Master Gardener Orientation 2025

Online Orientation/Information Sessions forming NOW for the 2025

Rutgers Master Gardener Training Program. 

These information sessions are FREE, with no obligation.

Orientation is required for the Rutgers Master Gardener Training program in the Middlesex, County. You are only required to attend one session. This Orientation aims to provide you with all the information you need to decide if becoming a Rutgers Master Gardener is right for you.  We will review the program's role, structure, training, and commitment.

Beginning with the 2025 session, classes will be offered on Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings. 

Register today to secure your spot!  Links to register for orientation are listed below.  Please note there are both morning and evening sessions available.  All orientation sessions are virtual. Additional information for applying to the program in your county will be provided to those who attend the session.

October 30, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/rrta8dtg 

October 31, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/soe7fs0k 

November 6, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/ffh4pnpy 

November 7, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/5rzgq38a 

November 13, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/q2rzef9b 

November 14, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/jnyumbyu 

November 20, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/7dp2w5w 

November 21, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/aoiapx6f 

November 27, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/wguttf4o 

December 4, 9:00 AM https://go.rutgers.edu/1og3y9vu 

December 5, 6:00 PM https://go.rutgers.edu/8z5abw1k

  

We are very excited to offer this new program and look forward to meeting you!

Please reach out to Angela Monaghan if you have any questions.

732-398-5278 or angela.monaghan@co.middlesex.nj.us 

For all other counties, please contact your local extension office for information on Rutgers Master Gardener Training.

You can find your local extension office here: Cooperative Extension County Offices (Rutgers NJAES)

Cooperating Agencies: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Boards of County Commissioners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station, is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.

Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director's Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.

And Justice for All (usda.gov) 

---

About Us

Master Gardeners are community volunteers trained by Rutgers experts in sustainable gardening and environmental principles.

• Sound gardening techniques - plant selection; disease, insect and weed control
• Integrated Pest Management
• Composting
• Creative methods to conserve natural resources
• Community interaction

---

Master Gardener Helpline

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County staff and volunteers will answer your horticultural inquiries. This is a free program for Middlesex County residents who would like to learn more about a range of topics including:

• Houseplants
• Vegetable or fruit gardening
• Landscape
• Tree care
• Plant pests and diseases

Rutgers trained Master Gardeners of Middlesex County can be reached by phone at 732-398-5220. Currently, callers should leave a detailed message and contact to receive a personal call back. Our volunteers can also help via e-mail which may include pictures of your horticultural issues. Contact them at mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us.

---

Master Gardener Speaker Bureau

If your garden club, senior center, public library, scout group or organization is interested in an in-person or virtual presentation from Rutgers Master Gardeners, or to request a tour for your group of the EARTH Center Gardens, please submit this virtual form. 

Our programs often consist of a PowerPoint presentation and depending on the topic, some “Show & Tell” exhibits or a demonstration. Our presentations include, but are not limited to:

• Container Gardening
• Composting Demonstrations
• Fall Gardening
• Vegetable Gardens
• Planning a Spring Garden
• Growing Native plants
• Avoiding Invasive plants
• General Landscape Principals
• Gardening with Deer Pressure

 

---

Master Gardeners/Environmental Stewardship Program

If you would like more information, please call 732-398-5220.

To submit an application for consideration, please click here.

Join if you are:

• Interested in learning more about plants and gardening.
• Eager to gain knowledge on using natural resources wisely.
• Willing to share your knowledge by assisting in gardening projects or programs.
• Looking for fulfillment resulting from community involvement.

The Master Gardener student agrees to:

• Enroll in the program (includes a non-refundable fee for program cost and educational and lab materials).
• Abide by all policies of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County. 
• Satisfactorily complete the training program (classes, labs and field trips) within the time period of the program.
• Attend 80 percent of all classes and field trips.
• Actively participate in program committees (2 or more).
• Participate in a mandatory "hands-on" garden class time during the first growing season of their Master Gardener career.
• Complete 60 hours of community volunteer service through Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County programs in Middlesex County during their first year as an intern (EARTH Center and Rutgers events count towards this 60 hours).
• Support and promote the Master Gardener/Environmental and Community Stewardship Program, primarily at the local level.
• Assist Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County with Middlesex County Fair agricultural booth and other designated events.

Interns have a choice to attend the required lectures on either Thursday evenings or Friday mornings, in addition to attending weekly lectures, September through April, and “hands-on” gardening sessions.

• More information on the Master Gardeners Program
• Rutgers Master Gardener Program Brochure

---

Commitment

Master Gardener interns are required to volunteer 60 hours of service to Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County before achieving certification. Once graduated a certified Master Gardener must volunteer 25 hours of service each year, to remain in good standing. Examples of volunteer service are:

• Answering gardening questions on the Gardeners Helpline
• Conducting composting and recycling lectures/demonstrations
• Community beautification and demonstration garden maintenance
• Lecturing on a variety of gardening topics
• Assisting with community events such as the Middlesex County Fair

Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have satisfactorily completed the training program and have fulfilled their volunteer service commitment.

---

RU Ready 2 Garden Webinar Series

Previous Episodes of the RU Ready 2 Garden Webinar Series

Viewers can expect to review time tested practices, learn innovative new techniques and virtually visit some local farms. Get expert advice on effective gardening techniques from our Master Gardeners, who cover a variety of topics for beginners and professionals alike.

 

---

 

Nearby Land Grant Universities

• Penn State Agricultural Extension
• Penn State Master Gardeners
• Cornell Agricultural Extension
• Cornell Master Gardeners
• Ohio State Agricultural Extension
• Ohio State Master Gardeners