Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, led a hands-on workshop on plant propagation as part of the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic Training program in Huntington County. Twenty participants explored common houseplant propagation techniques, while learning the science behind plant cloning and root development. The session emphasized practical methods that participants can use to successfully…Read more about Karen Mitchell Led Propagation Workshop for EMG Basic Training[Read More]
Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, was recently featured in Southern Living discussing whether dandelions should be considered weeds or flowers. In the article, Mitchell explained that dandelions can be either, depending on the gardener’s goals and perspective. Her interview encouraged gardeners to think intentionally about lawn management, biodiversity, and the role plants play in…Read more about Karen Mitchell featured in Southern Living[Read More]
Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, delivered a timely presentation, “Finding Your Friends: Beneficial Bug ID,” to a full room at the Tippecanoe County Master Gardener monthly meeting. The session emphasized the important role insects and spiders play in supporting ecological services, including pest control and pollination. Attendees learned to distinguish beneficial species from common…Read more about Karen Mitchell Presents Beneficial Bug ID Program to Local Master Gardeners[Read More]
Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, and Gina Anderson, ANR/CD Extension educator in Floyd County, were featured on the Hoosier Ag Today “Your Community Podcast” to discuss Purdue Extension’s Grass to Garden program. They shared how the program supports communities in transforming underutilized green spaces into productive gardens to enhance access to fresh food and…Read more about Purdue Extension’s Grass to Garden Program Spotlighted on Hoosier Ag Today[Read More]
On Wednesday, John Orick, Karen Mitchell, and Pam Fisher spent the day setting up the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Plant‑Info‑to‑Go Booth for the Indiana Flower and Patio Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The show runs March 14–22, 2026, with the booth located in the Exposition Hall. Throughout the event, Extension Master Gardener volunteers will…Read more about EMG Plant‑Info‑to‑Go Booth Returns to the Indiana Flower and Patio Show[Read More]
Extension professionals from the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department and the Diversified Farming and Food Systems Team hosted the first-ever combined Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds and Conference Complex, March 3-5, 2026. With a total of 64 educational sessions, 22 research posters, and several demonstrations to choose from over…Read more about Purdue Hosts First‑Ever Combined Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference, Bringing Nearly 200 Participants Together for Three Days of Learning and Collaboration[Read More]
Ashley Adair hosted the Indiana Organic Grain Farmer Meeting on Wednesday, February 18 at the Beck Center in West Lafayette. The event was a success with 80 participants and 17 exhibitors. Joel Gruver, Professor at Western Illinois University and nationally renown organic researcher, provided the keynote address on taking organic farming to the “next level.”…Read more about Ashley Adair Hosted Indiana Organic Grain Farmer Meeting[Read More]
Recently, Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, delivered two horticulture programs for Extension Master Gardeners and the public. At the Marion County Spring Garden Clinic, she presented When a Tree Falls in the Garden: From Shade to Sun, equipping participants to assess site changes after tree loss and redesign the space for perennials, cut flowers,…Read more about Karen Mitchell Shares Practical Approaches to Garden Renewal and Plant Propagation[Read More]
Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, shares expert tips on keeping your poinsettia healthy well beyond the festive season in Purdue Ag’s story, Pampering your poinsettia and crafting poinsettia plant pressings after the holidays. Plus, discover her creative approach to preserving its beauty through poinsettia plant pressings—a perfect post-holiday project for gardeners and crafters alike!
On December 5, 2025, during the 2025 Purdue Extension Professional Development Conference, the PUCESA section of the Indiana Extension Professionals Association (IEPA) announced their award winners (more information here about PUCESA awards). We’re pleased to announce that Ashley Adair, Extension Organic Agriculture Specialist, and the Purdue Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program were award winners representing…Read more about Ashley Adair and Purdue EMG Program Honored at Purdue Extension Professional Development Conference[Read More]