Home Gardeners School

Angela Monaghan, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County (Contact Info)

Learn the why and how of propagating plants from seeds in this hands-on workshop. Participants will plant seeds, explore key growing techniques, and take home two seeded pots—one with basil and one native plant—to continue growing at home. All materials provided.

There is an additional $10 charge to attend this workshop. 

Irene Wanat, Associate Professor, Gardening Consultant, Master Gardener (Bio)

Wind, salt spray, and all that sand can make gardening at the seashore very challenging! Learn which plants will not only survive these harsh conditions but will flourish and give you a colorful palette for 12 months of the year.

Justine Gray, Agriculture & Natural Resources Program Associate I, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County (Contact Info | Bio)

Wish you never had to run to the grocery store for that last minute ingredient again? Learn how to grow your own edible bulbs – garlic, onions, leeks, and more, right at home. Whether you’re planting in the ground, using raised beds, or trying container gardening, this workshop will cover everything you need to know. We’ll explore planting tips, how to prevent common pests and diseases, and how to set your garden up for a successful (and flavorful!) harvest.

Jim Murphy, Extension Specialist, Department of Plant Biology (Contact Info | Bio)

Are you green with envy of your neighbor’s lush, green, weedless lawn? This presentation will help you turn your lawn into a source of pride. Learn how to get started and then follow a seasonal plan that will ensure success.

Steven Rettke, Agriculture & Natural Resources Program Associate I (Contact Info / Bio)

This workshop focuses on designing landscapes that attract and support beneficial insects, including pollinators, predators, and parasitoids. Participants will learn how to select and arrange plants to create habitats that encourage insect diversity and enhance ecological balance.

Katie Marra, Rutgers (Bio)

Who are native bees? What do they look like? Why are they important? In this session, we will learn how to identify native bees and how to support them in urban community gardens!

Belinda Chester, Consumer Horticulture Program Associate II; Rutgers Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County (Contact Info)

Urban dwellers often believe that they can’t have a thriving garden because their space is limited. Overcome this misconception by learning about the many creative ways to make small gardens successful. Vertical gardens, innovative planters and beds, and smart plant selection are just a few things to learn about in this fun, informative presentation.

Ruth Carll, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Contact Info / Bio)

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this fun informative class will show you how to transform any planter into a showstopper! The ideal planter is vibrant, colorful and easy-care! Learn how to bring color, texture, and life to your patio, balcony, or windowsill—no yard required! You’ll discover container “know-how,” planting best practices and expert tips on soil selection, drainage, and plant combinations that thrive together. Perfect for apartment dwellers, homeowners, and anyone with a sunny spot to fill. Planters are a great way to dip your toes into gardening without a big commitment.

Steve Kristoph, Owner (Bio)

Discover the fascinating world of tree folklore! In this workshop, we’ll explore how trees have inspired myths and beliefs for centuries—from connecting the earth to the heavens, to symbolizing the cycles of life and death, and even serving as homes for spirits. Join us to uncover the magic and meaning hidden in the trees around us.

Raul Cabrera, Extension Specialist (Contact Info & Bio)

Learn some basic principles of plant biology that have a direct practical application to the care, maintenance, and enjoyment of garden and landscape plants and trees. 

Belinda Chester, Consumer Horticulture Program Associate II; Rutgers Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County (Contact Info)

Do you have a shady spot in your yard that feels like a challenge? Turn it into a lush, inviting retreat! This welcoming class is perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike, offering inspiration and practical guidance to help you design and grow a thriving shade garden. You’ll learn design principles for creating balanced, layered, and beautiful landscape beds that feel like a natural escape. We will also explore a wide variety of shade-loving plants—from bold foliage to delicate blooms. Learn what thrives in dry shade, moist shade, and everything in between.

Mike Haberland, Assoc. Professor / County Agent II (Contact Info)

Have you ever wanted to know more about honeybees? Have you ever wondered if beekeeping is for you? Would you like to learn about honeybee biology and discover what it takes to become a beekeeper? This program will provide you with an introduction to the unique biology of the honeybee, how they organize their colony, make their honey, and what tools beekeepers use to manage a beehive. 

