Agriculture & Natural Resources

The Johnson County agriculture and natural resources (ANR) program extends Purdue University research to local residents to assist agriculture audiences, woodland owners, gardeners, and homeowners. Educational venues include in-person and virtual meetings, personal consultations, newspaper articles, county newsletters, websites, and social media. Below find information that may help you  - upcoming programs, news articles, additional pages, and topical links of interest.  

Also find great free Purdue publications online at Purdue University - The Education Store.Topics covered include agriculture, gardening, cooking, etc.

Contact Us

 Shalee Bradley headshot 

Shalee Bradley
Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator

sdaming@purdue.edu

484 N. Morton Street
Franklin, IN 46131
(317) 736-3724

 

Johnson County Agricultural & Natural Resources Newsletter

Plan is to release a quarterly edition.  If you would like to be added to our email/mail list email johnsonces@purdue.edu  or call 317-736-3724

January 2025 Johnson County ANR

Spring 2025 ANR Newsletter

SUMMER 2025 Johnson county anr 

FALL 2025 anr newsletter 

2026 Master gardener basic training

Application Packet

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2026 Johnson County Master Gardener Basic Training! Please read the instructions below: 

  1. Read the 2026 Application packet which includes the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Policy Guide and the Master Gardener Application that is linked above. 
    1. If you would like a paper copy, please come into the extension office to pick one up - 484 N Morton Street, M-F 8am-4:30pm
  1. Complete the application (Appendix B on the attached application packet)
  1. Submit the completed application to sdaming@purdue.edu or drop it off at the extension office by December 19th, 2025. 
    1. **Please note, this program first comes, first served. You will be put on a waitlist after we have reached the maximum number of participants. The sooner you turn in your application, the better.
  1. Complete a government issued ID check. If you turn in the completed application in person, we will check your ID when you drop it off. If you are emailing the completed application, we will set up a zoom to check your ID. 
  1. You will be notified via email if you have been accepted into the training this year and will be given further instructions to complete the process including payment.  

Please refer to the application packet above that shares further detail regarding the class including price and syllabus. As you look at the syllabus, please recognize that we can only allow you to miss up to 3 classes before removing you from the program. If you cannot make this commitment, we ask that you leave your spot for someone else. 

Soil testing information

Testing your landscape and garden soil for its nutrient composition is a great tool to plan for the future. A soil test will reveal your soil nutrient composition and help you determine which type of fertilizer you may need to apply. Here are some great resources for you to utilize when soil testing!

Collecting Soil Samples for Testing

Soil Testing Businesses

Purdue plant doctor 

Are you concerned about a possible disease or pest in your yard? Use the Purdue Plant Doctor to help you diagnose. 

PURDUE PLANT DOCTOR

Toxic Plants Website

 Are there toxic plants in your pasture, hay field, or yard? Toxic plants can be a potential threat to livestock and pets well-being. Check out the website linked to learn more about these toxic plants!