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).
Impact
In 2025, there were over 2,700 active Purdue Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Indiana, and these volunteers contributed more than 165,000 volunteer hours worth more than $4.0 million!
Welcome to the Porter County Purdue Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program!!
The local coordinator is Nikky Witkowski that has been serving Porter County since 2018 and working with the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program since 2007! Here you will see information on the latest EMG classes in Porter County as well as information on what you need to know as a Porter County EMG volunteer.
If you are looking for a session to join, feel free to contact the Purdue Extension-Porter County Office to be added to our mailing list for prospective applicants at 219-465-3555 or porterces@purdue.edu . Once a class is determined, you will then be emailed/mailed the class information to determine if you can join us during that session! Below are the current opportunities
click here to download the current application
Click here to find a session in another County
When you have questions on what counts for hours or need a form to fill out in order to submit your hours, here are some resources for you. If in doubt, feel free to email the coordinator, Nikky Witkowski, at nikky@purdue.edu
What Counts for Hours--Under Construction
Record Sheet for Hours--Under Construction
Porter County has a thriving EMG association! Please check the Porter County Master Gardener Association out at: www.pcgarden.info The have a lot of great educational opportunities including presentations, program, and grants/scholarships for those in the community.
Need Gardening Advice?
Feel free to call the Extension Office in April through October to get your gardening questions answered by Purdue Extension Master Gardeners at 219-465-3555!