Master Your Garden

Gardens, Mountains and Streams Garden Tour

2012-01-20T10:27:00.000-05:00

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Gardens, Mountains and Streams Garden Tour

Haywood County Master Gardener Volunteer tour of six private gardens.

Gardens will highlight the beauty of Haywood County’s mountains and streams including a whimsical hillside garden, a creek side and English-style garden and a mountain top garden with spectacular views.

The tour will begin at the historic old dairy barn that stands along side 3 huge silos in the Mountain Research Station at 265 Test Farm Road across from the NC Extension Cooperative Center on Raccoon Road in Waynesville.

Directions to the gardens will be distributed to ticket holders at this location. The $10 tickets will be sold here but advance tickets are available by calling the Cooperative Extension at 828-456-3575. Tickets may also be reserved for “will call” the day of the tour by emailing mgtour2012@charter.net.

Other locations for ticket sales will be announced soon.

A metal garden sculpture by WNC metal artist, Grace Cathey, will be the featured drawing item.

Net proceeds will be used to supplement the Extension Horticulture Program in Haywood County. “In the past, funds have supported school gardens, materials for the plant clinic, and commercial horticultural programs that help the local green industry and its workers,” said Tim Mathews, Extension Agent for Agriculture and Horticulture.”

Directions From Asheville: Off I-40 west, take Exit 27 on 19/23 South (Clyde/Waynesville). Go 3miles to Exit 104 (Lake Junaluska – East Waynesville). Take Hwy 23 Business South toward Waynesville. Go 2 miles. Around the traffic circle take Ratcliffe Cove Road. Travel Approximately .06 mile to the Mountain Research Station sign. The road name will change to Raccoon Road, continue straight).

Haywood County Garden Tour Exhibit

2012-01-10T12:32:00.003-05:00

April 4 – April 28, 2012

Gardens, Mountains & Streams - An Artist’s View of the Haywood County Garden Tour

Gallery 86

86 North Main Street; Waynesville, NC

Twelve Haywood County artists are creating varied media reflecting the theme of the June 23, 2012 Master Gardener Volunteer Garden tour of 6 private gardens and old dairy barn at the Research Test Station.

Gallery Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm

For more information email info@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org.

Farm City Day - October 1, 10am-4pm

2011-09-28T09:06:00.002-04:00

The Annual Farm City Day Festival is schedule for October 1st, 2011 in Jackson Park. This event boasts attendance each year of over 10,000 Henderson County residents eager to learn about farming, animals, and community. Bring your family to enjoy a large petting zoo, pony rides, children's games, crafters, live music and entertainment, and a tractor pull scheduled throughout the day. Contact Karen at 828-697-4900 or Diane at 828-697-4891 for more info. Click here for our website.

Armillaria Root Rot in the Landscape: Attack of the "Humongous Fungus"

2011-08-29T14:11:00.002-04:00

Root rot is one of the most commonly diagnosed disease problems of woody plants in landscapes in North Carolina. Each year we see dozens of shrubs and trees that have one of the “big three” root rotting diseases: Phytophthora root rot, Thielaviopsis black root rot, or Armillaria root rot.

This article will feature Armillaria root rot. Armillaria root rot is caused by species of the fungus Armillaria. Common names for this group of fungi include the oak fungi, shoestring root rot fungi, or the honey fungi, the latter referring to the honey-colored mushrooms the fungus produces.

Armillaria is a common soil inhabitant and can infect a very wide host range including; oaks, maples, azaleas, beeches, birches, boxwoods, cedars, dogwoods, firs, poplars, rhododendrons, yews, roses, spruces, and sycamores (pretty much any woody tree or shrub). It can be destructive in orchards or on fruit trees in the landscape.

Armillaria is typically a problem in older plants or plants that have been stressed due to drought, frost, insect attack, mechanical injuries, poor drainage, low soil fertility excessive shade, or pollution damage.

Above-ground symptoms include leaf drop, dieback, and an overall decline in plant vigor. Armillaria infections start in young roots, but soon the fungus begins to decay larger woody roots.

