Main Content
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Personnel with the assistance of the Rutgers Master Gardeners provide horticulture information to the residents of Ocean County.
Services
Helpline
Lawn and garden questions are answered Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. Afternoon hours vary during spring and summer months. Call (732-349-1245).
Ticks
Free identification is available throughout the entire year. Make sure you have a copy of our fact sheet Prevent Tick Bites: Prevent Lyme Disease
Other tick resource links:
Tick Safety Information from Rutgers University, NJ Health Dept and the CDC
Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention: Ticks
Diagnostics
Free identification and diagnosis of plants and pest problems is provided. Recommendations are given. A representative sample of the problem is required for an accurate diagnosis.When a sample is submitted please complete the “Horticultural Diagnostic Fillable Form” below.
- Horticultural Diagnostic Form (PDF)
- To submit a horticultural question and picture electronically click here.
Soil Testing
Two types of soil tests are available. A pH test to determine acidity or alkalinity is available for $5.00. A complete soil analysis kit, including pH, nutrients in the soil and recommendations, is also available. The fee is $20.00. For further information contact our office.
Save Time – Complete the appropriate form below, before coming in.
- Soil Testing for Home Lawn and Garden
- Soil pH Test (PDF)
- Rutgers soil testing instructions & order form/questionnaire
RCE Online Programs
Rutgers Master Gardener Program
Butterfly Tent Event Resource Material
All About Bees
Ask a Rutgers Master Gardener
Lifecycle of Butterflies & Insects
Native Plants for Wildlife
- Going Native Brochure
- Pollinator Garden Brochure
- Native Plants – RMG (Ocean Fun Days)
- Incorporating Native Plants in Your Residential Landscape (FS1140)
- Native Plant Seed Propagation (FS1329)
- Why Choose Native Plants Resource Sheet
Ticks
Sensory Gardens
Fall Garden Day Resource Material
Ecofriendly Management
- Mosquito Bucket – of – Doom
- Manicured Rain Garden Examples
- Mosquito Bucket Challenge
- Natural Rain Garden Examples
- Rain Garden Design
- Salt Tolerant Rain Garden Examples
Environmental Impact
Plant This, Not That
- Incorporating Native Plants in Your Residential Landscape- Rutgers FS1140
- Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives for Landscapes – Rutgers FS1353
- Going Native Plant Brochure
- Postcards – Invasive Species Information
- Why Choose Native Plants Resource Sheet
Propagation and Seed Saving
- Native Plant Seed Propagation – Rutgers FS1329
- Native Plant Committee List of JFY Plants Seed Collections
- Winter Seed Sowing Handout
Right Plant, Right Place
Spa Day in the Garden
Soil and Soil Testing
- Rutgers Soil testing Lab
- Soil Testing for the Home Lawn and Gardens
- Soil pH and Lime Requirement for Home Grounds Plantings
- Understanding Soil pH
- Understanding Soil Compaction
- Healthy Soils, Healthy Waters
- Should I get my soil tested?
- Assessing & Addressing Soil Compaction
Tools of the Trade
Pruning
- Pruning Flowering Shrubs
- Hydrangeas in the Garden
- Pruning – Not a Mysterious Art
- Roses and their Care
To contact the Agriculture Department call – 732-349-1246 or we also can be reached at oceanag@njaes.rutgers.edu