Free program to be held Feb. 11

EWING — Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County and the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County will host a free program titled “Dirty Little Secrets: 10 Tips to Great Garden Soil” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County.

Dr. Karen Plumley, a soils instructor for more than 20 years in the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School, will provide an upbeat take on what can often seem difficult for homeowners to understand — the vital importance of soil to a successful landscape in flower and vegetable beds, as well as lawns. She will address the importance of soil testing and compost, in addition to appropriate maintenance practices.

Healthy soil can be an important component of a landscape that uses and retains water effectively, avoids soil erosion, and provides a base for healthy and robust plant growth. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how you can optimize the soil in your garden and lawn this growing season. Seating is limited; please register for this program in advance by emailing programs@mgofmc.org.

Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County is a volunteer educational outreach program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing. Rutgers Master Gardeners deliver educational programs throughout Mercer County and answer home horticulture questions through the Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline, 609-989-6853 (see website below for winter hours).

For more information about the Rutgers Master Gardener program, Mercer Educational Gardens or other Extension educational programs, contact Rutgers Cooperative Extension at 609-989-6830 or visit the Master Gardeners of Mercer County website at www.mgofmc.org.

***

PHOTO: Dr. Karen Plumley, soils instructor in the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School, will present a program on garden soil on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County, 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing. Please register by emailing programs@mgofmc.org.