Rutgers Cooperative Extension
of Middlesex County
May 2026
Calendar of Events
Unless otherwise noted, listed programs require registration and
take place at the Middlesex County EARTH Center
Located in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park
For information or registration, contact the EARTH Center at
732-398-5262 or e-mail extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us.
Saturday, May 2 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Rain or Shine
Master Gardeners Plant Sale at the Cook College Extension Conference Center
103 College Farm Rd. W. Cook College Campus, New Brunswick NJ.
We still have RU developed tomatoes and basil, raspberries, flowers,
hanging baskets and more. Onsite parking will be available.
Saturday, May 9 10:00 AM
How to be My Own Backyard Plant Doctor-
A Gardener’s Intro to Integrated Pest Management
Learn to identify common pests and diseases, while fostering
habitats for beneficial insects in your garden or landscape.
Free! with registration at 732-398-5262 or extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us
Saturday, May 16 10:00 AM
The Value of Native Plants and Tour of Native Plant Garden
Native plants are a great addition to the landscape while attracting and
supporting wildlife. A short presentation will be followed by a
walk through the EARTH Center’s native plant demonstration garden.
Free! with registration at 732-398-5262 or extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us
Saturday, May 30 10:00 AM
Rows for the Hungry Volunteer Day and Garden Tour
Discover the Rows for the Hungry donation garden which provides the food insecure of Middlesex County with fresh produce. Learn how you can volunteer with the team.
RSVP at 732-398-5262 or extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us
Saturday, May 30 2:00 PM
Fruit Gardens for Small Yards
Growing fruit can be exciting, but there is lots to know for worthwhile results.
After the presentation we will tour the EARTH Center fruit garden.
Free! with registration at 732-398-5262 or extensionservices@co.middlesex.nj.us
Saturday, May 16 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Meet the Master Gardeners at the East Jersey Old Town Village History Day
1050 River Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854
Rutgers Master Gardeners will be on hand, amidst the historic festivities, to answer
all of your garden questions and talk about the Master Gardener program.
Info at history@co.middlesex.nj.us or call 732-745-3030
Tuesday, May 21 7:00 – 8:30 PM
4-H Teen Mental Health Fair Open to all youth in grades 6 and up.
Middlesex County 4-H Center 645 Cranbury Rd. East Brunswick NJ
Join us for tips on overcoming mental health obstacles.
Talk to experts on mental health topics. Stress management advice will be shared.
Any questions contact lbovitz@njaes.rutgers.edu or call 732-398-5261.
The growing season has arrived! If you need assistance from a trained Rutgers Master Gardener, contact our
Master Gardener Helpline for Middlesex County residents at 732-398-5220 or Mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us .
Native Plant Donations for Habitat Projects
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County donates native plants to local organizations to create or enhance habitat, for example pollinators, butterflies, or rain gardens.
To qualify, the project must be in Middlesex, Union, or Somerset counties only and must be at a public location like a library, school, park, or municipal complex.
For more information contact Michele Bakacs at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Note: the Middlesex County Extension office no longer carries soil test kits.
To learn more about the soil testing process at Rutgers please review the process listed here https://extension.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab
Similarly, the Middlesex County Extension office no longer carries Pesticide Applicator Manuals. To learn more about acquiring these manuals, review the process listed here