Unlike most plant pathogenic fungi, Armillaria produces mushrooms and other structures that are visible to the naked eye. Three diagnostic signs of Armillaria root rot include:

1. Mycelial Fans: The most common diagnostic sign of this disease can be found beneath the bark (between the bark and the wood) at the base of the tree or shrub. White or creamy paper-like mycelial fans can be observed when the outer bark is carefully peeled away. These white mycelial fans can also be found beneath the bark of infected roots and root collar area.

2. Black Rhizomorphs: Sometimes rhizomorphs (dense strings of mycelium) that look like black shoestrings can be found under the bark or throughout the soil around infected tissue. Rhizomorphs serve as one of the primary means of dissemination. Rhizomorphs grow through the soil from infected trees, roots, or old stumps. They are able to directly penetrate healthy roots and cause disease.

3. Honey Mushrooms: In the fall, honey-colored mushrooms can be seen growing near the base of diseased trees and shrubs. Typically, these mushrooms grow in clusters. These mushroom produce microscopic basidiospores, but the spores are not thought to play an important role in the spread of the disease. Most species of Armillaria are edible and are quite tasty. Caution: It is always best to have any mushrooms identified by an expert before you eat them. Eating misidentified mushrooms can be fatal!

Control

Usually homeowners do not notice Armillaria root rot until the plant is dead or dying. No control is possible at this point and the plant should be removed.

Replanting can be problematic because Armillaria can survive for many years as rhizomorphs in soil or in old wood and stumps. Remove the affected plant and thoroughly dig up and remove all large roots, stumps and any other wood or prunings from the affected area. When planting in areas where a plant has died, or where trees have been removed, as in new construction, remove all old roots, stumps, and wood before replanting. Consider planting ornamental herbaceous or perennial plants or grasses in the area for a few years before attempting to replant woody species.

Healthy trees and shrubs are better able to resist Armillaria root rot than stressed plants. Choose species that are well-adapted to your region and growing site. Maintain their health by fertilizing as recommended, watering during dry spells, and improving drainage in wet areas. When possible, prevent defoliation from insects and foliar diseases. Be careful to avoid damage to roots when digging or tilling. Do not push up soil around tree trunks and do not move soil from affected areas into sites where woody species are growing.

From: Emma Lookabaugh, Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, NCSU

Note: Special thanks to Dr. Larry Grand for helping with this article!

Pest Alert - Japanese Maple Scale

2011-08-22T13:44:00.002-04:00

Japanese maple scale, Lopholeucaspis japonica , is active now and much of the summer. It is a small, oystershell-shaped, armored scale believed to have been introduced to the U.S. from Asia. Japanese maple scale is found in several eastern U.S. states, including North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Japanese maple scale has a wide host range that in addition to maples (e.g., Japanese maples, red maples, paperbark maples, and sugar maples) Cornus, Ilex, Magnolia, Malus, Stewartia, Ulmus and others.

Although the lifecycle of this pest has not been fully examined, two generations a year are expected in the mid-southern U.S. First generation crawlers emerge in mid-May, and the second generation in early August. Management efforts are complicated by the extended crawler hatch observed for Japanese maple scales that results in first and second generational overlap. Thus, the most recent sample we received had every stage (egg to adult) present at the same time.

Adult scales and crawlers are very small and most readily observed on bark of dormant deciduous host plants, but can also be found on foliage. The waxy coating on the body of male Japanese maple scales is white and females, eggs, and crawlers are lavender. The most work on this scale has been done at the University of Maryland and their fact sheet on the Japanese maple scale is available on the web at this site.

Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist, NC State University

Residential Rain Garden Workshop Offered August 30th

2011-08-18T09:19:00.001-04:00

As homeowners and property managers become more aware of the issues of stormwater management many of them are choosing to manage the runoff from their homes and businesses with rain gardens. Rain gardens are shallow depressions and serve as landscape features that can effectively collect and treat stormwater and reduce localized flooding. Rain gardens can be integrated into the existing landscape as a retrofit or be included in the initial landscaping plan. To effectively manage stormwater, rain gardens must be accurately sized and properly constructed.

