Gardener State: New crop of Master Gardeners blooms

Launched in 1984 in Bergen County, the Rutgers Master Gardener (RMG) program recruits and trains volunteers who assist Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension in its mission to deliver horticulture programs and information to the general public.

Most significantly, a new "crop" of intrepid RMG volunteers springs forth this time of year to assist with seasonal gardening and landscape questions everyone has, at least once winter finally decides to get out of the way.

Here are just a few highlights of Central Jersey programs and their most recent graduates.

READ: Gardener State: Trout and trees: Happy Spring NJ

READ: Gardener State: Celebrating Ag in the Garden State

Somerset County

Seventeen students graduated last month from Somerset County's Rutgers Master Gardener Program. This 24-week program consists of in-depth horticultural training covering, but not limited to, the study of plant biology, turf, insects, pest and disease control, landscape design, vegetable gardening and the role of native plants in the eco-system. All classes are taught by Rutgers University faculty and staff within Cooperative Extension and industry professionals.
 
Following graduation, these aspiring Certified Rutgers Master Gardeners will become community educators by promoting the benefits and value of sound horticultural practices by addressing gardening needs.

In Somerset County, following the training, interns are required to complete one hundred volunteer hours, half of which will be at the Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline, a free resource where the public can get their gardening questions answered in person, by phone, or through email.

Other volunteer activities include: assisting researchers at Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm in Pittstown, gardening with populations with special needs, supporting community gardens, and participating in local outreach events.

Rutgers Master Gardeners also volunteer at local schools, libraries and other public events. Participants often form long lasting friendships as they become an active part of their gardening community.

The Rutgers Master Gardener program of Somerset County is currently accepting applications for the fall 2018 session. Classes will be held once a week on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from September 2018 to April 2019 at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension office at 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater.

“I originally was drawn to the program to learn about plants to help me in my own garden,” said Veronica Guarraia (Class of ‘99). “Although I did come away with more plant knowledge, the added benefits were meeting many friends and having a better appreciation of nature and our place in it.”

Residents with an interest in gardening and a commitment to volunteer service can become a Rutgers Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. Please call 908-526-6293 and press option three for more information, or visit http://somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/garden to download the application. The deadline to return the application is June 2.

Hunterdon County

Nineteen Hunterdon County residents recently graduated from the Rutgers Master Gardener training program and have begun their internship under the guidance of RCE faculty, staff, and Certified Rutgers Master Gardeners.

The Rutgers Master Gardener volunteers are individuals with multifaceted backgrounds, experiences, talents and skills who, after receiving horticultural training and certification from Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension, share their knowledge with the community through many various volunteer activities and outreach opportunities. 

In Hunterdon County, these programs include: a Garden Helpline where Rutgers Master Gardeners interact with and assist the public in solving their at-home horticultural dilemmas; school "seed to salad" vegetable gardens where Rutgers Master Gardeners lead hands-on garden activities; community outreach events that take place during many local festivities throughout the year; and community presentations of interesting, educational and beneficial garden topics. 

Rutgers Master Gardeners also provide horticultural opportunities for people with diverse experiences and abilities. Last year, the Rutgers Master Gardeners assisted more than 600 Hunterdon County residents with research-based answers to gardening and landscape problems. In addition, their volunteer efforts reached over 2,500 individuals in our community.

The Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline is in the Hunterdon County Complex at 314 Route 12, Building 2, in Flemington. Hunterdon County residents can reach the Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline by calling 908-788-1735, by walking in or via email at gardeners@co.hunterdon.nj.us. Helpline hours of operation are: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 to 3:30. 

The Master Gardener Helpline is open to the public and there is no fee for this service.

In addition, the Rutgers Master Gardener program of Hunterdon County is now accepting applications for the upcoming class. No prior training or education in horticulture is needed, just a desire to volunteer and help others. Classes will begin in September 2018 and will be on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

For more information on the Hunterdon program, contact Rebecca Magron, horticultural consultant and research associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Hunterdon County, at 908-788-1338.

Mercer County  

In late January, Mercer County residents became certified as Rutgers Master Gardeners at a graduation ceremony at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County in Trenton. They join a group of experienced volunteers who provide home horticultural and environmental information to residents.

These newest graduates are residents of Lawrence, Hamilton, Hopewell, Princeton Junction, Princeton, Robbinsville, Ewing, Lambertville, Pennington and West Windsor. The graduates completed 60 hours of instruction provided by Mercer County Horticulturist Barbara J. Bromley, various faculty members of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and other professional experts in a wide variety of horticultural-related subjects.

More information on the Mercer County program can be found at http://mgofmc.org, while training and future class information can be found at http://mercer.njaes.rutgers.edu/garden. 

Nicholas Polanin is associate professor, agricultural agent II, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension of Somerset County. Email him at polanin@njaes.rutgers.edu.​

Read more articles and stay in touch with your local news by clicking here