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Applying for Master Gardener training
Purdue Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) receive training in horticulture to equip them to volunteer to assist 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 2022, there will be a statewide, virtual Purdue EMG Basic Training from Feb. 1 to May 3 (does not include the 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.
In Putnam County, the local county connection hour will be on Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. each week. Most of the local county connection hours will be held virtual, but a few may be held in person. To complete the course, we ask that you attend both the statewide virtual sessions and the local county connection hours.
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 the local EMG county coordinator or designated Purdue Extension staff. You may download the policy guide at http://tinyurl.com/MGstateguide or contact Jenna Nees at smith535@purdue.edu or 653-8411 to receive a copy.
Upon confirmation of acceptance of your application and providing evidence of a government-issued photo ID, an online registration link will be sent to you. The registration options are listed below:
• $180 for an individual registration with print version of the Purdue EMG Manual; or
• $280 for two people sharing a print version of the Purdue EMG 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 Extension office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Evening and lunch appointments are available upon request.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 4 – Extension office reopens
Jan. 4 – African Violets and the Gesneriad Family, virtual program, 7 p.m., https://tinyurl.com/PutMG22
Jan. 10, 24 – Where Does Your Money Go?, 2-3 p.m., Putnam County Public Library, register at 653-8411
Jan. 11 – Last day to apply for the virtual Master Gardener course starting Feb. 1
Jan. 11 – Local Leadership: Running for Office, Putnam County Fairgrounds, 6-8 p.m., register at: https://tinyurl.com/run4officePutCo22
Jan. 13, 20, 27 – Winter walking group, 9-10 a.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds, register at 653-8411
Jan. 20, 27 – So You’ve Inherited a Farm, Now What?, virtual program, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $25, register at https://cvent.me/a8NVYZ
Jan. 21 – Grow Your Farm Fridays, 9-11:30 a.m., Extension office, $100, register by Jan. 17 at https://cvent.me/l7RdwB
Jan. 25 – Garden conference, 6 p.m., The Beef House, $50, register by Jan. 18 at https://cvent.me/Wr5GyE
Jan. 27 – Putnam County Extension and SWCD annual dinner, $5, 6 p.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds