Become an Extension Master Gardener

The Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program is an integral part of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and provides the citizens of Indiana a chance to grow.  The original Master Gardener program was created in 1973 in Seattle, Washington in response to the overwhelming demand for home gardening information. Indiana’s program began in 1978 with 4 participating counties. Currently, over 50 Indiana counties have active Extension Master Gardener programs.

The Program provides a learning framework for participants to increase their knowledge on a wide variety of horticultural subjects. In turn, participants volunteer and help others grow by sharing knowledge while providing leadership and service in educational gardening activities within their communities.

Did you know?

In 2023, there were over 2,700 active Purdue Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Indiana, and these volunteers contributed more than 168,000 volunteer hours worth more than $4.8 million!  And, there were over 300 new Purdue Extension Master Gardener interns trained in 2023.

Just some examples of Purdue Extension Master Gardener volunteer activities in local Indiana communities:

• Presenting educational programs
• Working with youth (Junior Master Gardeners, 4-H, schools, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc.)
• Q & A Booths
• Habitat for Humanity
• Community & demonstration gardens
• Donations of produce to local food banks (i.e. from community, demo, and plant a row for the hungry)
• Hort therapy for elderly (nursing homes) & at-risk youth
• Community beautification
• And more…

Become Part of the Purdue Extension Network

The Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program makes the latest information about gardening and home horticulture available to people like you — individuals with a deep interest in gardening.

Purdue Extension Master Gardener Volunteers help others grow by sharing what they learn and by leading educational gardening activities in their communities.

The Master Gardener Program model began in 1973 in Seattle, Washington, in response to public demand for home gardening information. Indiana’s program started in 1978 with four counties: Allen, Lake, Marion, and Vanderburgh. Currently, many Indiana counties offer the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program.

Gain Gardening Knowledge and Skills

As part of the program, you'll attend at least 40 hours of training. Each class lasts three to four hours.

You’ll learn more about:

• Plant science
• Plant nutrition
• Soil science
• Pest identification, diagnosis, and control for:
  • Animals
  • Insects
  • Plant diseases
  • Weeds
  • Invasive species
• Pesticide safety and pesticide alternatives
• Care of specific plant types:
  • Home lawns
  • Herbaceous ornamentals
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Woody ornamentals

In addition, you may learn about:

• Indoor gardening
• Landscape design
• Yard waste management

Get Trained, Have Fun, and Get Certified

After the training classes, you will take an exam. If you score 70 percent or higher, you will become an Extension Master Gardener Intern.

To be a certified Purdue Extension Master Gardener, you must also volunteer at least 40 hours in approved activities within two years of completing the training. To remain active, Purdue Extension Master Gardeners must continue to volunteer a minimum of 12 hours a year and earn six hours of approved training each year.

Visit Your Purdue Extension Office to Learn More!

Get trained as a Purdue Extension Master Gardener through the Purdue Extension office in your county. To learn more, visit the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program website.

Or, you may contact the state coordinator’s office to determine which Purdue Extension office offers the Purdue Extension Master Gardener program near you.

The Cost

You’ll pay $150-$200 for materials and expenses

1. Find a Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program near you by clicking on the appropriate icon on the map below or searching by city.
2. Contact the County Extension Master Gardener Coordinator who will provide registration information and a copy of the Purdue EMG Program Policy Guide (MG-5 –W) and volunteer application and agreement form (Form EMG-1). Ask your local EMG County Coordinator for more information and required form.
3. Complete the volunteer application and agreement form and return it to the local Purdue Extension office with registration fee payment and any additional registration information. You will also be asked to show evidence of a government-issued photo ID.
4. Get connected with other gardeners and learn more about horticulture by attending a series of weekly classes, each lasting 3 to 4 hours.
5. Complete the required training and pass an exam with a score of 70% or above to become a Purdue EMG Intern!
6. Give back to your community by volunteering at least 40 hours to be certified as a Purdue Extension Master Gardener. (Some county requirements may vary, talk to your EMG County Coordinator for details.)