Ruth Carll, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Contact Info | Bio)

Imagine the scorching sun, dry winds, and parched soil of a desert at midday. Now picture a tiny seedling fighting to survive. It’s nothing short of miraculous that plants flourish in such extreme environments—and now you can learn their secrets! Take this fascinating lecture on the resilient world of desert plants. Discover how these botanical warriors adapt and thrive, and how you can successfully grow them in your own non-desert home garden. From smart care strategies to climate-friendly tips, you’ll gain the confidence to cultivate these stunning species with ease. Come for the survival story, leave with a garden full of grit and beauty!

Irene Wanat, Associate Professor, Gardening Consultant, Master Gardener (Bio)

Reclaim the narrow, challenging space between your sidewalk and the street. Discover how to turn this underutilized and often neglected area into a vibrant, low-maintenance garden that enhances your home’s curb appeal, benefits the environment, and creates a welcoming space for your community.

Josh Kover, Rutgers Landscape Architecture Graduate Student (Contact Info & Bio)

Our growing awareness of sustainability and climate change has led many of us to rethink how we live. Yet the desire for curb appeal, the value it adds to our homes, and the joy of living in beautiful spaces remain as strong as ever. Landscape architecture shows us how to achieve both, creating landscapes that are visually striking while also environmentally responsible. With thoughtful gardening practices and small changes, our outdoor spaces can be sustainable, easy to maintain, and stunning.

Claudia Urdanivia, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex County (Contact Info / Bio)

Raised beds have many benefits and are great for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Learn to make the most of your raised garden bed by growing intensively and using best practices such as succession planting.

Caren White, The Herb Lady (Bio)

No room for an herb garden? No problem! Herbs grow great in containers. Learn how to successfully grow an herb garden on your deck, patio, or balcony.

Ricardo Kairios, FCHS Educator / Assistant Professor (Contact Info / Bio)

Learn how to plan your garden and meals around the USDA MyPlate guidelines! This interactive session shows home gardeners how to grow and cook with balance in mind—linking what you plant to what you eat. Participants will explore seasonal produce, create simple nutritious recipes, and design a “From Garden to Plate” mini meal plan in small groups. You’ll leave with a seasonal produce guide, a MyPlate meal-planning worksheet, and fresh ideas for healthy, homegrown meals. All materials provided.

*Seating is first come, first served. No registration for this session.

Bring your plant questions and enjoy your lunch with the experts!

Join a panel of Master Gardeners from Monmouth County for an optional one-hour “Lunch & Learn” session. Whether you’re stumped by a tricky plant problem or just looking for gardening tips, our experts will be on hand to provide answers and guidance. They’ll circulate around the room, offering one-on-one advice and practical information to help you grow your gardening knowledge.

Rebecca Magron, Horticultural Consultant and Research Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Hunterdon County (Contact Info)

Make the most of your garden space and growing season with practical planning strategies designed to maximize yield and minimize wasted effort. This engaging session explores time- and space-efficient techniques, including popular intensive planting methods and effective season extenders to boost productivity. Participants will also learn essential preparation practices and discover trusted resources to help ensure a successful and abundant growing season.

Jim Simon, Distinguished Professor (Contact Info)

Break out of your gardening routine and explore a world of unique and flavorful plants! This presentation introduces lesser-known vegetables and greens that can thrive in your home garden. Learn how to grow exciting new varieties and add diversity to your plate and planting plan.

Hemant Gohil, County Agent II (Contact Info)

Growing tree fruits such as peaches, nectarines and apples require knowledge of species, their growth behavior, insect-pest and pathogen disease management, fertilizer requirement, irrigation, and cultural practices like pruning. This lecture will explain principles of horticulture and integrated pest management practices for growing fruit trees in home gardens. 

Josh Kover, Rutgers Landscape Architecture Graduate Student (Contact Info & Bio)

Trees provide homeowners and communities with shade, beauty, privacy, wind protection, and even lower energy bills, but only if the right tree is planted in the right place. Learn about the most common and important trees in New Jersey, how to plant them, and the best places to put them.

Elaine Silverstein, Vice President for Chapters, Native Plant Society of New Jersey (Bio)

What is a habitat? How can homeowners mimic nature by creating a native habitat on their properties? This practical workshop takes viewers step-by-step through planning, designing, installing, and maintaining a beautiful, wildlife-friendly habitat garden. 

Janine Spies, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Statewide Program Leader in Fruit IPM (Contact Info / Bio)

IPM uses a combination of pest control strategies to manage arthropod pests, plant diseases, and weeds safely and sustainably. In this session, you will learn the principles of IPM and how to use them in your garden.

