Seeking the Perfect Pecan

No matter how you pronounce it, the pecan is a southern treat. Their sweet, buttery flavor is delicious when baked in pies or cakes, added to salads, or simply eaten straight out of the shell. Though not native to the east coast, pecan trees are a common site in our area. So are pecan problems. It’s easy to find bags full of perfect, plump pecans in the grocery store this time of year, but if you have ever collected pecans from local trees there is a good chance you have come across a less than perfect crop. 

Common problems of locally grown pecans include poorly filled out nuts, light crop loads, bitter spots, and empty shells. To find out what causes these problems and if they can be prevented, read the entire article available on the Pender Coooperative Extension website at http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+158.

Fall - A Great Time to Soil Test!

Chlorosis on pepper leaves caused by Magnesium deficiency

If your lawn or garden did not do as well this year as you would have liked, part of the problem may be in the soil. Chlorosis, or yellowing between the veins is a common sign of soil problems. This symptom can indicate a deficiency of iron or magnesium. In many cases the actual cause of the deficiency is high soil pH, rather than low nutrient levels in the soil. The only way to get to the root of the problem and know for sure is to soil test.

Soil testing is free in North Carolina, provided by the NC Department of Agriculture, and testing supplies can be picked up from any Cooperative Extension office. Fall is the perfect time to submit soil samples for testing. Results for samples submitted now should be ready in four to five weeks, much quicker than the nine to ten weeks it often takes in the busy spring season. 

Learn more about soil testing - read the whole article here on the Pender Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+157

Sign up for the Pender Gardener or Food Gardener listservs to receive weekly updates of what to do in your yard and garden!

Pender Gardener
Weekly updates on what to do and plant in your landscape and lawn!

• To subscribe to the Pender Gardener email listserve, send an email to mj2@lists.ncsu.edu. Leave the subject line blank. In the body of the message put: subscribe pendergardener

Food Gardener
Weekly updates on what to do and plant in your vegetable and herb garden!

• To subscribe to the Food Gardener email listserve, send an email to mj2@lists.ncsu.edu. Leave the subject line blank. In the body of the message put: subscribe foodgardener

Sasanqua: The Other Camellia

Camellia 'ShiShiGashira'

Though not as well known as their spring flowering cousins, fall blooming camellias are wonderful landscape plants for the southeast and one of my favorite shrubs. 

Sometimes referred to simply as sasanquas from their scientific name, Camellia sasanqua, fall blooming camellias are a group of hardy, durable, evergreen shrubs native to Asia. They make spectacular additions to partially shaded landscapes, offering evergreen foliage and showy flowers at a time of the year when most plants are going to bed for the winter. 

Many varieties are available, with habits ranging from low growing spreading shrubs to upright vigorous bushes that can be trained to grow as small trees. To learn more about how to grow fall blooming camellias and varieties recommended for southeastern North Carolina read the rest of the article on the Pender Cooperative Extension website, http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+156.

Gardening After Frost

Miscanthus in winter

Most of our area saw its first frost last weekend --- right on schedule. The first frost of fall typically occurs during the first week of November in southeastern coastal North Carolina.
With frost, many plants stop growing, changing the gardener’s palette of gardening chores. 

You do not have to cut back ornamental grasses and perennials as soon as frost turns them brown. Many, like this Miscanthus (also known as maiden grass) remain attractive even after frost and add interest to the winter landscape.  


Winter is a resting time for most houseplants so wait until spring to divide or repot. If you need to trim your plants back a little that is fine, but wait until spring to do any severe pruning. Cut back on watering and fertilization through the winter since houseplants will not be actively growing. Houseplants often shed leaves when they are moved inside as they adjust to lower light levels. This is normal and should only last for a few weeks. If your plants continue to shed leaves weeks after being brought inside you may be overwatering.   

For more timely gardening tips, read the rest of the article on the Pender Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+155 .