2026 Statewide Virtual Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic Training

Date/Time
Date(s) - 02/03/2026
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Categories

• 2026 Purdue MG Basic Training

The Purdue Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program will hold a statewide virtual Extension Master Gardener Basic Training on Tuesdays, February 3 through May 5, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 PM ET / 5:30-7:30 PM CT via live webinars. Final exam given after May 5.  There will also be a weekly local connection hour with your county’s Extension Master Gardener coordinator. The day, time, and place for the local connection hour will be determined by your county’s EMG coordinator and could be in person, a virtual web meeting, or a combination of both (see meeting time information below).

Please note: Attendance at the live scheduled statewide webinars and county connections is required to complete the EMG Basic Training. Watching recorded sessions for an unexpected absence(s) should be discussed with the hosting EMG County Coordinator.

Tentative Statewide Webinar Schedule

Steps for Participating in the Training

Step 1: Application:  Deadline is January 14, 2026, 11:59 pm (ET)

Contact a hosting EMG County Coordinator and they will send you the application information (see below). If you don’t see your county listed, you may be able to complete the training through one of the host counties listed below and transfer to your home county to volunteer. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to participate. 

Step 2: Registration and Fees (After your application is approved, you will receive registration and payment information from your host EMG County Coordinator.)

• $185.00 for an individual registration with print version of Purdue EMG Manual.
• $290.00 for two people sharing a print version of the Purdue EMG Manual, both will need application approval prior to registering and paying.
• Participants will be able to purchase a digital version of the manual for an additional $25.00.

Spring 2026 Virtual EMG Basic Training Host Counties and Contacts

(If you don’t see your county listed, you may be able to complete the training through one of the host counties listed below and transfer to your home county for volunteer service.) 

• Allen
  • Cora Hill: hill272@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: Live virtual only, Mondays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm (ET)
• Boone
  • Andrea Hatfield: alhatfie@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: In-person, every other Thursday, 6:30-8:30 pm (ET)
• Fountain/Warren/Benton
  • Adam Tyler (Fountain): tylerat@purdue.edu
  • Jon Charlesworth (Warren/Benton): charles6@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: Live virtual only, Tuesdays, 5:00 – 6:00 pm (ET)
• Hamilton
  • Courtney Lockwood: tate9@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: In-person, every other Thursday, 6-8 pm (ET)
• Hancock/Shelby
  • Lais McCartney: lmccartn@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: In-person with live virtual option, Tuesdays, 6:00-6:25 and 8:35 – 9:00 pm (ET)
• Knox/Daviess
  • Valerie Clingerman (Knox): clingerman@purdue.edu
  • Sarah Brackney (Daviess): sbrackne@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: Live virtual, Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm (ET). All are live virtual except February 25 (in-person) and a graduation party (in-person), May 13.
• Marion
  • Carey Grable: cagrable@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: Live virtual only, Thursdays, 5:30 pm (ET)
• Monroe/Brown/Lawrence
  • Mary Callahan (Brown/Monroe): mccallag@purdue.edu
  • Kassi Shelton (Lawrence):  kas@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: In-person with virtual option, Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm (ET)
• Newton
  • Jamie Reed: reed258@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: In-person with virtual option, Mondays, Time TBD
• Porter
  • Nikky Witkowski: nikky@purdue.edu 
  • County Connection: In-person, Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30 (CT)
• Tipton/Howard
  • Mathias Ingle (Howard): rmingle@purdue.edu
  • Diana Davis (Tipton): ddavis36@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: Live virtual only, Time TBD
• Vigo
  • Tabby Flinn: carroll@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: Live virtual only, Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm (ET)
• Wayne
  • Beth Vansickle (Madison/Wayne interim): bleonhar@purdue.edu
  • County Connection: In-person with virtual option if needed, Tuesdays, Time TBD.

If you have questions, please contact mastergardener@purdue.edu.

Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

If you are in need of accommodations to attend this event, please call John Orick at 765-496-7956 or by email at orick@purdue.edu no later than January 14,  2026. If you have dietary needs, please denote that during the conference registration process.

If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact John Orick at 765-496-7956 or by email at orick@purdue.edu no later than January 14, 2026.