COME TO FALL GARDEN DAY!

LEARN ABOUT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING

On the last Saturday of September, Master Gardeners invite OceanCounty residents to attend a day of horticulture education. Since much of OceanCounty is in the Barnegat Bay Watershed, the Master Gardeners strive to inform residents of gardening techniques that protect the streams and rivers that flow into the bay.

The day starts with lectures by Master Gardeners. The Fall Garden Day Committee chooses topics that are of current interest to residents. The following are examples of “hot topics” that may be on the agenda for Fall Garden Day. Did you know that environmentally friendly lawns are low maintenance? Why does it help the watershed if you landscape with native plants? What is the best way to deal with pests and disease in your landscape? What are the easiest roses to grow? Are you short on space? Think about container gardening.

Master Gardeners set up displays with information and provide handouts for attendees. The displays may include topics such as beneficial vs. destructive insects, invasive vs. non-invasive plants, proper mulching techniques, or plants that attract butterflies.

During the latter part of Fall Garden Day, attendees break into small groups for demonstrations of gardening techniques. These may include composting, vermiculture, dividing perennials, making a rain barrel, or planting a container.

A panel of Master Gardeners and a Rutgers horticulturist answer individual questions with the most up-to-date and environmentallyfriendly gardening information. Residents may also bring samples of infected plants, and Master Gardeners will diagnose the problem.

Best of all, the entire day of horticulture information is free, an outreach event of the Rutgers Master Gardeners of OceanCounty. Everyone who attends will also receive a horticultural calendar with more information on bay-friendly landscaping, along with monthly to-do gardening tips.

For information on Fall Garden Day, go to the Master Gardeners’ website at or call 732-349-1245. See you there!

Checklist for September

Continue treating rose diseases and dispose of all debris. To ensure resistance to winter damage, allow the last flowers to set seeds (hips).

Roses and Their Care

Divide and/or transplant peonies, daylilies, iris, and phlox late in month.

Storing Tender Bulbs and Bulblike Structures

Ensure houseplants are pest-free before returning them indoors.

Storing Tender Bulbs and Bulblike Structures

Place poinsettia in the dark for 12 hours a day beginning September 20.

Divide spring-blooming perennials.

Storing Tender Bulbs and Bulblike Structures

Dig up and cure (store) gladiola corms when foliage turns brown.

Storing Tender Bulbs and Bulblike Structures

Now is the time to finish lawn renovation. See Rutgers Fact Sheets FS108 “Renovating Your Lawn” and FS633 “Fertilizing the Home Lawn” for additional information.

Check for your Fall Ocean County Household Hazardous Waste Day schedule at 1-800-55RECYCLE or

732-506-5047 or online at to dispose of pesticides and other waste.