News Release

WARSAW — Are you interested in assisting Purdue Extension with home horticulture education in your local community? If so, consider taking the Master Gardener basic training course offered in person this fall at the Kosciusko County Extension Office.

The main objective of the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program is to train volunteers to assist Purdue Extension with home horticulture education in local communities.

Purdue Extension Master Gardeners receive training in horticulture to equip them to fulfill this educational role through volunteering in a variety of projects.

The requirements for Purdue Extension Master Gardener certification include acceptance into the training through an application and screening process; payment of registration fee; completion of the EMG basic training, which includes passing the open-book final exam with a score of 70% or higher; and contributing at least 40 hours of volunteer service approved by the local EMG county coordinator within two years.

Purdue Extension Master Gardeners are also required to complete at least 12 volunteer and six continuing education hours every year to stay active.

Some of the topics covered in this 14-week course include plant science, vegetable production, lawn care and weed identification, insect identification and control, woody ornamentals and many more.

All classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Kosciusko County Extension Office, 202 W. Main St., Warsaw. The course begins Sept. 6 and will run through Dec. 6.

The cost of the course is $175 per person or $225 per couple, which includes class materials, program maintenance, a name tag (upon completion of your hours), a Master Gardener manual and reference materials.

Applications are due to the Kosciusko County Extension Office by Aug. 9. Space is limited, so sign up today.

To receive an application or for additional information, contact Emily Kresca at [email protected] or (574) 372-2340.