Become a Rutgers Master Gardener

Rutgers Master Gardeners are volunteers trained to assist Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension in its mission to deliver horticulture programs and information to the general public. Anyone with an interest in gardening and a commitment to volunteer service can become a Rutgers Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required. Becoming a Rutgers Master Gardener is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in plants and gardening to share research-based best practices with the community.

What do Rutgers Master Gardeners do?

We strive to meet the diverse needs of our clientele and volunteers by coordinating a variety of outreach activities, including:

• The Garden Helpline, which fields home lawn and garden inquiries from county residents
• Participation in community events such as farmers markets and the Somerset County 4-H Fair
• Delivery of presentations and workshops throughout the county including libraries and senior centers
• Written newsletter articles and social media posts
• Project sites including our Teaching Garden, Snyder Research Farm, Camp Jotoni, and others.

Rutgers Master Gardener Training Program for Somerset County

The next training class will run from Thursday, September 17, 2026, through February 25, 2026! Participants will:

• Attend weekly classes on topics related to home horticulture. Classes run for 18 weeks and will be held in person on Thursdays from 9:30am-12:30pm. Classes are primarily taught by Rutgers faculty and staff and include hands-on labs to reinforce concepts covered in lectures.

• Complete 60 hours of approved volunteer service within Somerset County to attain the title of Certified Rutgers Master Gardener.

• Continue to meet volunteer service requirements for annual recertification.

For more information, join us for a half-hour Information Session! Attendance at one information Session is required to apply and enroll in the program. Click here to register for an info session.

For other questions related to the Rutgers Master Gardener Program of Somerset County, contact Jessica Shick, Program Coordinator, at jshick@SomersetCountyNJ.gov

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