Indiana Noble County Master Gardeners

Extension Master Gardeners are volunteers of Purdue Extension who serve in the local community to provide horticultural knowledge to local residents.

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 EMG’s 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 must complete 12 volunteer and 6 continuing education hours annually to stay active.  

 

Program Information

Noble and Whitley Counties: Monday nights, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 8 - Dec. 15, 2025

Deadlines:

• Aug. 25, 2025: Deadline for submission of application for the local in-person class
• Sept. 1, 2025: Payment deadline for state-wide virtual class (through our system called "cvent")

Files:

General Program Brochure (prices subject to change)

Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program Policy Guide

Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Application and Agreement Form

Whitley County Master Gardener Scholarship Application

2025 Preliminary Schedule

2025 Master Gardener Basic Training Flyer (Noble and Whitley County in-person training)

 

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

Step 1: Application approval by local EMG County Coordinator

Please read the Purdue EMG Program Policy Guide and complete, sign, and return the Purdue EMG Volunteer Application and Agreement (Form EMG-1) 

Policy Guide: extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/mg/mg-5-w.pdf

Application: extension.purdue.edu/county/whitley/_docs/emg-1-volunteer-application-and-agreement.pdf

Applicants are required to show evidence of a government issued photo ID prior to application approval, which may be done through a virtual or in-person appointment with the Extension office.

Application deadline: 8/25/25

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

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

• $175.00 for an individual registration; includes a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual
• $270.00 for two people sharing the Purdue EMG Manual (works best for people living in the same household)
• Participants can add a digital version of the manual for an additional $25.00

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

Refund Policy

Cancellation prior to 9/1/2025 incurs a charge of 12% of registration fee + $5.00. After 9/1/2025, no refunds will be issued. Purdue University is not responsible for expenses incurred due to cancellations by registrants and reserves the right to cancel. Full refunds are issued in the event that Purdue University cancels the program.

If you require auxiliary aids or services, or for other program-related concerns, please contact your local educator at least 2 weeks prior to the program.

 

 

 

 

STEP 1: Access and read a copy of the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program Policy Guide.  Then complete the Volunteer Application and Agreement Form and return it to the Noble County Extension office (109 N York St. Albion) or kline60@purdue.edu. For questions, call 260-636-2111. Applicants are required to show evidence of a government issued photo ID prior to application approval, which may be done through a virtual or in-person appointment with the Extension office.

STEP 2: After your application is approved, you will be given a link to enroll and make payment. (Alternatively, you may enroll in a state-sponsored virtual class offering, if available). 

• $175.00 for an individual registration; includes a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual
• $270.00 for two people sharing the Purdue EMG Manual (works best for people living in the same household)

STEP 3: Participate in the 14-session class, and pass the final exam with at least a 70% score. Upon passing the final exam, you become an Extension Master Gardener Intern.

STEP 4: Give back to your community by volunteering.