Whether you have a sick plant, questionable insects or would like your soil tested, gardening expertise is just a phone call away through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. With offices serving both Atlantic and Cape May counties, residents have access to a wealth of gardening information right at their fingertips.
The Cooperative Extension System was established way back in 1914 through the Smith-Lever Act, creating a framework for land-grant institutions to educate the public in agricultural practices. Today, these universities continue to support their communities with research and education. For local gardeners, certified Master Gardeners serve as a volunteer arm of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension through various educational events and programs as well as a horticultural helpline. Both the Atlantic and Cape May County extensions also offer a diverse 4-H Youth Development Program.
Wondering what weird bugs are crawling all over your zinnias or why your previously healthy zucchini plants have abruptly died? The Rutgers Cooperative Extension can help you solve these garden mysteries. While Master Gardeners are happy to answer these types of questions over the phone, they may need to see your problem plant in person. If so, you can also make an appointment and bring a sample of the questionable culprit for a more in-depth examination.
Recently, Maria Moss of Egg Harbor Township was having a problem with discoloration of the leaves on her miniature boxwood plants. She was concerned that the issue was spreading to her other plants, but she wanted to treat the problem with something that would be environmentally safe and not harm her other flowers. She consulted with her Master Gardener friend, Mary Breckley of Northfield, who suggested they have Rutgers Extension take a closer look. The friends made an appointment and took a sample of the boxwood to the Atlantic County Extension.
Moss later reported, “I was very pleased with their assessment of the problem and the solution they offered. They were able to look at my boxwood cuttings under a microscope and give a diagnosis. I was relieved that they could recommend an environmentally safe product.”
Master Gardeners go through an intensive training program and are also required to fulfill a period of volunteer service hours to earn their Master Gardener certification. The Rutgers Master Gardeners use their skills to perform a wide range of community services, including performing gardening demonstrations, staffing the horticultural helpline, staffing information booths at the 4-H fair and assisting at other public events.
In addition to other programs run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the 4-H Fair is one of their largest fundraisers of the year. The Atlantic County 4-H Fair will take place Aug. 8 and 9. This rain or shine event will feature rides, horse shows, exhibits, vendors, demonstrations, robotics, a car show and live music. The fair will be held at the Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds at 3210 Rt. 50, Mays Landing.
For gardening questions, you can contact the Horticultural Helpline, and a friendly Master Gardener will be happy to help you. In Atlantic County, call: (609) 625-0056. Cape May County gardeners can call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3653.
You can also explore the website for a wealth of information by visiting the Rutgers Cooperative Extension online.
