There are many insects and birds we depend on as pollinators in our environment. Honey bees are one well-known pollinator insects. Honey bees often get a bad name by people associating stings with them along with the misconception that they are thought to be aggressive. People that are unfamiliar with honeybees usually group them with…… read more »
Category Archives: Gardening Tips
Pollinator Day At The Farm Credit Farmers Market On June 19
RECIPE: Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe from Extension Agent Michelle Estrada Ingredients 2 pounds of sweet potatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt Preparation Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Peel…… read more »
Blueberry Week At The Farm Credit Farmers Market
It is the start of blueberry season with fresh, tasty berries starting to be available in Eastern North Carolina. For more than 70 years, North Carolina blueberries have been a favorite in the American diet. Blueberries were first planted for commercial production in North Carolina in 1936. They were brought to North Carolina by an…… read more »
RECIPE: No Crust Blueberry Pie
NO CRUST BLUEBERRY PIE Recipe from Extension Agent Michelle Estrada Ingredients 2 cups plus 1/4 cup fresh blueberries, divided 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract…… read more »
June Gardening Tips
As we welcome in summer, our gardens are now in full swing. With the summer weather, we have to keep our gardens watered regularly and be on the outlook for insect and disease problems. Below are gardening tips to help your garden grow through the month of June. Lawn Mowing at the correct height and…… read more »
Lookout For Squash Bugs
Squash is a popular summer vegetable that we often try to grow in our gardens. However, one challenge when growing squash is having to deal with a common pests called squash bug. This insect can be a serious pest problem on not only squash but also zucchini, and pumpkin plants. The life cycle of the…… read more »
Composting Basics
Composting can be a great way to reduce home waste disposal problems by recycling them into organic matter that then can be used in gardens, landscape, and flower beds. When mixed with soil, compost increases the organic matter content, improves drainage, and adds nutrients to the soil. Compost can also be used as a mulch…… read more »
Common Rose Diseases
Roses are a popular plant known for their large, elegant flowers. Many gardeners try their hands at growing roses in their gardens and landscapes. Poor disease control is one of the most common causes of failure with roses. Black spot and powdery mildew are important diseases to be aware of when growing roses. Black spot…… read more »
It’s Strawberry Season In Wayne County!
Strawberries are in season now around Wayne County! Local growers have been busy harvesting and selling strawberries. North Carolina is a leading producer of strawberries with North Carolina ranking 3rd in the nation for strawberry production. North Carolina has around 1,600 acres of strawberries grown with a farm income value of $29.4 million (2012, USDA).…… read more »
May Gardening Tips
May is here and are gardens are coming alive. Below are some tips for what you can do in your garden and landscape during the month of May: Lawn Leave clippings on the lawn – they return nutrients and water to the soil and do not contribute to thatch. Thatch build up is the results…… read more »
