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…
Want to know how you can become a Purdue Extension Master Gardener?
Join the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program and Help Others Grow.
For more detailed information about the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program, please review:
HO-184 - Purdue EMG Brochure