This 1-day workshop will present a method for sizing and designing rain gardens and detail proper construction techniques. For pre-registration call 828-697-4891 and leave your name and number. If you need more information be sure to leave your contact information or e-mail Cliff Ruth at cdruth@ncsu.edu

Apple Recipe Contest - September 2, 2011

2011-08-16T14:54:00.002-04:00

The annual Apple Recipe Contest is only weeks away and NC Cooperative Extension is looking for both amateurs and professionals to enter their original non-copyrighted recipes. Winners will receive great prizes, a ribbon, and I can't forget to mention the bragging rights that accompany winning the contest at the NC Apple Festival. Recipe entry forms and the written recipe must be mailed, faxed, or delivered by August 31, 2011 to NC Cooperative Extension. If you would like more information, contact Renay at 828-697-4891.

Garden Lectures for Home Gardeners

2011-08-16T14:44:00.003-04:00

Henderson County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are offering a series of lectures for a small fee of $5.00 per participant for each program. Money raised is used to support future educational efforts by the Volunteers. All lectures will be held on at 3:00pm in the classroom at the Bullington Center.

Fall 2011 Schedule
Sep 19 Prepare your Lawn for Spring – Now!
Sep 26 Beauty from Bulbs
Oct 3 Success with Houseplants
Oct 17 Add WOW to your Garden with Hydrangeas
Oct 24 Putting the Garden to Bed

To register for these or other upcoming Mastering Your Garden Lectures, call the Extension office at 697-4891. Keep checking our county website for more information on upcoming lectures.

Bullington Center Annual Fall Plant Sale

2011-08-10T09:10:00.002-04:00

Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10
10 am – 4 pm

Mums, pansies, perennials, shrubs
Visit the Garden Shed for
Gently-used tools, yard art and books

95 Upper Red Oak Trail
Hendersonville, NC
www.bullingtoncenter.org
828-698-6104

Directions:
I-26 East to Hwy. 64 East, Left on Howard Gap Road
Right on Zeb Corn Road, Right on Upper Red Oak Trail

All proceeds support our gardens and educational programs
Cash and checks only

Announcement: WNC Naturally Events

2011-08-02T15:05:00.005-04:00

Do you wild-harvest or grow medicinal herbs? Are you looking for a buyer? Do you make products with medicinal herbs? Are you looking for local suppliers? Are you a forest landowner looking to make some extra income from your land but don't know which plants to harvest or how to do it sustainably? Do you want to start cultivating medicinal herbs?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, register to attend one of three "WNC Naturally Events" being held in three convenient locations in western North Carolina. These are inexpensive, participatory events with sessions led by people ho have been involved in the natural products (medicinal herb) industry for many years. They are all the same, so pick the one most convenient for you. The first event is coming up real soon, so sign up now!

Here are the details:
Events: Three WNC Naturally Events
Dates: August 6, 2011, The Almond Center, Bryson City, NC
August 27, 2011, AB Tech Enka Campus, Candler, NC
October 22, 2011, Mill Spring Agricultural Center, Mill Spring, NC

For more information, or if you would like to have a table to promote your business or organization at one or more of these or would like to sponsor these
events, contact Alison at alison_dressler@ncsu.edu or 828-684-3562. To register on-line, please visit our EventBrite site.

This notice was provided by Jeanine Davis, Dept. of Horticultural Science, NC State University. For more information on the projects and the NC Natural Products Association, please visit this site.

Herbicide Injury on Tomatoes... A Gardeners Experiment

2011-08-02T11:30:00.007-04:00

Jim and Elizabeth Curtis have been kind enough to share these great photographs with me. We had a few concerns that some compost they are using in their vegetable gardens might have contained herbicide residue. The first picture is of two tomato plants, one planted in regular potting soil and one planted in the compost used to amend their garden soil.

After about 2 months of the two plants receiving identical moisture and sunlight, this is how the two plants are looking. The tomato in the grey pot is the one with regular potting soil and the green pot is the one with the compost.

Here is a close up of the deformed tomato stems and leaves, common symptoms of herbicide injury.

