Agriculture and Natural Resources
Purdue Extension-Wabash County
April 2026
Happy April Everyone,
Spring has sprung! Lots of things are happening at the Extension Office this month it has made time move too fast.
Extension Master Gardener Basic Training is under way
PARP classes are being held for farmers
Lawn questions are coming in almost daily
Invasive Species are being removed from local parks
Master Gardeners are getting plans to plant and spruce up local parks and gardens
Farmers are getting ready to be in the fields
Preparations are being made for our UAV Training and Invasive Species signature programs
Seeds have been started to be planted at our local raised beds
As we move into the growing season I hope everyone stays safe and is successful in their endeavors. We've had some storms and windy weather the past month and it looks like April will be doing the same. Some folks are starting April off on Spring Break and have plans to hit the ground running when they get back. However, be hesitant to get plants in the ground too early, the frost free date is often not until early to mid-May. Here is a general calendar for spring gardening :https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/10/HO-91.pdf . It was written by Rosie Lerner and Michael Dana, two horticulture legends, who give guidelines on what to try and achive each month. Having said that, we need to be vigilant with our ever-changing Indiana weather.
If you have any questions about upcoming programming or Ag questions in general, please reach out to the Extension Office. Phone: 260-563-0661 (Ext 1408) or emailing me directly at gschortg@purdue.edu
Best Wishes,
Geoff Schortgen
County Extension Director
Ag and Natural Resources Educator Wabash County
Upcoming Programs & Events!
**Past years of Extension Hot Topics are at the bottom of this newsletter**
March Review!
Director of Extension Dr. Angie Abbott was the Keynote Speaker at the 2026 Grow Wabash County, Salute to Ag Farm Family of the Year program. Angie spoke about the great work coming through Purdue Extension as it transforms into future models while continuing to provide services across Indiana. Picture are Blake Huston-4-H, Angie Abbott, Jessi Huston-HHS, Molly Hunt-Area Director, and Geoff Schortgen-ANR. The pork chops were all wonderful and delicious as well.
Weed Wrangle at Wabash City Park-
Paradise Spring
2026 Extension Master Gardner Basic Training
Classes 2-5!
Flower samples to see parts of the plant.
John Woodmansee instructs todays class with great hands on activites!
Class #3 Soils-Instructor, Ann Kline
Class #3 Soils
Class #3 Soils-Jar Test
Class #3 Soils-Testing Drainage
Class #3 Soils-Someone brough a worm!
Jar testing by shaking soil in water.
Lettin the sample settle.
The sand sinks first, then the silt, and finally the clay.
Class #3 Soils
Testinng water infiltration
Class #3 Soils
Wating for the water to go down
Class #3 Soils
Differnt soil amendments
Ed brought some crunchy snacks!
Bill Horan teaching the class.
More creepy snacks from Bill.
Class# 5-Plant Disease
Class# 5-Plant Disease
Class# 5-Plant Disease
Class# 5-Plant Disease
Annual Dinner-SWCD
Shannon Hook- Wabash SWCD Coordcinator
Great Crew at Josiah White's for the SWCD Annual Meeting.
Geoff Schortgen
County Extension Director | Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator
Purdue Extension
ANR Website: https://extension.purdue.edu/county/wabash/anr/sub-page-open.html
1 W. Hill Street
Wabash, IN 46992
Email: gschortg@purdue.edu
Office Phone: 260-563-0661 (ext 1408)
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
January- Charles Deam: Our First
February- The Dandelion
January- Seed Savings & Preservation
February- Tree Pruning
March- Indiana Birds
April- Conifer ID "Which Pine is Mine"
May- Proper Poultry Practices
June (Extra)- Adaptive Gardening
June- Strawberry Research
July- Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory: Overview
August- Toxic Forages
September- Ticks
October-The History of Extension
November-Turf ID and Fertilization with Dr. Cale Bigelow
December- Farmers Markets and all Things Local Food Systems with Sarah Hanson
January- Ants of Indiana
January *Bonus-Backyard Gardening and Landscaping for Birds
February- Climate and Weather Updates in Indiana
March- Purdue on the Farm
April-Eat Midwest Fish
May- Purdue Institute for Family Business
June- Turf Problems and Insects
July- Indiana Trees
August-Drones and UAV Technology
September- Pork Industry Updates
October-Vermicomposting
November-Poultry Update
December- Prescribed Burns
January- Organics and Composting
February-Garden Planning
March-Plant Pest and Diagnostic Lab
April- Turfgrass and Weed Control
May- Soils
June-Farm Outlook
July- Hemp Production
August-Tomato Disease
September- Poison Hemlock and Other Invasives
October-Landscape Pests
November- Grapes
December- Spotted Lantern Fly