Residents invited to garden workshops

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County will present several garden workshops for interested residents at the EARTH Center, 42 Riva Ave, in Davidson's Mill Pond Park, South Brunswick.

A Vermi-Composting Workshop is set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on April 12, and a Backyard Composting Workshop is planned for 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 14. Both events are sponsored by the Middlesex County Division of Solid Waste Management. Admission is free of charge. Advance registration is required. Class size is limited. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 745-4170.

Following the April 14 composting seminar, a Lawn Rejuvenation Workshop will take place from 1-3 p.m. Cost is $20. Advance registration is required. For more information and to reserve, call (732) 398 5262.

Composting, using a traditional bin or the more advanced technique of using worms to "vermi-compost," aims to remove household solid organic waste from the waste stream.

By breaking down kitchen or yard waste, residents may slow the growth of landfills and produce soil-enriching additives for use in their gardens and house plants.

By using composting and other methods, homeowners may also revive turf grass without relying on the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides.