Kosciusko County Master Gardeners lead a hands-on lesson in the Gardens of Central Park in Warsaw, demonstrating planting techniques and sharing seasonal growing tips with community members. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Master Gardeners.
By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — From tomato seedlings in the hands of fourth graders to answering late-season lawn questions, Purdue Extension Master Gardeners in Elkhart and Kosciusko counties are tending to more than backyard plots.
They are cultivating community knowledge, one question at a time.
Kosciusko County’s program includes 43 active members, with at least 10 new participants completing training each year, according to information provided by Purdue Extension Educator Emily Kresca.
Kathleen Cripe assists students from Mary Daly Elementary as they use egg cartons to start seeds for their garden. Photo provided by Michiana Master Gardeners.
Volunteers complete a 16-week course covering plant science, soil health, vegetable and ornamental gardening and more, followed by an open-book exam and supervised volunteer work.
To remain active, members log annual volunteer and continuing education hours.
For many, the journey begins with a simple love of growing things.
Sally Hoy, who joined the Kosciusko County program in 2018, said gardening has been part of her life since childhood on an Ohio farm.
“We were always involved with gardening with my family,” she said. “We shared with neighbors and friends and church people.”
Hoy said the training deepened her understanding of gardening and shifted her approach. She now focuses more on natural processes and reducing chemical use, as well as avoiding invasive species that can crowd out native plants.
In Elkhart County, Master Gardeners support local efforts through education, one-of-a-kind Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail, a community garden at the Elkhart Municipal Airport and public events such as the annual Garden Expo and Garden Tour. The airport garden, started in 2001, has donated more than 15,000 pounds of food since its inception.
Master Gardener Steve Koontz, who has volunteered for about a decade, said community education is one of his favorite parts of the program.
“You really can’t fail at it, because you always learn something from it,” he said of gardening. He encourages beginners to simply try planting seeds and see what happens
Through training sessions, workshops and public outreach, Master Gardeners study plant science, soil health and sustainable practices while teaching residents how to care for flowers, vegetables and native landscapes. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Master Gardeners.
Common questions from the public range from tomato troubles to lawn care and pest control. Hoy said concerns about rabbits, insects and moles are frequent topics at county fairs and outreach booths.
The programs also reflect broader trends in gardening. Hoy has seen growing interest in aquaponics and indoor gardening, as well as cover crops that improve soil health. She also noted partnerships aimed at reducing fertilizer runoff into local lakes and streams.
Sixteen-year Master Gardener Pardee Gunter says he’s noticed an uptick in gardening interest during his tenure.
“During fair week, we may talk to three or four hundred people, about gardening, and that number has steadily increased over the years,” Gunter said.
Both counties offer free monthly educational programs open to the public, providing an entry point for those curious about the program.
For those unsure about committing to the full certification process, Hoy suggests attending a meeting or community workshop first. “Just see if you like it,” she said.
For many volunteers, the appeal lies as much in fellowship as in gardening. The work may start with seeds and soil, but it grows into shared learning, stronger neighborhoods and, often, lifelong friendships.
Comments are closed.