GROWING IN THE GARDEN
ACUA has a robust organic community garden at our Environmental Park in Egg Harbor Township. Gardeners can rent plots for $15 per growing season and are granted access to compost and a greenhouse. Please contact us if you have interested in growing here!
Educational Programs in the Garden
ACUA and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County partner to offer free gardening programming to the community. Programs are held at the Geo Administrative Building, which is the first building on the right at ACUA's Environmental Park (6700 Delilah Road in Egg Harbor Township).
Garden Talks will be held on the 4th Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise. We'll meet outdoors in garden (weather permitting) or inside the Geo Building. Please register for Garden Talks below to be informed of any changes to the schedule.
For questions, please email: ar@acua.com or call (609) 272-6950
2026 Garden Talk Series
Programs begin at 5:30pm at the ACUA - 6700 Delilah Road Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
Monday, January 26 – Houseplants
Learn to care for, grow, and propagate indoor plants. We’ll discuss tips for troubleshooting common problems and how to grow healthy and happy houseplants. Participants can take a cutting to grow at home!
Monday, March 9 – Good Garden Bones
Discover the “bones” of a great garden. Hardscape pathways, trees, and shrubs create garden framework, and gardeners can create a beautiful and functional landscape in every season by adding key plants to this existing structure.
Monday, March 23 – Shady Characters
Not all plants need the spotlight. There many tress, shrubs, and perennials that thrive in low-light conditions in South Jersey. Gardeners will learn how to transform shady spots into a beautiful and successful garden.
*Sunday, April 26 – Plants for Teas Workshop
Discover how to grow your own tea garden During ACUA’s Earth Day Festival. Learn which plants make great herbal teas, how to grow and harvest them, and simple tips for brewing at home.
* Monday, May 18 – Companion Planting
We’ll explore the power of plant partnerships! Thoughtful plant combinations can result in healthier plants, fewer pests, and better harvests. Gardeners will learn how to strategize planting in their home garden to maximize space and improve garden success.
Monday, June 22 – Urban Garden Tour
We’ll meet in Atlantic City to tour community gardens across the city and speak with the gardeners behind them. Transportation is provided—please RSVP to reserve your spot.
Monday, July 27 – Tomato Party
Join us for a deep dive into everything tomato! From planting tips to exploring the many varieties, discover how these versatile fruits come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be grown for a wide range of uses too. Ever wondered if flavor changes with tomato color? Participants will have the chance to taste and find out for themselves!
Monday, August 24 –
Fruit Trees & Grafting – Figs
Learn to grow big and beautiful fig trees in your backyard. We’ll review how grafting works, why grafting is used, and how to successfully care for grafted trees. This program includes practical guidance for anyone looking to learn more about fig trees, start growing their own, or improve their harvest.
Monday, September 28 – Butterflies, Pollinators & Native Plants
Discover how native plants support butterflies and beneficial insects in our area. Native plants provide food and habitat throughout the whole year. We’ll visit the native plant garden at ACUA, and participants will have the opportunity to take home cuttings for their own backyard.
Monday, October 26 – Mushroom Growing & Creating Compost
Mushrooms are healthy, tasty, and easy to grow at home. This session covers simple techniques for beginners to get started, supplies needed, and how to care for mushrooms from start to harvest.
*Monday, November 16 – Zero Waste Kitchen
Looking to cut down on kitchen waste? This talk explores easy zero-waste kitchen habits, including using parts of produce that are often discarded, tips for extending produce shelf life, and creative ways to stretch your harvest.
*Monday, December 14 –
End of the Year Celebration & Holiday Herbs
Celebrate the season with our End of the Year Garden Party! We’ll have a potluck and brief presentation on holiday herbs – highlighting easy and practical ways to grow your own and preserve your harvest. Gardeners are also encouraged to bring a low/no cost garden-related item for the “green elephant” gift exchange and we'll discuss Garden Talk topics for 2027!