2025 Arbor Day - Get Your Free Spicebush Seedlings on April 25th!
Nationally, Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of April. However, most states observe a separate Arbor Day …
Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers
Since 1979, North Carolina Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers (EMGVs) have been leaders in this internationally acclaimed program, guiding homeowners in making environmentally sound decisions in their landscapes. Trained by North Carolina State University faculty and staff, EMGVs provide research-based information about gardening and environmental stewardship to individuals and communities across the state. EMGVs engage the community through education and outreach on a wide variety of subjects and through a broad spectrum of projects, all designed to maximize their impact.
Hot Pots – What?!?
We’ve just experience bone chilling cold, so why is this article about how heat affects our plants. The answer: …
Macro Photo Lens Amplifies Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
NC State’s Department of Horticultural Science extends our heartfelt gratitude to Frederick S. Baggett from Kingsport, Tennessee, for his …
Be on the Look-Out: BOLOs January/February
Month-by-month lists of common plant diseases, pests, and other problems you may encounter in North Carolina yards and gardens. WOODY …
Steps to a Successful Garden
At its core, soil is “a dark material consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.” …
What Is This Phytophthora Root Rot Disease?
Unfortunately many of our ornamental plants, such as trees, shrubs and bedding plants are susceptible to the Phytopthora genus …
Are Those Christmas Ornaments on My Leyland Cypress?
You may see some dangling, brown, bag-like icicle shaped objects hanging from your Leyland cypress or other conifer, but …
What to Do About Insects That Come Inside?
So a “bug” has come inside the house. Now what do you do? Well, take a breath and don’t …
Baby, It’s Cold Outside! (Finally)
When we talk about diseases, we often think about teeny, tiny “no-seeum” critters – living organisms like fungi, bacteria, …
Flowers to Sow in the Fall for Spring Color
The temperatures are dropping and our summer gardens are beginning to look a bit frumpy. As we get ready …
Here Comes the Fair, 2024!
We are eagerly anticipating the upcoming, two day, 2024 Swain County Agricultural Fair. What can you expect? A traditional county …
The Root of the Problem: Prionus Longhorn Beetles in Blueberries
Prionus longhorn beetles, notably Prionus laticollis, Prionus imbricornis, and Prionus californicus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), pose significant challenges in agricultural and …
We All Love Tomatoes, Right?
I’ve heard it said that you can’t stay mad at anyone for very long when you take a bite …
From Passion to Purpose: Teresa Lowry's Journey as an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
In our first “Why I Became an NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer” feature, we spotlight Teresa Lowry, an …
Fire Blight Showing Up on Apple and Pear Trees
Fire blight is one of the most devastating and difficult-to-control diseases of many fruit trees, including apple and pear, …
It’s Strawberry Picking Time
We have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the fresh juicy local strawberries and they are finally here!! Strawberries are …
Explore Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Impacts in Our Annual Report!
The 2023 NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ annual report, celebrates the contributions of over 3900 Extension Master Gardener volunteers …
Growing Self-Sufficiency: Extension Volunteers Support Seed Libraries in North Carolina
Did you know that 13.5 million American households were food insecure in 2021? This means that at some time …
Fiery Bursts of Color From Flame Azalea
A Flame Azalea in bloom stops me in my tracks every time. Just a stunning testament to the native …
Submit Soil Samples Now to Avoid Busy Lab Time and Peak-Season Fee!
RALEIGH – The busy season has begun for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic soil testing …