How do I become a Master Gardener?

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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 Fall 2020, there will be a Statewide Virtual Purdue EMG Basic Training from August 25 – December 15, 2020 (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 pm (ET)/5:30 – 7:30 pm (CT).  Here in Morgan County, the local county connection hour will be offered at a time that best suites those taking the class.  Once I know who is participating, I will survey those people to see which day of the week and time works best. 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 Purdue Extension- Morgan County office at 180 S. Main Street, Suite 229, Martinsville, IN 46151. You may read or download the policy guide here: http://tinyurl.com/MGstateguide. 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.  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. Pay an additional $25.00 to add the digital version of the manual. • $270.00 for two people sharing a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual. Pay an additional $25.00, to add the digital version of the manual. (Sharing option works best for two people living in the same household.) 

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. 

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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 August 14, 2020. After August 14, 2020, 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 

Statewide Live Webinar Schedule August 25 Purdue EMG Orientation September 1 Plant Science September 8 Soils and Plant Nutrition September 15 Invasive Species September 22 Plant Disease Diagnosis September 29 Weed ID and Control October 6 Insect ID and Control October 13 Pesticide Safety and Alternatives  

October 20 Animal Pests October 27 Herbaceous Ornamentals  November 3 Woody Ornamentals November 10 Fruit Gardening November 17 Lawn Care November 24 No Session December 1 Vegetable Gardening December 8-15 Evaluations and Final Exam  

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 Michele Jones at (765) 342-1012 or jonesm@purdue.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the program.  

Thank you for your interest in the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program!  

Sincerely, 

Michele Jones Extension Educator- Ag & Natural Resources Purdue Extension- Morgan County 180 S. Main Street, Suite 229 Martinsville, IN 46151 Phone (765) 342-1012 Email: jonesm@purdue.edu  

2019 Purdue Master Gardener Class Morgan County