If you need more information or help diagnosing a plant problem, be sure to contact your local Extension Office. Click here for a listing of NC County Offices.

Drought and Fertilizer: How Two Mainstays of Summer Bring in the Bugs

2011-07-26T10:42:00.001-04:00

In the middle of the hot summer, insect populations build to increasingly damaging levels. Pest control becomes harder this time of the season, and two key little-known issues arise for herbivorous insect control.

Drought: Plant stress due to heat and drought can lead to higher herbivore numbers, especially if that stress is intermittent. For example, let’s say you have a shrub, and aphids really like that shrub. You do not water it regularly, and the plant lives outside in the heat of the summer. The weather has stayed dry for a while, and your shrub is starting to stress. Sap feeders like aphids do not usually respond well to drought, because plant sap is powered by turgor pressure, and the sap must move for them to eat. No rain, no food. However, leafy plants produce more nitrogen in times of stress. Your dry, stressed plant produces tons of nitrogen and then (viola!) it rains. The aphids suddenly have everything they need to produce tons of baby aphids.

Fertilizers: Nitrogen fertilizers are generally applied to improve plant growth and help them cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. However, although maintaining plant health is the first line of defense against herbivore attack, trees that are over fertilized are often more vulnerable. This occurs by improving plant nutrition for herbivores. Just as nitrogen is essential for plant growth, it also increases herbivore growth. Therefore, plant tissue that is high in nitrogen due to fertilization makes herbivorous pests grow faster and reproduce more. Fertilizer also benefits herbivores by reducing plant defenses. This happens because nitrogen stimulates rapid plant growth which requires all the carbon fixed through photo-synthesis to be used for plant tissue instead of defensive chemicals. Therefore, plants do not build chemicals toxic to herbivores or chemicals that attract natural enemies such as parasitoids to help defend themselves. Therefore, be sure to calibrate fertilizer application equipment, and do not apply more fertilizer than is recommended or necessary to maintain plant quality.

From: Steve Frank, NCSU Extension Entomologist

Bullington Center: Mid-Summer Plant Sale

2011-07-12T16:13:00.004-04:00

ONE DAY ONLY! Saturday July 16th, 2011. 10:00am - 4:00pm

Come see the hand-selected inventory of plants for sale at this special summer event. Examples of plants now in bloom include coneflower, rudbeckia, daylilies, Rozanne geranium, hosta and many more.
For more information of to inquire about a specific plant, call (828)698-6104. See you there.

Squash Bugs Present by the Hundreds in Henderson County Gardens

2011-07-07T12:45:00.008-04:00

These pests of vegetable gardens usually hide under leaves or around the base of plants. They characteristically shy away or move to cover when approached.

All cucurbit vine crops are subject to squash bug infection. The bugs prefer squash, pumpkin, cucumber, and melon, in that order.

Feeding in colonies, adults and nymphs pierce vines with their needle-like mouthparts. While feeding, they inject a toxic substance into plants. As a result, vines quickly turn black and dry out. This aspect of squash bug damage superficially resembles bacterial wilt symptoms. When infestations are heavy, fruit may not form.

Squash bugs overwinter as adults under plant debris or other suitable shelter. When cucurbit vines start to run in spring, squash bugs fly into gardens and mate. Over a period of several weeks, eggs are laid on undersides of leaves, typically in the angles formed by leaf veins. One or 2 weeks later, depending on the temperature, nymphs hatch from the eggs and begin to feed.

In small gardens, adult squash bugs and leaves with egg masses can be handpicked and destroyed. The bugs can also be trapped by placing small boards near the host vines. Squash bugs gather under the boards at night and are easily collected and destroyed the next morning.

Should a significant infestation develop, insecticide recommendations and rates can be found in the current North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

Non-native and Invasive Forest Plants Workshops for Landowners

2011-07-07T08:53:00.003-04:00

The Non-native and Invasive Forest Plants Workshops for Landowners is a series of 6 one-day educational workshops featuring presentations by experts in non-native invasive plants that impact North Carolina’s forests. Each workshop will engage regionally based stakeholder groups in the planning and educational content.

