New Master Gardeners class begins in September

A new season of Master Gardener classes will start in September at the Middlesex County EARTH Center in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is offering both daytime and evening sessions for this program. Orientation will be 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 for the evening class and 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 6; attendance is optional. The program officially starts on September 12 and 13. The class is open to all New Jersey residents.

The Master Gardeners are community volunteers trained in earth-friendly gardening and environmental principles. Lecture classes meet once per week for threw hours from mid-September through mid-April. The hands-on garden classes meet weekly from April through mid-September (every other week in summer). During these sessions, new students will create and care for demonstration vegetable and herb gardens.

Topics covered in the program include: sound gardening techniques, composting, creative methods of conserving resources and horticulture therapy. The program also requires participants to volunteer some hours of service towards Extension projects, activities and events throughout the year.

The program’s tuition fee is $425 to cover books and materials.

To register, call 732-398-5262 or visit www.co.middlesex.nj.us and search Master Gardeners.