Master gardeners can practice their craft and gain hands-on training at Wayne greenhouse

WAYNE — Plant growers have a new hangout to raise fresh herbs and vegetables on the grounds of Preakness Valley Golf Course.

A 480-square-foot high tunnel — farmer-speak for a type of greenhouse — was put up at the county-owned links for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Passaic County to train aspiring master gardeners who enroll in its agriculture program.

Those who finish the program become certified volunteers for countywide horticulture projects.

Cecilia Díaz, a program associate for the county co-op, said the new demo site will give participants a real-world experience for the first time. All of their time typically is spent in a classroom.

"It's a great opportunity for them to actually practice what they've been learning in the class," Díaz said.

The wheelchair-accessible greenhouse, constructed by county parks employees, has 72 plants, including basil, bell peppers, cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes and scallions. It also features a worm-composting bin, and a pollinator garden was built just outside of one of its plastic walls.

Environment:Haworth looks to add to green-friendly ordinance by banning straws and plastic bags

Gardening:Wyckoff kindergartners don't have to be asked twice to get deep into the mud

A high tunnel is like a traditional greenhouse, except that plants are sown in the ground. Since they are covered, the growing season is extended, and crops are protected from weather.

Díaz said the produce will be donated to food pantries in Paterson when it is harvested. The greenhouse's first yield — Romaine lettuce — was picked out of the ground last week, she said, and given as tokens of appreciation to those who organized the project.

The $7,000 cost to build the greenhouse was funded, in part, through a grant from the National Association of Conservation Districts, Díaz said.

The program for master gardeners teaches botany, entomology, landscaping design, lawn care and plant disease, among other disciplines. The co-op, with a presence in each of the state's 21 counties, is a function of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

Email: devencentis@northjersey.com

Become a master gardener

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Passaic County will hold classes for those who wish to become certified master gardeners, beginning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 5, at the county's Public Safety Academy, 300 Oldham Road in Wayne.

The weekly classes will run through June 13, with a winter recess from Nov. 28 through Jan. 2.

The cost, which includes field trips, is $300; the deadline to register is Aug. 31. To sign up, visit passaic.njaes.rutgers.edu. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.