The Atlantic County Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension in delivering horticulture programs and information to the general public. Anyone with an interest in gardening and a commitment to volunteer service can become a Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is necessary.

Master Gardeners receive in-depth training in horticulture from Rutgers University faculty and professional staff. There is a fee to cover material and program costs. As part of the training, Master Gardeners are required to volunteer a certain number of hours, on the Help-Line and working in their community in programs sponsored by Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension. Successful graduates of the training become Certified Master Gardeners after they complete their volunteer service.

Important Announcements!

Master Gardener Program Now Accepting Applications  The Atlantic County Master Gardener Program is now accepting applications for its 2010 class. Classes will begin on Tuesday, January 5th. For more information contact Mona or Anita at 625-0056 ext 6123.   Download an application

What Kinds of Things Do Master Gardeners Do?

Master Gardeners work as volunteers in a variety of areas, including:

Help-Line

The Atlantic County Master Gardeners Help-Line will be closed for the months of December 09 and January 2010.  The Master Gardeners will be back in full force in February 2010. You can still ask questions using our on-line by CLICKING HERE.

 

CLICK HERE for What's New in the Garden

Demo Gardens

We have big plans for our demonstration garden this year.  It will include perennial as well as annual vegetables.  In our six raised beds we will be growing herbs, asparagus, summer squash, strawberries, onions, and of course tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, swiss chard, broccoli and carrots.  The trellis will sprout peas in the spring, winter squash in the summer, and hopefully some cucumbers on the side.

The Master Gardeners are planning the shrub and perennial flower beds as we speak.  Once the plant list is compiled it will be available for educational purposes.  There will several container gardens strategically placed around the beds to help fill in between flower blooms.  The plans for the compost area are in the works and should be up and running by spring.

Estell Manor Park

Atlantic County Master Gardeners are currently involved in creating native gardens at the Estell Manor Park. Master Gardeners have weeded, cleaned out, and planted native plants in several areas of this park. Estell Manor Park is a wonderful family oriented park and this just adds to the beauty of it. This is an ongoing project for the Master Gardeners.

Atlantic City Aquarium

The Atlantic County Master Gardeners have transformed the landscape at the Atlantic City Aquarium at Gardeners Basin Ocean Life Center.  If you are interested in what type of trees, shrubs, or perennials grow in our shore area, stop by when one of the Master Gardeners are out pruning away and they would be more than happy to talk about what they have planted.

How To Become An Atlantic County Master Gardener

If you think the above is interesting and would like to become an Atlantic County Master Gardener please contact the Program Coordinator, Mona Bawgus at (609) 625-0056. Classes begin in January and are held on Tuesday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm for approximately 20 weeks.   Click here to print the application.

Below is a sample of a typical Master Gardening Course:

Class

Indoor Plants

Soil Classification

Plant Propagation & Insect Management

Water Quality

Small Farm & Garden

Turfgrass – Maintenance & Pest Management

Pesticide Safety

Plant Disease

Native Plants

Tree Pest Management

Pruning

Pest Management for the Home Gardener

Landscape Design

Insects- Small Farm & Garden

Small Farm & Garden Vegetables I

Small Farm & Garden Vegetables II

Floriculture & Nursery I

Floriculture & Nursery II

Small Farm & Garden Fruits I

Small Farm & Garden Fruits II

 

Resources

CLICK HERE for more resources.