Skip Navigation
Menu

Lawn & Garden - Master Gardener Program

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

Resources

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 Beginners

Available 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

Speaker Request Form 

Demo Gardens

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

Plant of the Month

Rutgers NJAES Home, Lawn and Garden

Programs

Rutgers Master Gardener Program

Home Gardening

Soil Testing

Using Water Soluble Fertilizer

Using Water Wisely In The Garden

Growing Tomatoes

Fertilizing Home Vegetable Gardens

Around the Home

Lawns

Lawn Care

Seeding

Fertilizing

Caring For Lawn

Other Lawn and Garden Resources

Soil TestingCommercial and Homeowner Soil Testing
CLICK HERE to earn more about soil testing at Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

If Plant Could TalkIf 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.