What you will learn

What are non-native and invasive species, and why should you care?
Identification of specific problem species
The impacts of these plants on forest communities (ecologic, economic and cultural)
How non-native species are introduced
What are the risks of the “do-nothing” style of management
Gain exposure to organized NNI stakeholder groups and efforts currently taking shape, or ongoing, in your region
Resources available to landowners and what steps you can take
How your neighbors and local professionals are dealing with NNI challenges.

Workshop Regional Locations and Dates

Sandhills, Lower Piedmont and Uwharries:
August 19, 2011 - Moore County Extension Center
707 Pinehurst Ave, Agricultural Center, Carthage, NC 28327
Western North Carolina:
September 13, 2011 - Crowne Plaza Tennis & Golf Resort
One Resort Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
Coastal Plain of North Carolina:
October 18, 2011 - Duplin County Extension Ctr.
165 Agriculture Drive, Kenansville, NC 28349
Northeastern North Carolina:
February 7, 2012 - Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Ag Center
2900 NC Highway 125 South, Williamston, NC 27892
Piedmont (includes urban forestry topics):
May 1, 2012 - Bur-Mil Park,
5834 Bur-Mil Club Rd., Greensboro, NC 27410
Northern Blue Ridge:
May 8, 2012 - Wilkes County Community College,
1328 S. Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

Advanced registration for these workshops is required. Need more information? Online registration form CLICK HERE or Contact the NCSU Forestry and Environmental Outreach Program at 919-515-9563, or by email: forestry_outreach@ncsu.edu

Kudzu Bug Found on Soybeans in Henderson County

2011-06-30T14:45:00.004-04:00

Kudzu bug has moved into soybean fields in Henderson County in the past few weeks, some of which were flowering. So far, kudzu bug has been relatively easy to kill with insecticides (except with neonicotinoid insecticides), but will often reinvade. A preliminary economic threshold, based on Georgia data, is one bug per sweep with large nymphs present, or three bugs per plant with large nymphs present. This is the threshold that we will be using in our state until more information is gathered. Like stink bugs, this insect seems to invade the field edges first, so be sure to scout entire fields.

Protect Your Skin While in Your Garden

2011-06-29T11:38:00.006-04:00

There are many positives in gardening, but we must think of the dangers associated with spending too much time in the sun unprotected. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Be sure to follow these simple suggestions below each time you spend time in your garden.

Limit sun exposure to early morning or late afternoon
Make sure you wear proper protection with a wide brim hat and sunglasses
Always, always wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks
Most dermatologists recommend all parts of the body that are not covered by clothes should be adequately protected with broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher every two hours while outside.

Farm City Day 2011 - Demonstrators Needed

2011-06-22T10:09:00.003-04:00

The Annual Farm City Day Festival is schedule for October 1st, 2011 in Jackson Park. This event boasts attendance each year of over 10,000 Henderson County residents eager to learn about farming, animals, and community. If you would like to participate, we are looking for non-profit organizations to showcase their cause and local agriculture supporters to demonstrate a trade. Contact Karen at 828-697-4900 or Diane at 828-697-4891 for more info. Click here for our website

Cicadas, The Next Class

2011-06-16T09:16:00.002-04:00

Periodical cicadas were a big hit this spring across most of North Carolina. It is now time for the annual cicada to make its appearance. Already spotted, are the larger green annual cicadas that appear every year in low numbers.

By now, most of you are familiar with cicadas. Every summer the chunky brown nymphs crawl from under the ground and perform a transformation as dramatic as the change of a chrysalis to a butterfly. Though the individual life cycle may last several years for the annuals, the entire population does not emerge in synchrony as do their famous earlier periodical cousins. You should now be able to enjoy their daytime buzzing and still hear yourself think.

Lightning Bugs - Now Showing in NC

2011-06-13T11:35:00.006-04:00

For the first time in several years, most of North Carolina has had a reasonable amount of rainfall in the spring. This year the lampyrids (lightning bugs) seem to be off to a good start. Lightning bugs are beetles. Fireflies are, coincidentally, also beetles!

