Filtering by tag: Extension Master Gardener Volunteers ✕

2026 Arbor Day - Get Your FREE Persimmon Seedlings on April 17th!

Nationally, Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of April. However, most states observe a separate Arbor Day on a date of their choosing in accordance with the best tree-planting times. In…

2026 Garden Life Series: Cultivate Your Expertise

Ready to move beyond guessing and start working with nature? The comprehensive Garden Life Series offers expert-led education designed for every home gardener, from beginner to seasoned pro. Learn…

Beneficial Insects

Written by: Molly Gillespie, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, edited by Minda Daughtry, NCCE Area Agent - HorticultureBuzzz, swat, zzzz, swat!Occasionally time in the gardens can be…

Help Us Grow a Community Garden in Swain County!

N.C. Cooperative Extension in Swain County invites you to take a short survey (just 5 minutes!) to help us explore the possibility of starting a community and/or demonstration garden. Your input will…

Hot Pots – What?!?

We’ve just experience bone chilling cold, so why is this article about how heat affects our plants. The answer: Thinking back and planning ahead. Dealing with the heat and lack of rain last summer…

Steps to a Successful Garden

At its core, soil is “a dark material consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.” Its role is to provide water, nutrients, air, and microbes to support the roots of plants.…

Herbaceous perennial dusty miller showing symptoms of wilt caused by Phytophthora root rot.

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 (members of the same family with similar characteristics before you…

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 panic. In fact, “Chillax”. You have to figure out what it is to determine if you have to worry about it. Let’s…

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, viruses and nematodes causing disease. These are all causes of biotic…

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 to tackle preparing our landscapes for fall, let’s dream a bit about spring blooms because…