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Master Gardeners

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Hunterdon County Master Gardeners
Mailing Address: PO Box 2900 Flemington, NJ 08822-2900	Physical Location: 6 Gauntt Place Building #2 - Lower Level Flemington, NJ 08822
Phone: 908.788.1338
Email: Rebecca Magron, Home Horiticulturalist and Research Associate

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GARDEN INFORMATION HELPLINE

HELPLINE
Phone: (908) 788-1735        Fax: (908) 806-4735
Email - gardeners@co.hunterdon.nj.us

PRESS RELEASE - September 1, 2020

NOTE: It is Extremely Important for you to provide your mailing address and phone number and email address when you write to the Master Gardeners.

Residents can call our RUTGERS MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE or come to the Cooperative Extension office for horticultural information and help with various gardening problems. You may also email us at: gardeners@co.hunterdon.nj.us.

The Helpline is staffed by Volunteer Master Gardeners:
April – November	Monday thru Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm;
	Monday and Wednesday 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
December – March	Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

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ABOUT THE RUTGERS MASTER GARDENERS IN HUNTERDON COUNTY

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Rutgers Master Gardener Program of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties is to promote and extend Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s educational programs in the area of home horticulture.

• the RCE offices by staffing the Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline. The Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline is a vital service through which volunteers and Extension personnel answer questions on home horticulture topics from callers and visitors.
• Horticulture education programs through which county residents obtain up-to date information from Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Cook College and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
• Extensions’ outreach program by providing horticultural education to community groups in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties including: libraries, parks, garden clubs, schools, health centers, government agencies, etc.

TO BECOME A CERTIFIED MASTER GARDENER YOU MUST

• Be a resident of Hunterdon or Somerset County. (Residents of other counties may be accepted if there is space in the class and they are willing to volunteer in Hunterdon and/or Somerset County.)
• Meet all application criteria. (Class space is limited. Qualified applicants are admitted on a first come basis.)
• Complete an intensive training program which includes basic horticulture information and problem solving techniques.
• Complete 125 volunteer hours, including 75 Helpline hours – daytime, weekends only.

Call the extension Office in your county of residence to receive a complete application and information packet.

RCE of Hunterdon County	RCE of Somerset County
6 Gauntt Place	310 Milltown Road
PO Box 2900	Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Flemington, NJ 08822-2900
Phone: (908) 788-1338	Phone: (908) 526-6293
Fax: (908) 806-4735	Fax: (908) 704-1821

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON BECOMING A MASTER GARDENER

Who can become a Master Gardener?

Individuals with an interest in both gardening and volunteer service are eligible for the program. No previous experience is necessary.

What type of training is given?

Rutgers Cooperative Extension offers a series of in-depth lectures. This comprehensive horticultural training provides the practical experience and research-based knowledge needed to competently share gardening information. In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time through their local county extension office.

What type of volunteer activities exist?

The opportunities for volunteer services are limitless

• diagnose plant, insect and disease problems at the County Helpline
• lead gardening activities at local schools
• design a demonstration or community garden, harvest food for the hungry
• lecture on various gardening topics
• bring the joys of gardening to senior citizens and persons with disabilities; and
• much, much more.

Your training and instruction is free. A one time fee is assessed to cover materials and program costs. The instructional materials are yours to keep for your personal reference collection.

Why should I become a Master Gardener?

You will become knowledgeable about a wide array of horticultural subjects. You will be trained by professionals from Rutgers University. The practical training is designed to increase your confidence and horticultural skills, enabling you to assist the public with questions and problems involved with gardening. Volunteer services helps your community and you derive the pleasure and reward of working with others who share your interests.

Volunteers also participate in advanced Master Gardener training classes and field trips. Developing new ways to participate assures you that the learning process and the opportunities for satisfaction never end. In addition, there are statewide, regional, and national associations. In New Jersey, you can be on the advisory council and help direct the future path of the Master Gardener Program. Every year there is either a regional or national conference where you can meet with other Master Gardeners, trade ideas, and get suggestions for more programs to try in New Jersey.

How do I become a Master Gardener?

Once you successfully complete the training program and pass the final exam, you will be awarded your diploma at a graduation ceremony, and begin an internship. You will become a certified Master Gardener once you fulfill your minimum volunteer commitment. Once certified, you can only use your Master Gardener title when participating in Rutgers Cooperative Extension events.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY TO THE PROGRAM, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE:

www.njaes.rutgers.edu/mastergardeners/counties.asp

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SPEAKERS BUREAU PROGRAM TOPICS

A printable list of the Speaker's Bureau Program Topics - updated 05, 2010

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