A certified Rutgers Master Gardener, Fred Primich teaches novices about herb propagation.
A new season of Rutgers Master Gardener classes will be starting soon at the Middlesex County EARTH Center in South Brunswick, NJ. Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will offer both daytime and evening programs. Orientation will be on Thursday Sept. 12at 6:30 p.m. for the evening class and Friday, Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m. for the morning class. Middlesex is currently the only county that offers the Master Gardeners course in the evenings. Pre-registration for the course is required.
Middlesex County Master Gardeners tilling soil for a volunteer project.
Master Gardeners are community volunteers, trained in earth-friendly gardening and environmental principles. Lecture classes meet once per week for three hours from mid-September through mid-April. The 60-70 hours of classroom instruction includes practical field experience. Outdoor, hands-on garden classes meet weekly for three hours every other week during the summer from mid-April through mid-September. New students create and care for a large demonstration vegetable and herb garden.
Topics covered include sound gardening techniques; composting; creative methods of conserving resources; and horticulture therapy. The program also requires participants to volunteer a minimum of 60 hours of service towards Extension projects, activities and events throughout the year.
Middlesex County Master Gardener Kathy Dopart prepares a demonstration herb bed.
The Middlesex County Master Gardener program will be offered at the EARTH Center, in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick. Interested parties can call the EARTH Center at 732-398-5278 for more information or visit their website at www.mgmcnj.org.
