I apologize this is taking us away from the original question a bit...
@keithp2012, The link that drdawg provided is a group calling themselves "Long Island Master Gardeners" and not every member has taken the required courses/classes to become certified as a "Master Gardener". You could fill out an application and pay your dues to join and meet lots of experienced gardeners in the Long Island area.
GardenLiz, perhaps there is a similar active gardening group in your area that you could join now, while the children are still young, and you can take the official Master Gardeners course later when you have more free time?
