Home Gardeners School

Virginia Lamb, Educator/Consultant, Groundwork Education and Consulting (Contact Info)

Have you always wanted to grow vegetables but never gotten around to it? A vegetable garden is within reach–all you need is access to a sunny place to plant! In this session you will learn simple ways to start and maintain your vegetable garden, with an emphasis on organic and sustainable methods. You’ll be eating your own produce by May! 

Kate Brown, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent II, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County (Contact Info | Bio)

Cover crops offer many benefits to the home garden including preservation and improvement of soil health, weed and disease suppression, addition and retention of nutrients, and providing forage and habitat for beneficial insects. This presentation will introduce participants to the best practices for selection, establishment, and management of cover crops in the home garden to maximize the benefits and avoid common pitfalls.

Claudia Urdanivia, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex County (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.

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

Choosing the right vegetable cultivars can make a significant difference in the success of your home garden. This informative session will explore key factors to consider when selecting vegetables, including disease resistance and tolerance, days to maturity, hybrid versus heirloom varieties, and other important plant characteristics. Participants will also learn about recommended cultivars for a variety of common garden vegetables and how to match selections to their gardening goals, growing conditions, and harvest expectations. Whether you are a new gardener or an experienced grower, this presentation will help you make informed decisions for a healthier, more productive garden.

Irene Wanat, Gardening Consultant, Master Gardener (Bio)

Native plants form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. Learn which native varieties will thrive in your local climate and soil type to create a sustainable, water-saving garden. Discover the rich diversity of “non-weedy” native plants that nourish our native pollinators while providing color and interest from early spring through fall.

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

Landscape mulch can be “worth its weight in gold,” but is it necessary to know how to apply it properly for it to pay off. Mulching can be one of the best or worst things that is done to landscape plants. This presentation will discuss the benefits of mulching plants, but also some of the detriments it causes when done improperly. Some common nuisance fungi problems that occur with poor mulching practices will be reviewed. Finally, a 3-year University research study using many different types of options will be evaluated.

Raul Cabrera, Extension Specialist (Contact Info & Bio)

Healthy gardens start with understanding how plants work. This workshop explores the basics of plant biology and explains how this knowledge can improve the care, maintenance, and long-term health of your garden and landscape plants, shrubs, and trees.

Kirsten Soriano, Designer/Horticulturist, Environmental Landscape Design (Contact Info & Bio)

Think small spaces can’t make a big impact? Think again! Discover how to transform patios, balconies, courtyards, and compact yards into beautiful, productive gardens. This class will explore container gardening, creative design strategies, plant selection, and space-saving techniques to help you maximize every square foot. Whether you’re working with a tiny backyard or a small urban space, you’ll leave with practical ideas and inspiration to create a garden that is both functional and fabulous.

Caren White, The Herb Lady (Bio)

Timing and technique are the keys to maximizing the harvest from your herb garden. Learn about the best times and the best methods to harvest leaves, flowers, seeds and roots and how to preserve them for future use.

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. 

Irene Wanat, Gardening Consultant, Master Gardener (Bio)

A drought-tolerant garden does not have to be a barren landscape. Learn how to make smart plant choices for a vibrant, low-maintenance garden that thrives with minimal water, whether in full sun or in shady conditions. Discover a rich diversity of tough, resilient plants that provide beautiful color and interest from early spring through fall.

Karen Plumley, Instructor, NJ Agricultural Experiment Station (Contact Info & Bio)

The ‘foundation’ of a great garden is the soil. While most people would never dream of building a house on a flimsy foundation, many people put in extraordinary effort to plant gardens on foundations that can’t support them. Learn about basic soil science principles and why soil ‘ain’t just dirt,’ so you can begin building the garden of your dreams. 

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

Discover the potential of two unique, low-maintenance perennial crops for the home landscape: pawpaws and hazelnuts. This workshop will explore how to successfully grow these native edible plants, covering cultivar selection, site requirements, planting considerations, ongoing care, fertility needs, and common pest and disease issues. Participants will learn how these productive, wildlife-friendly plants can provide years of harvests while supporting a more sustainable and resilient home garden.

Virginia Lamb, Educator/Consultant, Groundwork Education and Consulting (Contact Info)

Did you know you have the secret to a great garden right at your fingertips? Backyard composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and greenhouse gases while creating a valuable soil amendment for your garden! Attend this workshop and learn what you can and can’t compost, tips for creating compost quickly, how to make compost tea and how to compost using worms, as well as uses for finished compost, referred to as “black gold” by seasoned gardeners.

Raul Cabrera, Extension Specialist (Contact Info & Bio)

Learn how to meet the watering and fertilization needs of plants in home gardens and residential landscapes. This presentation covers essential irrigation and nutrient management principles, along with practical tips and best practices for maintaining healthy vegetable gardens and landscapes.

Kirsten Soriano, Designer/Horticulturist, Environmental Landscape Design (Contact Info & Bio)

Discover the art of container garden design. This workshop will explore plant selection, color combinations, textures, and design techniques to help you create eye-catching containers that provide beauty and interest throughout the growing season.

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

James Shope, Assistant Extension Specialist, Rutgers Department of Environmental Sciences (Contact Info)

New Jersey’s climate is changing, bringing warmer temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events that can impact home landscapes and gardens. In this informative presentation, Dr. James Shope will explore the science behind climate change, discuss projected climate trends for New Jersey, and examine their effects on gardening and horticulture. Participants will learn practical strategies for adapting their gardening practices, selecting resilient plants, and creating sustainable landscapes that can thrive in a changing environment.

