MADISON COUNTY – The public is invited to participate in upcoming in-person and virtual events sponsored by Purdue University Extension, including master gardener training and a conference for farmers.
The spring 2022 Purdue master gardeners program will begin on Feb. 1 as a series of webinars. Purdue Extension specialists and educators from across Indiana teach the course. Topics will include soils, fertility, pest control, invasive species, pesticide safety and alternatives, and plants of all kinds.
“The Purdue Extension Master Gardener program’s main purpose is to train volunteers to assist Purdue Extension with consumer horticulture education in Indiana communities,” John Orick, the program’s state coordinator, said in a press release.
After completing training and passing an exam, master gardeners complete their certification by participating in 40 hours of community service.
“Indiana is a long, north-south state,” said Jeff Burbrink, a Purdue Extension Educator in Elkhart County who is on the team that planned the spring program. “Our climate and soils vary a great deal from Lake Michigan to the Ohio River. We want to be sure that our Extension Master Gardeners can see how these concepts work in their backyard.”
Visit bit.ly/2022PurdueEMGTraining to apply for the program. The application deadline is Jan. 11. The training wraps up May 3. An individual registration costs $180 and includes a print version of the Purdue Master Gardeners manual. Two people sharing a print manual can participate for $280.
The Indiana Small Farms Conference will be back in person this year at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville. Registration is open now for the event, which will take place March 3-4, with a $140 registration fee.
Attendees can choose from 12 program tracks that best suit the needs of their farm.
“The Indiana Small Farm Conference is a great way to learn what’s new and what’s next in production, marketing, and other areas to make the most of your efforts in 2022 and for years to come,” Tamara Benjamin, assistant agriculture and natural resources program leader, said in a press release.
A full schedule for the event will be available early this year. To sign up, visit the Indiana Small Farm Conference website at purdue.ag/sfc.