County MGV’s are involved with currently and we are always open to new ideas!!! You have two years to complete your volunteer hours, but we would like to have at least 25 hours completed in 2024. You will have the opportunity to learn more about all our active projects during our training. We will ask that you give back 20 hours of your volunteer work at the Ag Center Project, which is the “home” of the OSU Extension in Fairfield County as a part of your volunteer commitment.

If you are interested and want more information, please reach out to Connie Smith or Carrie Brown at OSU Extension at 740-653-5419.Winter Care for Houseplantsby Mary Jane Frogge, Extension AssociatePrinter-friendly Format or choose the Printable .pdf

Winter house plant care

Winter weather adversely affects growing conditions for houseplants. Proper care during the winter months can help ensure the health of houseplants.

Most houseplants grow well with daytime temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees F and night temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees F. Temperatures below 50 degrees F or rapid temperature fluctuations may damage some plants. Keep houseplants away from cold drafts, radiators, and hot air vents. Also make sure houseplant foliage doesn't touch cold windows.

Many houseplants prefer a humidity level of 40 to 50 percent. Unfortunately, the relative humidity found in many homes during the winter months may be only 10 to 20 percent -- a level too low for many houseplants. Humidifiers are an excellent way to increase the relative humidity in a single room or throughout the entire home. Simple cultural procedures can also increase the relative humidity around houseplants. Group plants together. The water evaporating from the potting soil, plus water lost through the plant foliage (transpiration), will increase the relative humidity in the immediate vicinity of the houseplants. Another method is to place the houseplants on trays (saucers) filled with pebbles or gravel and water. The bottoms of the pots should be above the water level.

In general, houseplants require less frequent watering during the winter months than in spring and summer. Actively growing plants need more water than those at rest during the winter months.

Plant species also affects watering frequency. Ferns prefer an evenly moist soil and should be watered relatively frequently. Cacti and succulents, on the other hand, should not be watered until the potting soil is completely dry. The majority of houseplants fall between these two groups. Most houseplants should be watered when the soil is barely moist or almost dry to the touch.

When watering houseplants, water them thoroughly. Water should freely drain out of the bottoms of the pots. If the excess water drains into a saucer, discard the water and replace the saucer beneath the pot.

Houseplants need to be fertilized periodically when actively growing in the spring and summer. Fertilization is generally not necessary during the winter months because most plants are growing very little or resting. Indoor gardeners can begin to fertilize houseplants in March or April as growing conditions improve and the plants resume growth. Fertilizers are available in numerous forms: liquids, water soluble powders, tablets, spikes, etc. Regardless of the fertilizer type, carefully read and follow label directions.

Dust and grease often accumulate on the leaves of houseplants. The dust and grease not only makes them unattractive, it may slow plant growth. Cleaning houseplants improves their appearance, stimulates growth, and may help control insects and mites.

Large, firm-leafed plants may be cleaned with a soft sponge or cloth. Wash the foliage using a very mild solution of dishwashing soap and tepid water. Another method is to place the plants in the shower and give them a good "bath". Be sure to adjust the water temperature before placing the plants under the shower head.SOURCE: University of Nebraska Extension

Find all the details of the 2024 finished Dairy Beef Steer here!

Fairfield County 4-H and FFA youth now have an additional opportunity to raise and market a meat animal project for the 2024 Fair in the form of the ‘finished’ Dairy Beef Steer project. Dairy Beef Steers must be owned and in the possession of the youth by weigh-in on March 9, 2024, and weigh a minimum of 1100 pounds at weigh-in at the Fair on Saturday, October 5. Each youth entering and showing an eligible finished Dairy Beef Steer will earn one sale slot in the 2024 Junior Fair Livestock Sale. For all the details check out: https://u.osu.edu/fairfield4h/2024/01/24/finished-dairy-beef-steer-project-is-approved-for-2024/

Upcoming events

Private Pesticide Recertification: From 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Fairfield County Ag Center Cost $25.00

Fertilizer Recertification: Noon, Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Fairfield County Ag Center Cost $10.00

Private Fertilizer Recertification: 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at Fairfield County Ag Center Cost $10.

Private Pesticide Recertification: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29 at Fairfield County Ag Center – Cost $25.

Please bring your ODA Fertilizer or Pesticide card with you to the training. All classes will be held at the Fairfield County Agriculture Center, 831 College Ave., Lancaster, OH

For more information or to register online go to: http://go.osu.edu/PestFert

A Matter of Balance: From 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Jan. 18 through Feb. 12 (must attend six of eight classes) at Windsor Place, 141 Graceland Drive.

  • Overcome the fear of falling

  • Recognize fall risk factors

  • Engage in range of motion exercises that increase strength and balance

Registration: Call Linda at 740-681-5050, ext. 119

Slow Cooker Workshop: Join Shannon Carter, Extension Educator and Sandy Bohl, Trained Instructor, with Ohio State University Extension Fairfield County, to learn more about the basics of using a Slow Cooker, including:

  • Meal Planning tips

  • How to save money and time

  • Sample recipes to try

Register at 614-837-4765.Class is slated from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13. Workshop sponsored by The Wagnalls Memorial Library

Save the date: 4-H DAY Slated for March 2, at the Fairgrounds. New 4-H families who need assistance with choosing projects and/or clubs are invited to attend 4-H Day from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at the AAA Building at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.

March 23: Fairfield County Master Gardeners “Dig Into Gardening” at Christ United Methodist Church in Baltimore. Details forthcoming.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Want to be a Master Gardener? Here is what you need to know