Gary Altman, Teaching Instructor, Rutgers Department of Plant Biology (Contact Info & Bio)

Create your own kokedama, a traditional Japanese moss-covered plant arrangement, while exploring the benefits of therapeutic horticulture. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the art of kokedama construction, including plant selection, assembly, and care. Along the way, discover how working with plants can promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Leave with a unique living sculpture and the knowledge to enjoy it for years to come.

$30 additional fee applies.

Dylan Shapiro, Superintendent of Horticulture, Morris County Park Commission (Bio)

Let’s face it, not everyone has a perfect eight hours of full sun in their whole yard. Most of us have either a few shady beds or sometimes an entire yard of deep shade. Growing a beautiful and floriferous garden in the shade seems like an intimidating task but the opposite is true, once you know just how many options are available for shade! Learning how to feature foliage and create contrast, select plants, amend soils for woodland loving species, and use bulbs and tender plants to enhance areas with less light will all be covered. Learn tips and tricks from the world of public horticulture to enhance the overall design of your 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.

Karen Plumley, Instructor, NJ Agricultural Experiment Station (Contact Info & Bio)

Gardeners of any skill level can master proper soil evaluation. It won’t break the bank and will likely save you money in the long run in the form of healthier, more attractive plants. We will review 10 concrete steps that you can take to improve your garden soil starting this spring! 

Brad Gibson, Horticulturalist (Bio)

Learn how to create beautiful and sustainable home gardens using native New Jersey plants and trees. This workshop covers selecting native species, designing pollinator-friendly landscapes, and using eco-friendly gardening practices to support local wildlife while creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden. 

Matt Elmore, Associate Extension Specialist, Department of Plant Biology (Contact Info & Bio)

Weeds can quickly diminish the appearance and health of lawns and ornamental landscapes. This workshop explores why weeds invade turfgrass and planting beds, how to identify common weed species, and the role that weed life cycles play in successful management. Participants will learn practical, environmentally responsible strategies for preventing and controlling weeds through cultural, mechanical, and integrated management practices to promote healthy, resilient landscapes. 

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

This presentation takes a deeper look at the science and practice of vermicomposting, exploring worm biology, bin management, harvesting techniques, and how to put finished castings to work in your garden. Participants will learn troubleshooting strategies for common challenges, seasonal management tips for New Jersey’s climate, and receive guidance on applying vermicompost for maximum benefit. 

Steve Kristoph, Rutgers Adjunct Professor and Owner, Steven Kristoph Nursery (Bio)

Discover the essential techniques for pruning ornamental trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth, improve structure, and enhance the beauty of your landscape. This workshop will cover how to select the right pruning tools, when to prune different types of plants, and how proper pruning practices can improve plant vigor, flowering, and overall garden appearance. Whether you are a beginning gardener or looking to refine your skills, you’ll gain practical knowledge to help your garden thrive year-round.

Anthony Baradhi, Floral Designer, Flower Station – Somerset/Princeton, NJ

Learn how to make and decorate your home with fresh flowers. Basic techniques for flower arranging will be demonstrated. You will take home the beautiful arrangement that you make in class. Please bring floral clippers (and gloves if you prefer) to class with you.

$60 additional fee applies.

Dylan Shapiro, Superintendent of Horticulture, Morris County Park Commission (Bio)

While we visit large landscapes to feel immersed in and awed by the scale, most homeowners do not have the space to create drifts and masses of plants. Sometimes there is a plant we love but it is simply too large for the small corner of space we have available. Fortunately, breeders are thinking smaller lately! Learn about dwarf cultivars of popular trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that can be used in smaller gardens to create a large impact.

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

Explore the rich history and cultural roots of herbal teas, discover which herbs and flowers thrive in a New Jersey garden, and learn the simple science behind growing, harvesting, and brewing a truly great cup.

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

Learn how to evaluate your garden soil using readily available websites, soil maps, and simple at-home testing techniques. This workshop will explore key soil properties, including texture, pH, and organic matter, and discuss how they influence plant health, garden productivity, and sustainable gardening practices. Participants will gain practical skills for understanding and improving their soil without expensive equipment.

Steve Kristoph, Rutgers Adjunct Professor and Owner, Steven Kristoph Nursery (Bio)

Native trees and shrubs are uniquely adapted to our local climate and growing conditions, making them resilient, low-maintenance additions to the landscape. They provide essential food, shelter, and habitat for migratory songbirds, pollinators, and other wildlife while adding beauty to the garden throughout the year with seasonal flowers, fruits, and vibrant fall foliage. This workshop will explore how to select the right native plants for your landscape, proper planting techniques, and best practices for ongoing care to ensure long-term success. Whether you’re creating a new garden or enhancing an existing one, you’ll learn how native plants can support biodiversity while creating an attractive and sustainable landscape.

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

Urban trees are the best way to combat the dangerous effects of project extreme heat. Learn how to use your property to both protect your home and your community utilizing best practices in tree design. Participants will learn about tree selection, soil amendments, and basic maintenance.

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.

Brad Gibson, Horticulturalist (Bio)

Learn the fundamentals of designing an aesthetically pleasing home garden. This workshop covers basic landscape design principles, thoughtful plant placement, color theory, and techniques for creating visual interest throughout the seasons.