who they are
The Marion County Master Gardeners are a group of trained and certified gardeners who serve the community in volunteer and leadership roles. They serve as garden educators and advocates by educating the public on gardening-related topics.
Contact the Purdue Extension Master Gardener AnswerLine in Marion County for answers to lawn & garden questions in central Indiana. Digital images of garden plants/weeds/plant problems can be sent free of charge for identification/diagnosis.
Master Gardener Answer Line
(317) 275 - 9292
marioncountymg@gmail.com
purpose and history
The Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program is designed to help educate the public about gardening through the use of trained, certified volunteers. The program allows participants to grow by providing them with training in horticulture principles. They, in turn, agree to share their knowledge and help others succeed.
The Cooperative Extension Service created the Master Gardener program. The idea originated in Seattle, Washington, in 1972, and the first regular training program was conducted by Washington State University in the spring of 1973.
The Master Gardener program is administered in Indiana through the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. The program in Indiana officially began in 1978 with four counties: Allen County (Paul Hughes), Lake County (John Begeman), Marion County (Dick Crum) and Vanderburgh County (Allen Boger).
Dick Crum was the Marion County Master Gardener Coordinator from 1978-1996. Steve Mayer served as Marion County Master Gardener Coordinator from 1997-20.
impact
In 2022, there were over 2,700 active Purdue Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Indiana, and these volunteers contributed more than 157,000 volunteer hours worth more than $4.0 million! And there were over 450 new Purdue Extension Master Gardener interns trained in 2022.
2022 Purdue EMG Program Impact
interested in learning about becoming a Master Gardener?
What's involved? When are classes?
Learn MoreWHAT ARE MASTER GARDENERS DOING?
Do you have a plant or pest problem in the garden or landscape? Do you need a garden plant or weed identified? Do you have a question about gardening?
Contact the Purdue Extension Master Gardener AnswerLine in Marion County for answers to lawn & garden questions in central Indiana. Digital images of garden plants/weeds/plant problems can be sent free of charge for identification/diagnosis.
Call 317-275-9292 or e-mail marioncountymg@gmail.com.
The garden demonstrates how to grow food and ornamental plants. Gardeners can see and learn about plants adapted to Indiana and how to care for them. Gardeners can see award-winning All-America Selections (AAS) flowers & vegetables and vegetable gardening techniques like raised beds. It's a place for gardeners to get ideas.
Membership in a Marion County Master Gardener Association is open to anyone who has participated in an approved Extension Master Gardener training program. Complete certification is not necessary prior to membership.
There are currently two Master Gardener associations in Marion County. The Marion County Master Gardener Association (MCMGA) meets during the day and the Garfield Park Master Gardener Association (GPMGA) meets during the evening.
The local Master Gardener associations promote good gardening practices in cooperation with Purdue Extension-Marion County. Membership in one of the associations is encouraged, but not required, to be an active Master Gardener.