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A program area of the Agriculture & Natural Resources department, Lawn & Garden focuses on providing one-on-one information for homeowner lawn, garden, and landscaping challenges, including community outreach through the trained volunteers of Rutgers Master Gardeners.
Need Free Lawn or Garden Help?
Trained Rutgers Master Gardeners are here to help you virtually with your lawn and garden questions. Please see the information below and don’t forget to use our guidelines before submitting your question to get the most accurate response:
- Send us your question via the Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline submission form.
- Master Gardener volunteers are generally available in-person Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 am to noon. The Master Gardeners work virtually on Monday and Friday.
- Plant and Insect Sample Drop-Off: please place sample in a sealed container such as a jar or plastic zip-top bag. Master Gardener volunteers are generally working in-person Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to noon. However, you may drop off a sample Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
- You can usually expect a response within 7 business days, but times vary depending on seasonal volume of inquiries.
For soil testing or plant diagnostic services, please check the current operating status of the Rutgers Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Laboratories. We do not offer soil testing services in our office, but you can purchase a soil test kit during office hours (cash or check only please).
We offer assistance in many areas including: plant identification, insect identification, home landscaping and gardening, and weed identification. Just send us an email to see how we can help.
Interested in Becoming a Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener?
Becoming a Rutgers Master Gardener is an incredible opportunity to volunteer your time and learn about horticulture, provide community and university services, and enjoy the company of other like-minded volunteers. Through opportunities within Somerset County, newly trained students are required to complete 60 intern hours within 18 months of finishing the educational component to become Certified Rutgers Master Gardeners. To remain certified, Master Gardeners are required annually to volunteer 25 hours of service and to attend 10 hours of continuing education and/or Master Gardener general meetings.
Some of our community service includes manning the Rutgers Master Gardeners helpline, children’s programs, speaker’s bureau, horticulture therapy, public outreach events, and many others. Our university services include volunteering in agriculture and horticulture research at various university-held properties.
If you are interested in the Somerset County Rutgers Master Gardener program, the next class starts in Fall 2023. To be added to the waitlist, please email Ashley Higgins with your full name, and phone number. Thank you!
Master Gardener Speakers Bureau
If your community group is looking for an informative, engaging, horticultural presentation, the Somerset County Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau may be able to help! We offer a variety of educational talks. Please check out our program offerings by clicking below:
Contact Information
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
310 Milltown Rd.
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-3587
Phone: 908-526-6293
Email: Ashley Higgins Administrative Assistant