If you would like more information and an application for the program,
please call Pat Evans at 732-398-5278. |
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Rutgers Master Gardener Program Brochure (Adobe PDF)
Frequently
Asked Lawn & Garden questions
Directions
to the Davidson's Mill Pond Park
MIDDLESEX
COUNTY MASTER GARDENER / ENVIRONMENTAL AND
COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
The Master Gardener Helpline is open Monday-Thursday
10:00 AM to 12:00PM
Please call (732) 398-5220 with all your
Horticulture and Backyard questions.
About Us
Master Gardeners are community volunteers trained in gardening and environmental principles. In order to obtain Master Gardener certification, 60 hours of classroom/field trip time are required while in training. After achieving certification, 25 hours of volunteer service are required each year. Master Gardener training includes:
- Sound gardening techniques - plant selection; disease, insect and weed control
- Integrated Pest Management
- Composting
- Creative methods to conserve natural resources
- Community interaction
Commitment
Master Gardener interns are required to volunteer 60 hours of service to Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County before achieving certification, and 25 hours of service each year following certification. Volunteer service may include:
- Answering gardening questions on the Gardeners Helpline
- Conducting composting and recycling lectures/demonstrations
- Establishing community beautification and demonstration gardens
- Lecturing on a variety of gardening topics
- Assisting with community events such as the Middlesex County Fair
Certification
Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have satisfactorily completed the training program and have fulfilled their volunteer service commitment
Is the Master Gardeners / Environmental Stewardship program for you?
Join in the efforts if you are:
- Interested in learning more about plants and gardening
- Eager to gain knowledge on using or utilizing natural resources wisely
- Willing to share your knowledge with residents by assisting them in gardening projects or programs
- Looking for fulfillment resulting from community involvement
The Master Gardener student agrees to:
- Enroll in the program (includes a non-refundable fee for program cost and educational and laboratory materials).
- Abide by all policies of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County
- Satisfactorily complete the training program (classes, labs and field trips) within the time period of the program
- Attend 80 percent of all classes and field trips
- Actively participate in program committees (2 or more)
- Participate in mandatory "hands-on" EARTH Center garden work days during the first growing season of their Master Gardener career
- Complete 60 hours of community volunteer service through Rutgers Cooperative Extension programs in Middlesex County
- Support and promote the Master Gardener/Environmental and Community Stewardship Program, primarily at the local level
- Assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension with Middlesex County Fair agricultural booth and other designated events
Horticultural Therapy
The Middlesex County Master Gardeners Horticultural Therapy Unit is very busy.
The horticultural program uses seasonal flowers and leaves to stimulate the bodies and minds of residents of local group homes. Horticultural Therapy uses plants and gardens to promote an individual's mental, physical and intellectual well-being. These programs promote self-esteem, social interaction and mental stimulation. And the residents have FUN!!!
They currently serve residents at :
Cedar Oaks Care Center , South Plainfield
The Middlesex County VA Home, Menlo Park
More
on the Master Gardeners Program
Master Gardener Helpful Links