Lightning bug adults produce a heat-free source of light through a biochemical reaction. The light flashes are used to attract mates. Different species have different flash patterns and are active at different times during the evening.

What does this have to do with pest management? One of the many great aspects of lightning bugs is that the larvae of some species are predatory on snails and slugs!

From: Steve Bambara, NCSU Extension Entomologist

Tips for Effective Ant Baiting

2011-06-06T10:42:00.004-04:00

Baiting for ants has some advantages over other types of insecticides. First, baits can work when the nest cannot be found or it is inaccessible for treating with other chemicals. Second, baits pose less of a risk to children and staff by reducing the risk of possible contact with a toxic chemical. Third, baits can kill the entire colony whereas most insecticides sprayed on a surface kill only the workers that contact it.

Remember, baits are effective only if they are eaten and not all baits are equally attractive to different ant species. Make sure the bait you use is acceptable to the ants. Place a small amount of bait where you see ants foraging and then watch their reaction for a few minutes. If the ants show no interest in the bait, try another bait until you find one that they readily feed on. Once you find a bait that is acceptable to the ants, several other factors determine its effectiveness, including:

* Sanitation - Baits work best when there are no other food sources available to ants. Keep areas clean so ants are not "distracted" from locating and feeding on the bait.

* Proper placement - Bait should be placed in known or suspected areas of ant activity. Be sure that bait is placed out of the reach of children, pets, and wildlife. Never place bait directly on countertops where food is prepared or in an area where it will get wet and/or contaminated.

* Quantity - Make sure you put out enough bait and that it remains fresh. If the ants carry away all of the bait, then they may leave the area and go elsewhere before enough bait is spread within the colony. Ant species that are capable of producing large colonies, such as the Argentine ant, will most likely require more than one application of bait.

* Durability - Baits will eventually become unacceptable if they are exposed to high temperatures, rain, and sunlight. Check baited areas for signs of ant feeding and replace baits that are no longer acceptable to the ants.

* Patience is important to successful baiting. Most ant baits are slow-acting. You may continue to see ants for a week or more after baiting. It is important that the ants are able to return to the nest with the bait so it can be fed to other members of the colony. Do not disturb or kill the foraging ants.

* Remember, if you determine that chemical control is needed to successfully control the ants, never spray in areas baits have been applied. If the baits are contaminated, the ants will avoid the bait.

Click here for an "Ant Baiting Decision Tree" developed by Jules Silverman, Charles G. Wright Professor of Structural Pest Management, at North Carolina State University. You may use the baiting tree as a tool in determining what actions to take in order to successfully bait for ants.

From: Patty Alder, Training Coordinator, NCSU Department of Entomology

The Kudzu Bug Now Found in Transylvania and Union Counties

2011-05-31T09:50:00.005-04:00

Kudzu bug (a.k.a. bean plataspid, Megacopta cribraria Fabricus) has recently been confirmed on kudzu in Union County and has potentially been found on wisteria in Transylvania County, North Carolina. I am awaiting the samples from Transylvania to confirm this identification. It is likely in other parts of the state, but because we have not done a concentrated search, its distribution in North Carolina is largely unknown.

Kudzu bug is a legume feeder and will feed on soybean in large numbers. We are concerned that this new invasive insect will become a major yield reducer in the future. Confirmed hosts are mainly legumes, but include cotton, wheat, and potato. Although many plants are confirmed hosts, kudzu bug may not feed extensively on them or may not reproduce on them. Soybean is the main agronomic host for this insect.

We are tracking this pest and would appreciate your contacting Dominic Reisig by electronic mail or telephone (252)793-4428 x133 if you find this pest in a non-confirmed county. If you can also provide GPS coordinates, as well as the plant on which it was found, it would enhance our ability to respond to this new threat. Please use caution not to spread this pest from field to field if you find it.

From: Dominic Reisig, NCSU Extension Entomologist

Food Preservation Classes Offered

2011-05-27T09:05:00.003-04:00

North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Henderson County Center is offering a series of Food Preservation classes to the community. Please call 828-697-4891 for more information or to pre-register for any of these learning opportunities.

