Lawn and Garden

The Rutgers Master Gardener program is a research-based training opportunity to become volunteers for horticultural service projects and community stewardship and beautification programs throughout Passaic County. Classes consist of horticulture-related lessons range in topics from plant propagation, botany, lawn care, plant pathology, understanding soil, introduction to Landscaping design and general entomology, among others. Classes include lectures, field trips, and hands-on activities. Anyone with an interest in gardening and a commitment to volunteer service can become a Rutgers Master Gardener. No previous education or training is required. To learn more about the Master Gardeners Association of Passaic County please visit their website.

Rutgers Master Gardeners

Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline: 973-305-5743 (9:30 a.m.–Noon, Monday–Friday, January through November).

If you have a home gardening question please email us at  mastergardenerhelpline@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Emailing the Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline to get the most accurate diagnosis, there are a few simple questions you should try to address in your email, please see the Master Gardeners Email Guidelines.
Please also visit the Lawn & Garden FAQ to find more information for caring for your garden and landscape.

How to Have Your Soil Tested

How to Have Plant Disease/Pest Identified

Providing the following services:

• Plant Diagnosis
• Plant, insect, weed, and disease identification
• Provide NJAES fact sheets (on a variety of topics)
• Soil test kits (please call for more information)
• Gardening demonstrations
• Horticultural education
• Community and youth gardening
• Beautification and maintenance of public gardens

Rutgers Master Gardener Projects Include

• Horticulture Therapy at Preakness Healthcare Center
• Laurelwood Arboretum, Wayne
• Morris Canal Park, Clifton
• NJ Botanical Garden Lilac, Wildflower and Moraine Gardens; Holiday Open House, Ringwood
• Rutgers High Tunnel: Teaching & Demonstration Site at Preakness Valley Golf Course, Wayne
• Pollinator/Butterfly Garden at Preakness Healthcare Center, Wayne
• Boys and Girls Club, Clifton
• Bloomingdale Senior Center, Bloomingdale
• “Bookworms” program in libraries throughout Passaic County
• Green A-Fair at William Paterson University, Wayne

Become a Rutgers Master Gardener

2023 Rutgers Master Gardener training course begins January through June, 2023.
Classes meet Tuesdays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This is an online hybrid program held weekly, via Zoom and our course management system called Canvas. You must have a computer or tablet with a microphone and speaker to participate. A desktop or laptop is preferred.

Program overview: Coming soon (mid-August)

To register fill out the online application form: 2023 Rutgers Master Gardener Volunteer Application Form