The Atlantic County Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension in delivering horticulture programs and information to the general public.
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 Extension. Successful graduates of the training become Certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the initial volunteer requirement.
What Kinds of Things Do Master Gardeners Do?
How To Become An Atlantic County Master Gardener
Ask the Master Gardener a Question
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 are available from 9 am to 3PM Tuesday through Thursday to answer your homeowner calls. Should you have questions regarding your lawn, pests, trees, flowers, fruit or vegetable gardening the volunteers are here to assist you. The Master Gardeners can be reached at 609-625-0056.
You can also ask questions using our on-line by CLICKING HERE.
Group Presentations
Have a group of 10 individuals or more that are looking for a speaker on a home gardening topic?
The Rutgers Master Gardener Program in Atlantic County have included a list below of topics that Master Gardeners are available to present to your group. If one of the topics fits your needs please fill out the Speaker Request Form and submit it to our office. There is no fee for this program.
2024 Master Gardener Talks
Family Friendly/Activity Based:
Make Seed Bombs
Ecology and Environmental Horticulture
World of Worms
Recycle Your Pumpkin Into a Living Centerpiece
Houseplant Propagation for BeginnersAvailable Talks:
Native and Invasives
Community Garden Series
Saving and Starting Open Pollinated Seeds
Indoor Vegetable Gardening Year-round (Container Gardening)
Harvesting Crops without Damaging Plants
Living Fences that Protect Your Garden
Companion Planting
Growing Upward – Increasing yields in small spaces
Closing Your Garden Down for Winter
Basic Pruning Techniques
Seed to Plate – Creating a themed culinary garden
Fall planting for Spring
Vermicomposting
Composting Basics
Preserving Your Harvest
Seed Starting 101
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.
How To Become An Atlantic County Master Gardener
Classes begin in February and will be held on Tuesdays and some Thursdays from 9AM – 12:30PM 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
Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Resources
Gardening and Landscaping Publications
Lawn and Garden Frequently Asked Questions
Rutgers NJAES Home, Lawn and Garden
Programs
Home Gardening
Using Water Soluble Fertilizer
Using Water Wisely In The Garden
Lawn Care
Other Lawn and Garden Resources
Commercial
and Homeowner Soil Testing
CLICK HERE to earn more about soil testing at Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
If
Plants Could Talk Television Series
This PBS television show features gardening tips from local university
experts, successful farmers, master gardeners, and many other plant
experts. Visit the web site...
Other lawn and garden related fact sheets and bulletins are available through RCE publications or by contacting our office at 609-625-0056.