Signing up for Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program in Hancock County
Thank you for your interest in our next Extension Master Gardener spring 2026 class. Please share this with anyone who may want to join this class in the Spring of 2026.
Our state has developed a virtual EMG class agenda (opens in new window), the class topics may be switched up when finalized, but the dates are the same. Please see all the information on the time, dates, duration, and cost of the class for one or two people in this website as well (opens in new window). The Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program Policy Guide (link below) gives an overview of the entire program and may answer your questions.
Our class at Hancock County is hybrid, meaning you can attend in person at our office or join virtually via Zoom. Attendance is mandatory for both options, as this is a synchronous class.
Next Steps:
-
Review the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program Policy Guide: (opens in new window) Purdue EMG Program Policy Guide
-
Read the EMG Basic Training Cover Letter (opens in new window) to learn about the refund policy for this class and other information for this class.
-
Read, sign, and return the Form EMG-1 Application and Agreement on page 16 in policy guide (opens in new window) by email or by dropping it off at the office.
-
Show evidence of a government-issued photo ID (allow us to see your driver's license with your face at the same time to verify your identity). You can come to the office or Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime with us.
-
Once we reach the minimum number of students (10) for the class, we will send you a CVENT link to pay your registration online.
The state EMG coordinator, John Orick, will send you a WebEx link to start your first class on February 3, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Eastern Time. Attendance for each class is mandatory as part of the learning process.
We will meet in person at our office (address below) or virtually on Zoom for our County Connection. These sessions will take place:
-
Before the state meeting: 6:00 pm - 6:25 pm
-
After the state meeting: 8:35 pm - 9:00 pm
Please let us know if you have questions or concerns about any part of these requirements.
Important Dates:
Sign-up deadline: January 14, 2026, by 11:59 pm EST
Office hours and location: Monday to Friday, 8 am - 4 pm at 972 E. Park Ave, Greenfield, Indiana (north of the Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds).
If we do not reach the minimum number of participants by the deadline, we will not be able to hold the class in Hancock County.
Lais McCartney, MS
Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator
972 E. Park Ave.
Greenfield, IN 46140
o: 317-462-1113 f: 317-462-2424
Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity university.
Contact Us
Lais McCartney
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources &
Master Gardener Coordinator - Hancock County
317-462-1113
The Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program is an integral part of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and provides the residents of Indiana a chance to grow. Find information about the upcoming class when it becomes available. Under the guidance and support of Purdue Extension, selected residents of a county voluntarily begin a training program specifically designed to prepare them to help others grow.
The program provides a learning framework for participants to increase their knowledge on a wide variety of horticultural subjects.
When these volunteers complete the 14- to 16-week in-person Basic Training program* (one 3-hour class per week) and pass an examination (at least a 70% score), they are then identified by the county and Purdue as Master Gardener Interns. The Master Gardener Interns are expected to complete 40 volunteer service hours, representing the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. They help others grow by sharing knowledge while providing leadership and service in educational gardening activities within their communities, under the guidance of the local Program Coordinator. Visit our Become a Master Gardener page for concise details about becoming one of our newest Extension Master Gardeners.
When the minimum volunteer commitment has been fulfilled, volunteers are certified as Extension Master Gardeners. Master Gardeners remain active by completing six hours of educational training and twelve hours of volunteer service per year. Advanced levels of certification are offered to help with the recognition and retention of volunteers.
Also, if you would like local information or are part of a local community group that would like to have a Master Gardener teach your group about a gardening topic, please contact the Purdue Extension office in Hancock County at 317-462-1113 or lmccartn@purdue.edu. Please allow plenty of time to make arrangements.
- Report Volunteer or Education Hours in Master Gardener Manager (online reporting system)
- Purdue Master Gardener Program Policy Guide (MG-5-W) Revised Oct. 2019, policies effective Jan. 1, 2020
- New volunteer application: see Appendix B (also available below under "Related Files")
- Annual agreement for current Master Gardeners: see Appendix C (normally done through online system)
- If you are interested in the next (or a future) Extension Master Gardener Basic Training class, please call our office at 317-462-1113 to leave your name and contact information so we can send you detailed information when available. See Become a Master Gardener page for more details or this brochure.