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 2023, the 2,705 active Purdue Extension Master Gardener volunteers reported 35,959 education hours, 168,399 volunteer hours valued at $4.8 Million, and 349,423 educational contacts.
2023 PURDUE EMG PROGRAM IMPACT
reporting master gardener hours in Marion County
Marion County Master Gardeners can receive information on reporting hours from Barb Schwartz at the Purdue Extension-Marion County office: rusin0@purdue.edu or call 317-275-9279.
To maintain active Master Gardener certification, Purdue Master Gardeners must report a minimum of 12 volunteer hours and 6 training (continuing education) hours each calendar year.
Beginning January 1, 2020, 40 volunteer hours are required for initial Master Gardener certification in Marion County.
How to Report Hours
Report your Master Gardener hours online at: https://www.purdue.edu/mg-volunteer/login.php
Master Gardener Badge Request Form
To order a Master Gardener badge, please complete the Badge Request Form. You can fill it out directly on your computer and email it (keep a copy for your records) or print and complete it by hand.
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.
Marion County Master Gardener Associations