The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County is a group of volunteers who provide horticultural information and programs to the community.  Trained by faculty and staff of NJAES, Rutgers University, and by horticultural experts, the Master Gardeners are knowledgeable about a wide range of gardening subjects.  

The Master Gardener Helpline will be closed for Winter Break as of Wednesday, November 26, 2025 and will reopen on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.   No one will be in the Helpline office during this time, so please do not leave messages on the phone.  Emails will be checked only infrequently. 

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

Click here to be added to our waiting list

Please Consider Donating to The Master Gardeners of Essex County:

New York Botanical Gardens Spring Gardening Chores: Refer to the tabs -March, April, May – at the top of the page for suggested tasks in the garden by month.