FREEHOLD, NJ – Children ages 9 through 11 are invited to take part in Monmouth County’s Grow Team Program that includes learning gardening basics through special hands-on activities on the way toward becoming a certified Junior Master Gardener.

The deadline to register for the program is Jan. 31. Those interested in the program should contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service of Monmouth County at 732-431-7260. There is a $30 registration fee and $25 registration fee for additional siblings. Register early because class size is limited.

Children will be involved in a unique opportunity to unlock the mysteries of seed germination and plant propagation, to experiment with soil composition and to harvest and protect seeds.

All classroom and hands-on sessions will be held on Saturdays from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Monmouth County Agricultural Building at 4000 Kozloski Rd. in Freehold Township. Sessions are scheduled for April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19, June 2, June 9, June 16 and June 23.

“The Grow Team offers children an exciting way to learn how to grow local fruits and vegetables,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the County’s agricultural interests. “Children who participate will have exciting, hands-on experiences in plant biology, soil science and disease and pest control.”

For more information and to download the application, go to www.visitmonmouth.com.

The children will work with certified Master Gardeners who are experts in all things related to home gardening in Monmouth County. Graduates of the program will be welcome to return to the garden weekly to harvest produce for their families or for donation to the local food banks. Children also may enter their produce in the Monmouth County Fair Home & Garden competition in July.

The Grow Team program is a part of the County’s Master Gardener program. Similar programs are conducted throughout the United States and Canada. In New Jersey, the program is a cooperative effort of Rutgers University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Monmouth County’s program also involves Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Park System.

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