Do you love gardening? Do you love sharing your gardening knowledge with others?
Become a Rutgers Extension Master Gardener by joining our classes this Fall. Starting this September 11, professors and professionals teach the art and science of gardening through an in-depth training program. Classes include everything from soil testing, vegetable and fruit gardening, pests and diseases, to native plants and the basics of landscaping design.
Participants are not required to have prior gardening skills or knowledge, only a passion for learning about gardening and sharing this knowledge with others!
Where will the class be held?
Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossom Center, Newark, including several field trips in the area.
When will the classes be held?
Just about every Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., from September 11, 2018 through May 28, 2019. The field trips during the training may require an earlier start or a later end of class that day.
Who gives the training?
Rutgers Cooperative Extension faculty and staff, local horticultural professionals, and Rutgers Certified Master Gardeners.
How much time is involved?
While you will receive approximately 100 hours of horticultural instruction during the training program, the objective of the Rutgers Master Gardener training is to develop and maintain a corps of volunteers to help Rutgers Cooperative Extension provide educational programs and science-based information to the residents of Essex County.
To become a Rutgers Certified Master Gardener, you are required to complete 60 hours of volunteer service in a Rutgers approved program or project. We have many project options that fit all gardening tastes and abilities.
How much is the tuition?
The program fee is $300. You may pay ahead of time by credit card (via WePay which you will be directed to after the Registration page) or on the first day of class you may bring your check for the full amount, payable to “Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey” with you. If the program fee presents a hardship please contact Jan Zientek at [email protected].
How do I apply?
You can register for the program online. You may pay online with a credit card or choose to pay by check on the first day of class. Applications are due by August 15, 2018.
Once certified, our Master Gardener Volunteers provide educational services to the community, including: answering gardening questions from the public; conducting plant clinics; assisting gardening activities with children, senior citizens and disabled persons; beautifying their local communities; developing demonstration gardens; and so many other horticultural activities. Inspiring gardening activities flourish all year round!