Claudia Urdanivia, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex County (Contact Info / Bio)

This workshop will focus on best practices for composting in urban communities. We will focus on passive and active compost methods and discuss which bins are appropriate for small spaces.

Ruth Carll, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Contact Info / Bio)

Every house has windows, but should every house have window boxes? Well… yes! Window boxes not only add curb appeal, but they also provide the opportunity to grow plants that thrive in areas other than the typical garden bed. This fun, informative class will show you how to transform your windows into mini botanical gardens – no yard required! You’ll discover container “know-how”, planting best practices and expert tips on soil selection, drainage, and plant combinations that thrive together.

Jana Milbocker, Lecturer (Bio)

Are you inspired when visiting beautiful gardens? This lecture explores the unique and celebrated gardens of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, from the naturalistic landscape of Innisfree to the formal French gardens of Nemours. Learn about each garden’s highlights, history, ideal times to visit, and enjoy a virtual tour of each amazing destination.

Wolfram Hoefer, Horticulture Consultant & Research Associate, Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability (Contact Info & Bio)

In this workshop, the presenter will use his own garden as a case study to introduce the principles of successful suburban gardening. The presentation will address practical questions about managing slopes, improving drainage, and maintaining lawns, as well as ideas for plantings that provide year-round interest. Participants will also explore the role of suburban gardens in promoting sustainable land management in the face of climate change.

Jennifer Sawyer Caraballo, Program Coordinator (Contact Info)

Explore how to design a garden that engages all five senses. This workshop will focus on selecting plants and incorporating elements that add visual beauty, fragrance, sound, taste, and texture to your outdoor space. Learn how thoughtful design can transform your garden into a rich, sensory experience that invites relaxation and connection with nature.

David Hlubik, Agricultural and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Middlesex County (Contact Info / Bio)

Pawpaws and hazelnuts are alternative orchard crops that are well-suited to the home garden. This session will cover selection of plant material and growing sites as well as general care and maintenance of new and mature trees.

Sal Mangiafico, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent II, County Extension Dept. Head, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cumberland County (Contact Info)

This workshop helps homeowners navigate the rules and guidelines that shape how we manage our yards and gardens. Topics include municipal tree removal and replacement ordinances, turfgrass fertilization laws, stormwater harvesting, restricted-use pesticides, residential livestock regulations, and noxious weed control. Participants will learn how to stay compliant while creating landscapes that are both attractive and environmentally responsible.

Jean Epiphan, Agriculture & Natural Resource Agent (Assistant Professor), Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability (Contact Info & Bio)

Dive into the ferntastic world of native ferns! Learn how to identify each fern species, their site requirements, the benefits they provide to your garden landscape, as well as the local wildlife they support and help conserve.

Elaine Silverstein, Vice President for Chapters, Native Plant Society of New Jersey (Bio)    

This workshop explores practical ways homeowners can make their properties more sustainable, while also reducing maintenance time and costs. Participants will begin by defining what “sustainability” means in the context of home landscaping, then learn about sustainable lawn care practices and simple steps such as “Leave the Leaves” and reducing lawn size. These strategies help create healthier, more resilient landscapes that support the environment.

A.J. Both, Extension Specialist, Department of Environmental Sciences (Contact Info / Bio)

Building and using your own greenhouse can be a fun and rewarding activity. This lecture will review design options, material selection, and operating strategies that will make your project a success.

Ruth Carll, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (Contact Info / Bio)

Join us for a fun and inspiring workshop where nature meets creativity! In this short, hands-on session, you’ll transform a dried gourd into a charming hanging planter and fill it with a beautiful trailing plant perfect for indoor spaces. You will make your own gourd planter by learning how to clean, shape, and prepare a natural gourd to become a unique hanging container—no experience needed! You will also discover how to properly plant in hanging containers, including soil selection, watering techniques, and how to keep your plants thriving. Lastly, explore a variety of trailing and cascading plants that do well indoors. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind planter and the knowledge to care for it. We recommend bringing a box to transport the planter home and newspaper to crumble up and stabilize the planter in the box.

There is an additional $45 charge to attend this workshop. 

Jim Simon, Distinguished Professor (Contact Info / Bio)

Explore the world beyond vegetables in your home garden! This class introduces herbs, spices, medicinal plants, natural dyes, and insect repellents you can grow and use at home. Learn practical tips for cultivation and discover the sensory and healing benefits these plants offer. Discover the power of plants and turn your garden into a sensory and medicinal sanctuary.