Do you enjoy gardening? Do you wish you had a greater knowledge of plants and how to make your garden grow Would you like to be able to share your newly gained knowledge with others? If you would like to join a group who loves to share its knowledge and love of plants, then consider becoming a Master Gardener.
New Jersey Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who 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 Master Gardener. No previous education or training in horticulture is required.
To become a certified Master Gardener, you are required to complete a training program taught by Rutgers professors and New Jersey horticultural experts. The training program runs from January to June. You must also complete 70 hours of volunteer service with one or more gardening projects supported by the Master Gardeners of Essex County. Please check out “Where we Volunteer” on this website.
Please note that we currently have an extensive waiting list for the Master Gardener 2026 class. If a slot becomes available for the 2026 class, the Master Gardener Coordinator of Essex County will notify you, otherwise you will be added to the waiting list for the 2027 class
