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 are also required to complete at least 12 volunteer and 6 continuing education hours every year in order to stay active.
Program Information
For Spring 2021, there will be a Statewide Virtual Purdue EMG Basic Training from March 3 – June 2 (with completion of final exam after June 2). Many counties have come together to offer this program which includes a local county connection hour. The statewide live webinars will be held on Wednesdays, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm (ET)/12:30 – 2:30 pm (CT). Here in Dearborn/Decatur/Ohio/Ripley County, the local county connection hour will be on Thursdays at 5pm each week. This will be offered virtually through a link you will receive with the possibility of in-person field trips being discussed during the first local connection hour.
Application and Registration Information (Two-Step Process to participate)
Step 1: Application approval by local EMG County Coordinator
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 Jeff Hermesch at 545 S Co Rd 200 W Greensburg, IN 47240 may or jhermesch@purdue.edu. You may download the policy guide here: https://extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/mg/mg-5-w.pdf or contact Jeff Hermesch at 812-663-8388 or jhermesch@purdue.edu to receive a copy. All applicants are also required to show evidence of a government issued photo ID to your local EMG County Coordinator or designated Purdue Extension staff prior to approval of their application. Virtual options or an in-person appointment can be utilized to complete this requirement.
The application deadline is February 12, 2021, 11:59 pm (ET).
Step 2: Registration and payment of fees through online registration portal
Registration with payment of fees to open early January.
Upon approval 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 which includes a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual.
- $270.00 for two people sharing the Purdue EMG Manual. (Sharing option works best for two people living in the same household.)
Once your payment is confirmed, your copy of the Purdue EMG Manual will be shipped to you prior to the start of the training. Information about the about the availability/cost of adding a digital version of the manual will be provided when available.
Deadline for online registration and payment of fees is February 22, 2021, 11:59 pm (ET).
Refund Policy
If you cancel your registration prior to February 22, 11:59 pm (ET), you will be charged 12% of the registration fee + $5.00. There are no refunds after February 22, 2021. 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.
Statewide Live Webinar Schedule
March 3 Purdue EMG Orientation
March 10 Plant Science
March 17 Soils and Plant Nutrition
March 24 Animal Pests
March 31 Plant Disease Diagnosis
April 7 Weed ID and Control
April 14 Insect ID and Control
April 21 Invasive Species
April 28 Pesticide Safety and Alternatives
May 5 Herbaceous Ornamentals
May 12 Woody Ornamentals
May 19 Fruit Gardening
May 26 Lawn Care
June 2 Vegetable Gardening
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 Jeff Hermesch (jhermesch@purdue.edu or 812-663-8388) at least 2 weeks prior to the program.
Thank you for your interest in the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program!
Sincerely,
John Hawley Jeff Hermesch Jill Andrew-Richards Dave Osborne
Dearborn County Decatur County Ohio County Ripley Countyhawley4@purdue.edujhermesch@purdue.edujmrichards@purdue.eduosbornda@purdue.edu