About the Purdue Extension Master Gardener program

Purdue Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) receive training in horticulture to equip them to volunteer in assisting Purdue Extension with home horticulture education in local communities.

The requirements for Purdue EMG certification include acceptance into the training through an application and screening process, payment of a registration fee, completion of the EMG Basic Training – which includes passing the open-book final exam with a score of 70 percent 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 six continuing education hours every year in order to stay active.

For fall 2020, there will be a statewide virtual Purdue EMG Basic Training from Aug. 25 – Dec. 15 (includes final exam due date). Many counties have come together to offer this program which includes a local county connection hour. The statewide live webinars will be held on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Here in Putnam County, the local county connection hour will be on Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. each week. This will be offered virtually through a link you will receive. Additionally, an online information sharing platform, Basecamp, will be used to share additional handouts and other information with participants.

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 the Putnam County Extension office (located at 12 Central Square, Greencastle). 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 Jenna Nees at smith535@purdue.edu or 653-8411 to receive a copy.

The staff will be accepting Form EMG-1 and evidence of your government-issued photo ID at the Putnam County Extension office starting July 27. The Putnam County Extension office is open from 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Due to COVID-19, we are doing curbside service. When you arrive at the office, please call 653-8411 and an office staff member will meet you outside to obtain your Form EMG-1 and evidence of your government-issued photo ID.

Form EMG-1 and government-issued photo ID are due by Aug. 11.

The registration deadline is Aug. 13.

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 for an individual registration with a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual. Pay an additional $25 to add the digital version of the manual.

-- $270 for two people sharing a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual. Pay an additional $25 to add the digital version of the manual. (Sharing option works best for two people living in the same household.)

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 Nees at least two weeks prior to the program.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming Events:

Aug. 3 – ServSafe food managers exam – limited space – 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; register at https://purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

Aug. 6 – Medicare and its Alphabet Soup – 5-6 p.m.; join online at https://purdueextension.zoom.us/j/94456165958

Aug. 17 – ServSafe food managers exam – limited space – 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; register at https://purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

Aug. 25 – Purdue Extension Master Gardener course begins, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; contact smith535@purdue.edu for more information on registering.