The Monmouth County Master Gardener Program is the way for an individual to become a certified expert in all things related to home gardening. The deadline to apply for the 2016 program is Jan. 4.
“As a Master Gardener trainee you can get in-depth, hands-on training in horticulture from the best in the field – Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service professional staff and their associates at Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Park System,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said. “The program includes plant biology, propagation, soil science and pest control.”
After completing classroom and handson training, a Master Gardener graduate can share their knowledge by conducting garden lectures, demonstrations, school and community gardening projects, telephone diagnostic service for callers and research, according to a press release.
To enroll in the Master Gardener program, an individual must live in Monmouth County, be available to attend 10 weeks of classes and make a commitment to provide gardening information and services to the community.
Classroom sessions will be held from February through May on Tuesday and Thursday mornings beginning Feb. 18.
At the conclusion of the classes, all Master Gardener trainees give 60 hours of volunteer time in horticultural projects and answer calls on the county’s “horticulture helpline.”
Those who complete the training become certified Master Gardeners, according to the press release.
The can be downloaded from application www.visitmonmouth.com. Be sure to click on the Department link to the
Rutgers Cooperative .
Extension Service
Applicants may also obtain a copy at the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service office at 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township, or call 732-431-7260 to request an application be mailed. There is a $250 fee to cover material and program costs.