Rutgers Extension Offers Free Summer Garden Program For Families In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - Families looking to dig into gardening this summer have a perfect opportunity to learn alongside their children through the Master Gardeners Children's Garden Series, offered free of charge by Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County.

The educational program series runs from June through September at the Children's Garden within the Middlesex County EARTH Center, located in Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick.

Each session provides hands-on learning experiences designed to teach children and their families essential gardening skills while fostering a connection with nature.

"These gardening lessons are perfect for any family looking for outdoor fun or to start their own backyard garden this summer," organizers said. The program combines scientific learning with practical application, giving participants knowledge they can take home and apply in their own gardens.

The series features three distinct programs, each tailored to seasonal gardening concepts and designed to build upon previous learning experiences.

The summer kicks off with "How Does Your Garden Grow?" on Saturday, June 28, at 9:30 am. This inaugural session focuses on the fundamentals of plant growth, where children will discover what seeds need to germinate and thrive. Participants will actively plant seeds in the Children's Garden while learning how plants utilize nutrients and water from their environment.

July's program, "Wiggly Worms in Our Garden," scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at 9:30 a.m., shifts focus to the underground ecosystem. Children will explore the world of red wigglers and their crucial role in vermicomposting. The session addresses questions about worm habitats, movement, and their essential contribution to garden health. Participants may have the opportunity to meet earthworms that actively enrich the soil in the Children's Garden.

The series concludes in September with "Succulents and Sand Garden" on Saturday, September 13, at 9:30 a.m. This final session explores drought-resistant plants and their unique adaptations. Children will participate in a succulent scavenger hunt throughout the Children's Garden and create their own mini-meditation garden featuring sand, succulents, and rocks to take home.

Due to the program's hands-on nature and limited space, advance registration is mandatory for all sessions. Interested families can register by calling the EARTH Center at 732-398-5262 or emailing carol.richiusa@co.middlesex.nj.us.

The program takes place at the Middlesex County EARTH Center, located at 42 Riva Avenue in South Brunswick, within Davidson's Mill Pond Park.

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