The Helpline of the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County is committed to providing horticultural advice to the residents of Essex and Hudson Counties. We advise residents on a wide variety of horticultural concerns, including lawn care, pest control, composting, pruning, and flower and vegetable gardening. The Helpline Staff uses resources such as Rutgers Fact Sheets and the Helpline library to provide assistance.
The Helpline may be reached at (973) 228-2210. The Helpline office is staffed from March through November, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. You may also visit the Helpline office with samples for identification or to get assistance with diagnosing problems concerning plants, lawns, trees, vegetables, etc.
The Helpline email is mastergardenerec@gmail.com. If you email, please include your phone number, township and photos of the object of your concern (plant, insect, lawn, shrub, etc.). Photos will aid us greatly in identifying and resolving your issue. The Helpline staff cannot provide a response via email, but a staff member will call you as soon as possible.
PLEASE NOTE: The Master Gardener Helpline and office will be closed on Mondays from October 19 through November 16, 2026. The office will be open Tuesday through Friday from October 20 through November 20. Thereafter, the Helpline will close for Winter Break which begins effective Monday, November 23. The Helpline will reopen on Tuesday, March 2 for the 2027 season. During the Winter Break, no one will be in the Helpline office, so please do not leave messages on the phone. Emails will be checked only infrequently.
