The time has finally come to announce this year’s plans for a Fall 2021 class of Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic Training. Read on to find out more and please feel free to reach out with any questions. Feel free to forward and share with anyone who may be interested in participating.
Dear Prospective Purdue Extension Master Gardener:
Thank you for your interest in the Purdue Extension Master Gardener (EMG) 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 in order to stay active.
Program Information
For Fall 2021, there will be a Local In-person Purdue EMG Basic Training from September 16, 2021 – January 27, 2022 (includes final exam date). The local county in person sessions will be from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Thursdays each week, with a few optional field trips/garden tours that will be announced at a later date. Sessions will NOT be recorded, and it is mandatory that you attend all sessions. In cases of emergency, absences may be excused, and the material missed will be provided to you in an alternate format.
Application and Registration Information
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 783 S Marr Rd. Columbus, IN 47201. All applicants are also required to consent to national and state sex and violent offender registry checks and provide evidence of a government issued photo ID to your local EMG County Coordinator or designated Purdue Extension staff. You may download the policy guide here: http://tinyurl.com/MGstateguide or contact Bartholomew County Extension to receive a copy. Form EMG-1 is also attached for your convenience.
Upon confirmation of acceptance of your application and providing evidence of 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 with print version of Purdue EMG Manual.
- $275.00 for two people sharing a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual. (Sharing option works best for two people living in the same household.)
Your copy(ies) of the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Manual will be shipped to you prior to the start of the training.
Refund Policy
There is a fee of $25.00, if you cancel your registration prior to September 9, 2021. After September 9, 2021 there are no refunds. 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 in the event that Purdue University cancels the program.
Class Schedule of Topics
Sept 16 - Orientation and Pretest
Sept 23 - Plant Science
Sept 30 – Fruit Gardening and Pruning
Oct 7 – Pesticides and Safety
Oct 14 – Insect ID/Environmental Stewardship
Oct 21 – Invasive Species
Oct 28 – Soils and Nutrition
Nov 4 – Lawn Care
Nov 11 (This session virtual for Veteran’s Day) – Plant Disease Diagnosis
Dec 2 – Weed ID and Control
Dec 9 – Animal Pests
Jan 6 – Herbaceous Ornamentals
Jan 13 – Woody Ornamentals
Jan 20 – Vegetable Gardening
Jan 27 – Final Exam, Post Test, Survey
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 contact Cora Carter, Bartholomew County Extension Master Gardener Coordinator at least two weeks prior to the program.
Thank you for your interest in the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program!
Sincerely,
Cora J. Carter
Purdue Extension – Bartholomew County
County Extension Director
Ag and Natural Resources Educator
Community Development Educator