By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent As the sweltering heat of August settles across North Carolina, many gardeners find themselves retreating indoors during the hottest parts of the day. However, this month presents crucial opportunities for lawn care, plant maintenance, and fall garden preparation that shouldn’t be missed. “The hot summer days of…… read more »
Category Archives: Gardening Tips
Beat the Heat: Essential August Gardening Tips for North Carolina Homeowners
August is Critical Time for Managing Pecan Weevil, Extension Agent Warns
Homeowners urged to take action now to prevent fall disappointment with infested pecans By Jessica StricklandWayne County Horticulture Extension Agent Early Warning Signs Signal Weevil Emergence As August approaches, Wayne County homeowners with pecan trees should begin preparing for the annual emergence of pecan weevils, according to local extension experts. Those who have noticed pecans…… read more »
The Science Behind Changing Hydrangea Colors: A Gardener’s Guide to pH Manipulation
By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent Popular Shrubs Offer Unique Color-Changing Opportunity Hydrangeas have long been cherished as one of the most spectacular flowering shrubs in residential landscapes, delivering impressive bursts of color from late spring through early summer. These beloved plants captivate gardeners with their massive flower clusters, but what many don’t…… read more »
Save Your Summer Tomatoes: Spot and Stop Common Garden Issues
🌿 Gardening Tips: Watch Out for Common Tomato ProblemsBy Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent As summer approaches, gardeners across Wayne County are eagerly anticipating that first juicy bite from a homegrown tomato. But before those tomatoes reach peak ripeness, some common growing issues could appear—especially with unpredictable rainfall and fluctuating temperatures. 🍅 Blossom-End…… read more »
June Gardening Tips
As we welcome summer, our gardens are thriving! But with warmer weather comes the need for consistent watering 💧 and careful monitoring for pests and diseases 🐛. Below are some timely tips to help your garden grow strong through the month of June. 🌿🌻 🌱 Lawn Care Tips ✅ Mow Smart, Grow Strong ✅ Sprayer…… read more »
Watch Out for Squash Bugs: Common Garden Pest Threatens Summer Crops
By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent As summer approaches and gardens begin to thrive, many North Carolina gardeners eagerly anticipate harvesting fresh squash. But along with the joys of growing zucchini, pumpkins, and squash come some unwelcome visitors—squash bugs. Squash bugs are among the most common and destructive pests in home gardens this…… read more »
Black Coating on Your Plants? Sooty Mold May Be the Culprit
By Jessica Strickland, Agriculture Extension Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Wayne County — (May 24) — If you’ve recently noticed a black, soot-like substance covering the leaves of your garden plants, don’t panic—it’s likely not a disease, but something known as sooty mold. This dark fungal coating can make foliage appear almost charcoal gray and…… read more »
Black Spot & Powdery Mildew: The Enemies Lurking in Your Rose Garden
Roses are a beloved staple in many gardens, known for their stunning blooms and romantic symbolism. However, growing healthy roses can be challenging—especially when common plant diseases take hold. Among the most frequent reasons gardeners struggle with rose cultivation is poor disease control, with black spot and powdery mildew topping the list of threats. Black…… read more »
May Gardening Tips
Gardening in Eastern North Carolina during May is all about transitioning fully into the warm growing season. Here are some tailored tips to make the most of your garden this month: 🌱 Vegetable Garden 🌼 Flowers & Ornamentals Your Gardening Tips Sponsored By 🌳 Lawns, Trees, and Shrubs 🐛 Pest and Disease Management 🌦️ Other…… read more »
Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties Key to Garden Success, Says Local Expert
Goldsboro, N.C. (May 3, 2025) – For many home gardeners, nothing beats the satisfaction of harvesting a ripe, juicy tomato grown right in their own backyard. But as any seasoned gardener knows, tomatoes can be particularly vulnerable to a host of diseases. Jessica Strickland, Horticulture Extension Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County,…… read more »
