Register for the 2025 Class

Program Features

Pictured above are some of the twenty-six enthusiastic members who graduated from the Master Gardeners program in 2024.

The 2025 program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines horticultural education with valuable volunteer experience. In Union County, classes will be conveniently held on Wednesday mornings at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside, featuring hands-on learning opportunities in the adjacent 1.5-acre demonstration garden and greenhouse.

How to Join

Prospective participants must first attend a mandatory orientation session, which will be offered twice weekly through December 5th, 2024. These sessions will provide comprehensive information about:

  • Program structure and requirements
  • Training curriculum
  • Volunteer commitments
  • Application process

Orientation sessions are limited to 40 participants each to ensure interactive discussion and thorough Q&A opportunities. Following orientation, interested individuals can apply for their county’s program, with Union County accepting 25 students for the 2025 class.

Program Details

  • Registration Fee: $250
  • Location (Union County): Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside
  • Schedule: Wednesday mornings (specific times to be provided upon acceptance)
  • Facilities: Ample parking available, access to demonstration garden and greenhouse

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is now accepting applications for the 2025 Master Gardener training program, offering gardening enthusiasts the opportunity to join this educational volunteer initiative across nine New Jersey counties: Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, Sussex, and Union.

How to Register

  1. Visit https://njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/ to register for an orientation session
  2. Attend the orientation session
  3. Submit application for your county’s program
  4. Accepted applicants will receive registration information via email

Additional Information

For county-specific information and special accommodations, please contact your local Extension Office through https://njaes.rutgers.edu/county. For concerns related to discrimination, contact the State Extension Director’s Office at 848-932-3584.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer, operating in cooperation with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Boards of County Commissioners.