Public Services

Stark County Heirloom Seed Bank

A partnership with the Stark County Main Library; 715 Market Ave N. Canton 44702.  Distributes FREE vegetable, herb, and flower seeds.  Typically opens in early March and runs through the end of June.

  • Learn more about the Community Seed Bank Project and submit your online order for FREE SEEDS! (Click here)
Donors & Volunteers 

Ask a Gardening Question

What's going on in my yard? What is this plant? What is this bug?

  • The Master Gardeners at OSU Extension will answer your questions!
  • Call us: 234-348-6001, option #3.
  • Email us at starkcountymgvolunteerprogram@gmail.com
  • Schedule an appointment to drop by with a sample: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm (We are closed on Federal holidays and weekends)
  • For off-hours, voicemail and email are available. Messages will be returned as soon as we are able and available.

Soil Testing

Soil test kits can be purchased at Stark County Extension office for $15.00. We do not accept credit cards, cash or check only. The standard report results are for pH, acidity, Mehelich 3, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. For an additional fee, you may request optional testing. 

Speaker’s Bureau

The purpose of the Speaker’s Bureau is to provide interesting, accurate, and valuable gardening, agricultural, and horiticultural information to the citizens of Stark County at no cost. Any group or organization may request a presentation.

“Your Master Gardener gave a wonderful and humorous presentation to our library evening meeting. This is a GREAT service.”

– Stark County Friends of the Library

All members of the Speaker’s Bureau are volunteer Master Gardeners who have developed a particular interest, specialty, or expertise on a topic.

These volunteer speakers are willing to share their knowledge and experience with others who may be interested. Each speaker develops the format, length and content of their presentation, which may be tailored to fit with the interests of the requesting organization or group.

“Thanks to Barb for her program on hummingbirds. We look forward to using her tips and to future speakers.”

– Canton Garden Club

Because these presentations are provided by volunteers, they are subject to the individual availability of the presenter.

Presentations by members of the Speaker’s Bureau may be used to:

  • Educate the community
  • Announce events or new projects
  • Train and recruit new volunteers
  • Educate the organization’s members or interns
  • Inspire people to support the local community thru agriculture, horticulture, or gardening
  • Motivate people to donate their time, money, tangible goods or services

*If you are interested in having a Master Gardener Volunteer speak at your event please contact us at 234-348-6001 or download the PDF and mail to:

2800 Richville Dr. SE Suite 100

Massillon, OHio 44646

Download the Stark County MGV Speakers Bureau Request Form

Community Gardens

There are numerous community gardens in Stark County, providing a means for residents to grow their own food, teaching children about nature, and offering food for those in need. Each garden is unique, has its own design, and management structure and policies that support its goals.

Our Master Gardener Volunteers provide guidance to community and group gardens throughout the growing season.

They provide gardening information for the public, offer seeds that have been donated by local businesses, and schedule on-site garden visits during the growing season.

Phenology