Union County, NJ – Do you have a green thumb and are you interested in learning more useful gardening skills? The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is once again offering master gardeners classes for Union County residents this fall – registration deadline is August 30, 2014.
In this program, residents receive in-depth and hands-on-training in horticulture from Rutgers, The State University faculty and professional staff.
“The Master Gardeners program offers a fun and exciting experience to learn useful gardening skills,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “If you are looking for expert guidance on community, school, and home gardening, I encourage you to consider participating in the Master Gardeners program.”
In exchange for the training, applicants agree to make a commitment to provide 60 hours of volunteer service working in their community in one of the many approved volunteer gardening committees within a 12—18 month period. Successful graduates become Certified Rutgers Master Gardeners upon completion of their volunteer commitment.
Union County residents with an interest in gardening and commitment to volunteer service can become a Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. Since 1988, when it graduated its first class, Union County’s Master Gardener Program has trained hundreds of men and women through a diverse curriculum including basic botany, entomology, flower gardening, vegetable gardening, wildlife management, and more.
Union County residents can access the application by visiting https://ucnj.org/rce/. All applications for the program are due to the Extension Office by August 30, 2014. For more information contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at 908-654-9854.