About

LA PORTE COUNTY EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS

The La Porte County Extension Master Gardeners Association (LPCMGA) works in a cooperative partnership with the La Porte County Purdue Extension Office Master Gardener Program.

The La Porte County Extension Master Gardeners Association is non-profit and organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. The mission of the Association is to fulfill the Purdue University Extension Master Gardener Program’s aim of “Helping Others Grow.” We accomplish this by  promoting and demonstrating  good gardening and horticulture practices, in cooperation with the La Porte County Extension Office, Purdue University, and the Purdue University Extension Master Gardener Program.

NOTE: It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.

What is Master Gardeners?

The Purdue University Extension Master Gardener Program is sponsored by Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service through the local La Porte County Extension Office.

It is a volunteer training program designed to meet the information needs of the local gardening community. Its specific aim is to provide information and technical assistance about gardening and home horticulture through the use of qualified volunteers.

How do I become a Master Gardener?

To become a Master Gardener, you must complete a Master Gardener volunteer application and agreement, be selected from a pool of applicants, complete the training program, and pass an examination administered by the local Extension Educator. Upon doing so,  your designation will be a Master Gardener Intern until achieving 40 hours of volunteer service through the La Porte County Extension Office.

Priority will be given to La Porte County residents and those who will fulfill the volunteer commitment. Contact the La Porte County Extension Service for applications at 219-324-9407.

What is the connection with Purdue University?

Each state has a university designated as its land grant college. In Indiana, this is Purdue University. As the land grant college, Purdue is charged with the responsibility to do research and teaching on agricultural and horticultural issues in Indiana. Much of the teaching is performed by the Purdue College of Agriculture, through the Extension Service, which has an office in each county in Indiana. 

Each county has a person designated as the Extension Educator – Agriculture & Natural Resources, who works with the people in that community to answer the agriculture and horticulture questions. If there is interest, the Extension Educator can organize a Master Gardener program. Not all counties offer a Master Gardener program. Currently there are Purdue University Extension Master Gardener Programs in 86 Indiana counties.

Why should I become a Master Gardener?

Through the Master Gardener training sessions, you become knowledgeable about a wide array of gardening subjects. This knowledge will increase your skills as well as enable you to assist the public with questions and problems involved with gardening. As a Master Gardener, you will work extensively with the public and have the opportunity to participate in organized volunteer activities and/or to develop programs within your community.

What is the cost?

The cost will vary from county to county and is subject to change. A recent La Porte County in-person training program cost $200 per person, while an online training program cost $185.  Costs include a 642-page training manual (25 chapters), other class materials and fourteen weekly class sessions. Additional benefits include refreshments and new friendships gained by networking with other class participants.

What type of training will I receive?

The training program will cover a wide variety of topics including: plant science, soils and plant nutrition, animal pests, plant disease diagnosis, weed ID and control, insect ID and control, invasive species, pesticide safety and alternatives, herbaceous ornamentals, woody ornamentals, fruit gardening, lawn care, vegetable gardening. 

 Participants are expected to attend all training sessions. Follow-up training and advanced training will be arranged as needed.

What is a typical class like?

Some classes are held in person, others are held online. Most people would tell you “Fun!” The class starts with a few announcements, followed by an hour or so of instruction. After a break in mid-class, it’s back to learning. Many of the instructors are local experts or Purdue University Extension staff trained in specialty areas.

Instructors often give a review quiz at the end of the session, which can be taken home and completed. Answers to the quiz may be discussed the following week.

What if I only want some gardening advice?

Some people want the information from the Master Gardener class, but do not wish to do the volunteer work. Rather than signing up for the Master Gardener program, these people should let the Master Gardeners know they would like classes offered on gardening tips. If this situation meets your needs, contact the extension Office and let them know what classes or topics you might be interested in.

What is the volunteer commitment?

The type of volunteer work done will be based on a mutual agreement between the Master Gardener and the local Purdue Master Gardener Program Coordinator. Types of volunteer work might include writing articles for the paper, coaching individuals at community gardens, speaking to garden clubs, school children or other groups or preparing materials for other Master Gardeners to use. The possibilities are endless. La Porte County Extension Master Gardeners have set up and staffed booths at various shows, garden centers and Farmers’ Markets; worked with Habitat for Humanity and local parks departments; answered horticulture questions on the Garden Hotline; and held seminars for the public.

For more information, contact:

Master Gardener Program Coordinator Extension Educator – Agriculture & Natural Resources
Purdue Extension Office – La Porte County
2857 W. State Road 2, Suite A
La Porte, IN 46350
Nikki Witkowski 219-465-3555
E-Mail: nikky@purdue.edu 
Website: www.extension.purdue.edu/laporte

Founded in 1998, the purpose of the LaPorte County Extension Master Gardeners Association, a non-profit organization, is to promote the art, science, education and pleasure of gardening in the Community, in cooperation with Purdue Extension, LaPorte County, Indiana.

PURDUE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

LA PORTE COUNTY OFFICE

2857 W. State Road 2, Suite A
La Porte, IN 46350
219-324-9407
Kathy Ulman – Secretary

EMG-Brand-with-text-2021-01

Purdue University Is An Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action Institution

© 2021 La Porte County Master Gardeners

Founded in 1998, the purpose of the LaPorte County Master Gardener Association, a non-profit organization, is to promote the art, science, education and pleasure of gardening in the Community, in cooperation with Purdue Extension, LaPorte County, Indiana.

REFERENCE LINKS

PURDUE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION 

LA PORTE COUNTY OFFICE

2857 W. State Road 2, Suite A
La Porte, IN 46350
219-324-9407
Tina DeWitt – Secretary

Purdue University Is An Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action Institution

© 2021 La Porte County Master Gardeners

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