Dear Prospective Purdue Extension Master Gardener

Thank you for your interest in the Purdue Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Statewide Basic Training. Our main objective is to train volunteers to assist Purdue Extension with home horticulture education in local communities.  Purdue EMGs receive training in horticulture to equip them to fulfill this educational role through volunteering in a variety of projects approved by their local EMG County Coordinator (Purdue Extension Educator). The requirements for Purdue EMG certification include acceptance into the training through an application and screening process, payment of registration fee, completion of the EMG Basic Training, which includes passing the open-book final exam with a score of 70% or higher, and contributing at least 40 hours of volunteer service approved by the local EMG County Coordinator within two years. Purdue Extension Master Gardeners are also required to complete at least 12 volunteer and 6 continuing education hours every year to stay active.  

Program Information

For Spring 2026, there will be a Statewide Virtual Purdue EMG Basic Training from February 3 – May 5 (with the final exam completed after May 5). Many counties have come together to offer this program which includes a local county connection hour. The statewide live webinars will be held on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm (ET) / 5:30 – 7:30 pm (CT). Here in Hancock County, the local county connection hour will be on the same days as the statewide meetings, at 6:00-6:25 and 8:35 – 9 pm EST each week. This will be offered live at 972 E. Park Ave, Greenfield, IN 46140, or online via a Zoom link sent closer to the time, both with mandatory attendance.

Application and Registration Information (Two-Step Process to participate)

Step 1: Application approval by the local EMG County Coordinator

Please read the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program Policy Guide and complete, sign, and return the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Application and Agreement (Form EMG-1) to the Purdue Extension Hancock County office, 972 E. Park Ave. Greenfield, IN 46140  You may download the policy guide here: https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/mg/mg-5-w.pdf  (opens in new window) or contact our office at HancockCES@purdue.edu (email opens in new window) to receive a copy. The Purdue EMG Application and Approval Form (Form EMG-1) can be found here on page 16 (opens policy guide in new window). All applicants are also required to present a government-issued photo ID to their local EMG County Coordinator or to designated Purdue Extension staff before their application is approved. Virtual options or an in-person appointment can be utilized to complete this requirement.

 

The application deadline is January 14, 2026, 11:59 pm (ET).

 

Step 2: Registration and payment of fees through the online registration portal

Upon approval of your application and providing evidence of a government-issued photo ID, an online registration link will be sent to you. The registration options are listed below:

  • $185.00 for an individual registration, which includes a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual.
  • $290.00 for two people sharing the Purdue EMG Manual. (Sharing option works best for two people living in the same household.)
  • Participants can add a digital version of the manual for an additional $25.00.

Once your payment is confirmed, your copy of the Purdue EMG Manual will be shipped to you before the start of the training.

Registration site to open by early December 2025.

Refund Policy

If you cancel your registration before January 21, 2026, 11:59 pm (ET), you will be charged 12% of the registration fee + $5.00. There are no refunds after January 21, 2026, 11:59 pm (ET). Purdue University is not responsible for expenses incurred due to cancellations by registrants. Purdue University reserves the right to cancel any program. Registrants will receive a full refund if Purdue University cancels the program.

 

Statewide Live Webinar Schedule


February 3      Purdue EMG Orientation

February 10    Plant Science

February 17    Soils and Plant Nutrition

February 24    Invasive Species

March 3           Plant Disease Diagnosis

March 10         Weed ID and Control

March 17         Animal Pests

March 24         Pesticide Safety and Alternatives

March 31         Fruit Gardening

April 7              Herbaceous Ornamentals

April 14            Woody Ornamentals

April 21            Insect ID and Control

April 28            Lawn Care

May 5              Vegetable Gardening

 

Purdue is committed to making all programs accessible to participants. If you require auxiliary aids or services, or if you have other program-related concerns, please get in touch with Lais McCartney at lmccartn@purdue.edu (opens in new window) or 317-462-1113 at least 2 weeks before the program.

 

Thank you for your interest in the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program!

Sincerely,

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.