Free Class - Managing Pests Organically!

Learn how to manage insects and diseases in garden and landscape plantings without synthetic chemicals. This talk will focus on plant selection, soil preparation and plant care practices to avoid pest problems, how to encourage beneficial insects, as well as available organic products and the pests they control.

Taught by Pender County Extension Horticulture Agent, Charlotte Glen, this 2 hour class will be offered at the following locations and times:

• April 16, 10am - Pender County Extension Center, FREE, during the MG Plant Sale! http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/content/2011PlantSale
  • Please register by calling 910-259-1235 by April 14
  • Directions: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=contact
    

• May 16, 1:30pm - Hampstead Branch of Pender Library, FREE
  • Please register by calling 910-259-1235 by May 13
  • Directions: http://www.youseemore.com/PENDERPL/directory.asp
    

• May 26, 10am - Surf City Community Center, FREE
  • Please register by calling 910-259-1235 by May 24
  • Directions: http://surfcity.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={64BD5036-01B2-4D66-B64D-2BDC165AB083}

Using Natural Pesticides

Colorado potato beetle larvae (seen right) can be controlled with natural pesticides containing spinosad. Because natural pesticides break down faster than synthetic products, they need to be reapplied more often. 

In the last few years, the number of natural pesticides available from local garden centers has increased. These products, derived from plants, microorganisms and other naturally occurring materials can be used to successfully control insect pests in the garden and landscape, when used properly. Simply substituting natural products in place of more traditional synthetic pesticides though rarely provides good results. 

Learn more! Read the rest of the story on the Pender County Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=AGRI+9

Spring Extension Gardener Now Available!

Spring is finally and here and so is the latest edition of the Extension Gardener Newsletter! Take a break from weeding and planting to sharpen your gardening knowledge. This seasons issue is full of great gardening information!



In the Spring 2011 Coastal Plain issue, you can learn about:

• Japanese maples
• Dealing with drought
• Growing Irish potatoes
• Vermicomposting
• Spring gardening chores
• Visiting Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park
  
• and more!
  

Download your copy here http://www.successfulgardener.org/ today!

Growing Fruits and Berries

Rabbiteye blueberries, along with figs and blackberries, are among the easiest fruits to grow in SE NC, while peaches and nectarines are the most challenging. If you are considering adding fruit and berry plants to your yard, think of choosing which type to plant kind of like adopting a puppy - There are a lot of things you need to know to choose the right one, and once you get it home it takes a bit of training and care to have a productive relationship. Lots of garden centers have fruit and berry plants for sale currently, but before you rush out and choose the cutest one, take some time to plan for your new plant to ensure the money you spend is not wasted.

Learn more! Read the rest of the story on the Pender County Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+122.

For information on growing and pruning specific fruits and berries, see the many resources posted on the home fruit growing page: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/content/Fruit.

Free Class!

Growing Vegetables and Herbs

Wednesday, April 6, 10:00 - 11:30
Opening Day, Poplar Grove Farmer's Market!
Upstairs in the Cultural Arts Center
Poplar Grove Plantation, 10200 US Highway 17 N., Wilmington
http://www.poplargrove.com/

FREE!

Learn the basics of growing vegetables and herbs with a special emphasis on the challenges and opportunities of gardening near the coast. Pender County Extension Horticulture Agent, Charlotte Glen, will cover the following topics :

• Which vegetables and herbs you can grow and when to plant them
  
• Growing vegetables and herbs in containers and raised beds
• Fertilizers, pest problems, and other essentials

This class is free, but space is limited so registration is required. Please call (910)259-1235 before 5pm, April 4, to register.

While you're there, be sure to visit the Poplar Grove Farmer's Market, where you can buy fresh, local produce and handmade crafts every Wednesday, 8am - 1pm, April 6 - December 14. http://www.poplargrove.com/farmers_market.htm

Ask a Master Gardener!

Does a weed or insect have you perplexed? Want to know the best time to plant vegetables or which shrubs or perennials will thrive in your yard? If so, it is time to ask a Master Gardener! Master Gardeners are trained Cooperative Extension volunteers willing to share their time and expertise to help you garden more successfully.

Pender County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers will be available to answer your gardening questions during the following upcoming events: 

• March 26 & 27, Poplar Grove Herb and Garden Fair, $5 admission, http://www.poplargrove.com/herb_fair.htm
• April 14, 15, 16, Master Gardener Plant Sale, Pender Cooperative Extension, 801 S. Walker St. Burgaw - http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/content/2011PlantSale
• The 2nd Wed. of each month April - Oct., 9am - 1pm, at the Poplar Grove Farmer's Market, http://www.poplargrove.com/farmers_market.htm
• The 3rd Mon. of each month April - Oct., 10am - 1pm, at the Hampstead Library 
• April 30, 10am - 3pm, Pender County Earth Day Celebration, Poplar Grove Plantation, http://www.penderearthday.org/

Find out more about Master Gardener Volunteers, including how you can become one, from the Pender Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+121.

Grow Your Own!

Whether due to the slow economy or just a desire for fresh, tasty food, many of us are deciding to try our hand at growing our own. Many vegetables and herbs can be grown in our area, though some are easier than others. 

If you have the room, watermelons are among the simplest of summer vegetables to grow. Easy herbs and vegetables for smaller spaces or containers include peppers, basil, chives and zucchini. 

For more suggestions of easy to grow herbs and vegetables, see the full article on the Pender Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+120.