LAKE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION INC. "Helping Others Grow"
🌱 Our History
The Master Gardener Program began in 1972 in Washington to help Extension offices meet the growing demand for home gardening advice. Indiana’s program launched in 1978 with four counties, including Lake. In 2010, our volunteers formally organized as a nonprofit—Lake County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA)—and became a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
Today, we are part of a statewide network of Purdue Extension-trained volunteers who share their knowledge to help others grow through education, service, and community outreach.
👉 Learn more about the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program
Photo courtesy of Five Hands Farm
🎓 Our Training
LCMGA volunteers receive horticulture education through the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program, which includes a series of in-depth classes and hands-on learning. The program equips volunteers to confidently share gardening knowledge with their communities.
Interested in becoming a Master Gardener?
👉 Here’s how to get started with the Purdue Master Gardener Program
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners
📅 Fall 2025 Training
The fall 2025 Master Gardener Training Class for Lake County has been announced.
Held Fridays, August 15 – December 5
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Purdue Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN
Cost: $190–$215 depending on materials
For registration:
📧 Rena Wielgus: rmwielgu@purdue.edu | 📞 (219) 755-3240
Program questions:
📧 Dolly Foster: dolly@purdue.edu
🌸 What We Do
The Lake County Master Gardeners are Purdue Extension-trained volunteers dedicated to serving our communities through gardening education, outreach, and service.
We support a wide range of projects and programs, including:
- Answering gardening questions by referring the public to our Purdue Extension educator
- Providing expertise at public events and local community programs
- Sharing free presentations on gardening and environmental topics
- Offering downloadable, research-based resources for home gardeners
- Organizing fundraising events like our Plant Sale and Garden Walk to support scholarships and grants
- Landscaping new Habitat for Humanity® homes with donated plants and volunteer labor
- Maintaining public gardens and supporting community green spaces throughout Lake County
👉 Visit our Events & Activities page to explore more.
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners
🌿 How to Become a Purdue Extension Master Gardener
Ready to grow your gardening knowledge and give back to your community? Follow these steps to get started:
1️⃣ Find Your Local Program
🔍 Use the MG Program Locator Map to find a Purdue Master Gardener program near you.
📍 In Lake County, call (219) 755-3240 to connect directly.
2️⃣ Request Registration Info
📄 Contact your County Coordinator to receive the application packet, including the Program Policy Guide and Volunteer Agreement Form.
3️⃣ Complete the Application
🖊️ Fill out the application and return it with payment. You’ll need to provide a copy of your photo ID.
4️⃣ Take the Training Course
📚 Attend a series of weekly classes (3–4 hours each) led by Purdue Extension educators and horticulture experts.
5️⃣ Pass the Final Exam
✅ Score 70% or higher to become a Purdue EMG Intern.
6️⃣ Start Volunteering
💚 Complete at least 40 hours of approved volunteer service to become certified as a Master Gardener.
📘 Program Resources
🔘 Download MG-5-W: Program Policy Guide
🔘 Read HO-184: About the Program
Photo courtesy of the Master Gardeners
