Purdue Extension – Porter County has extended its deadline for the Spring 2016 Master Gardener Course to Monday, January 25. Those interested in becoming Master Gardener volunteers may still apply to participate in the comprehensive training session. Classes will be held on Thursdays, Feb. 4 through May 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Porter County Administration Center, Room 102A, 155 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso.
The training Master Gardener volunteers receive makes this program special. Part of an international organization of trained and volunteer gardeners, the Master Gardener Program offered through Purdue Extension Porter County helps local gardeners grow by providing intensive training in horticultural principles. After training, volunteers share their knowledge, leadership and service to their communities.
“Our Master Gardeners help our communities in countless ways,” said Lyndsay Ploehn, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator at Purdue Extension – Porter County.” Last year our gardeners gave more than 3,500 hours beautifying Porter County, donating more than 1,000 pounds of food from our community garden, and showcasing horticulture at the Gardening Show in January and the Garden Walk in June, among so many other things. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and all levels of education.”
Anyone thinking about becoming a Master Gardener should ask: Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants? Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program? Do I want to share my knowledge with people in my community? Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?
Classes are taught by the Purdue University Extension Service specialists, staff, and local experts. The program offers a minimum of 42 instruction hours in topics including lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, insects, plant diseases, and weed management, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, home fruit production, garden flowers, landscaping and herbs. In exchange for training, participants volunteer time to their county extension program. After training, at least 35 volunteer hours are required to earn the title of “Purdue Master Gardener.”
The cost of the class is $200, which includes manuals and materials. Class size is limited to 25. Applications must be submitted to the Extension Office by Jan. 25. For more information and an application, contact Lyndsay Ploehn, Agriculture & Natural Resources Associate, at (219) 465-3555. Applications are also available on the web at: www.extension.purdue.edu/porter