2026 Statewide Virtual Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic Training
2026-02-03 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Registration is now closed!

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

January 27
Test Connect Session (optional) – test your connection and become familiar with virtual platform

February 3
Purdue EMG Orientation

February 10
Plant Science

February 17
Soils and Plant Nutrition

February 24
Invasive Species

March 3
Plant Disease Diagnosis

March 10
Weed ID and Control

March 17
Animal Pests

March 24
Pesticide Safety and Alternatives

March 31
Fruit Gardening

April 7
Herbaceous Ornamentals

April 14
Woody Ornamentals

April 21
Insect ID and Control

April 28
Lawn Care

May 5
Vegetable Gardening

After May 5
Final Exam and post-program survey

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, Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 pm (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.
