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.
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
12 pm Monday thru Friday 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.
 Demo
Gardens
These gardens are located right in our own backyard at the Mays
Landing office. Come see what we are growing. Currently, we have
swiss chard, kale, carrots, beets, escarole, three types of lettuce,
and cilantro.
Future ideas for these gardens include a frog pond, blueberry
garden, and native plants.
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 Courtyard
Master Gardeners, in conjunction with the residents of the Drew Apartments,
are in the process of transforming this lot, that has been overgrown
and strewn with trash, into a courtyard that can be enjoyed all year
long by the residents. Future plans include a birdbath, beautiful
plants, and a park bench, just to name a few.
Atlantic County Master Gardeners also conduct a gardening program
at the Atlantic City Public Library once a month. Topics vary.
All are welcome. Check the upcoming events on the home page of
the Agriculture and Resource Management Homepage to locate the
dates and times of these events.
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
Garden Tales - Atlantic County Master Gardener Program Newsletter
Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES)
Resources
Lawn and
Garden Frequently Asked Questions
Gardening
and Landscaping Publications
Programs
If Plants Could Talk – A Gardening Television Series - http://ifplantscouldtalk.rutgers.edu/
Rutgers Master Gardener Program – http://www.rcre.rutgers.edu/mastergardeners |
