County accepts master gardener signups

The Monmouth County Master Gardener program is accepting applications for 2010. The deadline to apply is Jan. 4.

Master Gardeners are experts in all things related to home gardening in Monmouth County. After completing classroom and hands-on training, Master Gardeners share their knowledge with others by conducting garden lectures, demonstrations, school and community gardening projects, telephone diagnostic service for callers, and research.

"Master Gardener trainees receive indepth, hands-on training in horticulture from the best in the field - Rutgers faculty and Cooperative Extension Service professional staff," said Rich Obal, Agricultural and Research Agent for Monmouth County's Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service Office. "The program includes topics in plant biology, propagation, soil science and disease and pest control."

Classroom sessions in 2010 will be held from February through May on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. At the conclusion of the classes, Master Gardener trainees are required to give 60 hours of hands-on volunteer time in horticultural projects and answering calls on the county's "horticulture helpline." Successful graduates of the training become certified Master Gardeners.

Those interested in the program should file an application no later than Jan. 4, 2010. There is a $250 fee to cover material and program costs.

Applications can be downloaded from the county's website at www.visitmonmouth. com. Be sure to click on the Department link to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension page. Applications are also available from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service at 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township, or by calling 732-431-7260.

The Master Gardener program, conducted throughout the United States and Canada, is a two-part educational effort in which avid gardeners are provided many hours of intense home horticulture training. In return, they "pay back" local university extension agents through volunteerism.

In Monmouth County, the program is a cooperative effort of Rutgers University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders.