Exhibit your garden with confidence

Are you interested in exhibiting garden produce or herbs at the Putnam County Fair, but unsure about the process?

If so, consider joining the Putnam County Master Gardener Association for the Getting Vegetables & Herbs Ready for Show program. This hands-on session is designed to take the guesswork out of exhibiting by walking participants through each step of preparing high-quality entries—from selecting the best specimens in your garden to cleaning, handling, and presenting them for judging. Participants will also learn about common mistakes and how small details, such as uniformity, freshness, and proper labeling, can make a big difference on the show table.

This program will provide answers to common questions like:

• Do you leave the stem on your green beans when you exhibit them?
• What size zucchini should you exhibit?
• How do you clean potatoes without damaging them?
• What does a judge look for when evaluating herbs?

In addition, attendees will gain insight into judging standards, learn simple techniques to enhance visual appeal, and have the opportunity to ask questions specific to their own garden crops. Whether you’re entering produce for the first time or hoping to improve your results, this session will help you feel more confident and prepared.

Getting Vegetables & Herbs Ready for Show will be held on July 8th at 6:00 PM at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in the York Auto Community Building – East. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced exhibitors alike who want to elevate their exhibiting skills. 4-H members and Harris Hall exhibitors are especially encouraged to attend, and youth under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your skills—and boost your chances of earning a blue ribbon!

If you have questions or need reasonable accommodations, please contact 765-653-8411 or smith535@purdue.edu.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

June 30 – Extension Office closing at 11:30 am for Professional Development

July 2 – Pressure Gauge Testing, 3-6 pm, $5, schedule your 20-minute appointment at
             https://tinyurl.com/putnam2026

July 3 - Extension Office closed for the 4^th of July

July 6 – Fair Entry Due

July 6 – Indiana Quality Assurance (IQA) trainings, 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm, Fairgrounds,
              register under the ‘Events’ tab in 4-H Online

July 7 – Summer Judging, 6:00 pm, Extension Office

July 7 – Public Speaking and Demonstration, 5:00 pm, Extension Office

July 8 – Getting Vegetables & Herbs Ready for Show, 6-7 pm, Fairgrounds