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 is excited to partner with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County to offer the community monthly Garden Talk meetings in 2023. We will meet at ACUA's Environmental Park located at 6700 Delilah Road in Egg Harbor Township. Most Garden Talks begin at 5:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Talks will be held outdoors in the ACUA Community Garden located next to GEO Administrative Building #1 (the first building on the right). In cold or inclement weather, talks will be brought indoors.
Monday, January 23rd – Garden Planning
January is a great time to browse seed catalogs, look at your notes from the previous season, and make a good garden plan for the upcoming year. Learn which seeds to start indoors or in a greenhouse, and other creative methods to get a jump start on growth.
Monday, February 27th – Houseplants
Houseplants are an easy way to brighten up a room and they have lots of other benefits too. There are so many varieties of plants – some even requiring very little light and moisture, making their care very easy. Learn how to care for houseplants, when to fertilize, and of course, how to propagate plants to share with all of your friends!
Monday, March 27th –Welcome Spring!
Come grow with us on this first day of spring – we’re starting seeds. With the right timing and growing conditions, starting plants from seed can save you lots of money and give you more control over the growing process. We’ll share some growing tips so you’ll have successful seedlings in no time.
Monday, April 17th – Low Maintenance Gardening
Sit back and enjoy your plants, without too much watering, weeding, and working! Get the maximum benefit with the minimum effort in your garden. Planning for a low maintenance garden is certainly worthwhile and is great for gardeners with busy schedules!
Tuesday, May 30th – Roses and Cut Flowers
Learn how to grow your own bouquet of flowers, incorporating unique fragrance, color, size, texture, vase life, and more.
Monday, June 19th – Special Guest Presenter
Greg Freelon from Coastal Cousins and the African Heritage Seed Project will be our special Junteenth presenter.
*Bonus Session Friday, June 23rd – Field Trip to Local Community Gardens
Garden Talks hit the road! Carpool with your garden friends to explore some different models of Community and School Gardens in the western part of Atlantic County. Meet in Egg Harbor City at 5:30 p.m., and follow an easy route to Mullica Township and Hammonton. Meet gardeners and explore these great growing spaces during a fun and informative evening. Registration is free, but requested. Click here to sign up!
Monday, July 17th - Controlling Garden Pests
Who ate my plants!? Some of the smallest critters seem to have the biggest appetite. Learn how to protect your harvest from the hungriest wildlife visitors – like deer, groundhogs, voles, and insects too.
Monday, August 21st – Planting for Bees
Give back to these important pollinators with a bee-friendly garden. You can easily support native bees and honey bees even in the smallest of gardens.
Monday, Sept 18th – Tree and Shrub Care/Pruning
Learn how to care for trees and shrubs in your landscape. We’ll talk about when to plant, the best time to prune, and how to give your bushes and trees some TLC.
Monday Oct 16th – Bulbs and Winter Interest
Floral blooms and impressive foliage don’t have to go away in the fall. There are loads of beautiful plants you can add to your landscape to keep your yard beautiful throughout all of the seasons. Your local wild critters will thank you for winter berries, seeds, and shelter too!
*Bonus session Sat. Nov 18th – America Recycles Day at ACUA
Monday, Nov 20th – Composting Basics
Save those fall leaves to add to your compost! Composting the right way is super easy if you have the right ingredients, and it’s great for the environment! We’ll cover some tips, troubleshooting, and techniques for a successful compost pile in your backyard.
Monday Dec 18th – Indoor Edibles
Grow your own fresh veggies and herbs, even in the winter. Did you know that some types of edible plants thrive under a grow light or in a sunny windowsill? Learn how to have access to fresh and healthy, home grown produce year-round.