Canning High and Low Acid Foods
May 31st, 2011 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, June 6th, 2011 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, or June 6th, 2011 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC

Learn the latest information on canning high and low acid foods! Cost of class is $10.00.

Soft Spreads, Pickling, Freezing and Drying
June 2nd, 2011 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC

Learn how to make jams, jellies, pickles and relishes and the process of freezing and drying foods. Cost of class is $10.00 or attend 2 classes for $15.00.

Food Preservation - General Information
June 11th, 2011 @5:00pm
Hendersonville, NC

Covering all areas of safe food preservation. Includes Canning high and low acid foods, Soft Spreads, Pickling, Freezing and Drying foods. Cost of class is $15.00.

Drought Monitor Update

2011-05-26T15:34:00.003-04:00

The North Carolina Drought Advisory issued by the Drought Management Advisory Council has been updated to reflect drought conditions on May 24, 2011 indicated on the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor of North Carolina. Luckily, western North Carolina has not been included in the recommendations to implement drought response actions. Click here for more info on areas included in the update.

Mosquitos Are Here

2011-05-19T08:55:00.003-04:00

Rain and warmer weather are closely followed by increases in mosquito activity particularly with Asian tiger mosquito. Most people still think of swamps, ponds, etc. as the source of the mosquitoes that show up in their yards. However, in most residential areas the source is more likely to be all of those small and inconspicuous water sources that are prime mosquito breeding sites. So, before people start planning a chemical assault on their yards as the solution to their mosquito problems, they should start with the simpler and more long-term approach of eliminating "collectibles". We don't mean souvenirs; we're talking about all of those objects that collect and retain rainwater.

- Bird baths - simply flush them out with a garden hose. The birds will also appreciate the fresh water.

- Old cans, tires, etc. - empty them and get rid of them.

- Outdoor flower pots - empty the water from the dishes/trays underneath them. Your plants have plenty of water without the overflow. This also helps reduce fungus gnat problems.

- Remove all of that built-up debris from your gutters. The water and decaying material attract mosquitoes

- Kids' pools - if they're not being used by kids, they're probably being used by the mosquitoes.

- Drainage ditches - they're meant to collect water *temporarily*. Keep them free of debris so that water flows out.

- Decorative fish ponds can be a source of mosquitoes if they contain a lot vegetation which provides hiding places for the mosquito larvae. 'Mosquito Dunks' are an option here.

- Tree holes - When limbs fall off trees, the remaining hole in the trunk can collect water. Flush that out or put a small piece of a mosquito dunk into it.

Many people ask about treating shrubs in their yard. Mosquitoes *may* be resting there during the day but whether it "controls" a mosquito problem is debatable. Similarly, people that use outdoor foggers will definitely kill mosquitoes but depending on the time of day/evening that they use it, they may be missing the peak activity.

One other point to remember - mosquitoes have no concept of property lines. Mosquito management takes a neighborhood effort to be truly effective.

We have information for you here.

From: Mike Waldvogel and Charles Apperson, Extension Entomology

Henderson County Master Gardeners Attend State Conference

2011-05-11T15:14:00.004-04:00

Henderson County Master Gardeners attended the NC Master Gardener Conference in Raleigh this past week. The group will be hosting the 2012 conference in Asheville next May. They spent the week learning about gardening in North Carolina as well as promoting the upcoming event to their peers.

Predatory Ground Beetle Calosoma

2011-05-03T09:31:00.003-04:00

Beetles in the genus Calosoma are called caterpillar hunters. They are among the largest in the Carabidae ground beetle family. Adults and larvae are active predators. Calosoma sycophanta is a large, metallic green beetle that was imported from Europe to New England for the biological control of the gypsy moth in 1905. The larva feeds day and night, consuming 50 caterpillars during its two-week developmental period. The adult will eat several hundred caterpillars during a life span of two to four years. There are also several native species of Calosoma. We have had several reports of these insects already this spring.
From Steve Bambara, NCSU Extension Entomologist

Bullington Center - Spring Plant Sale 2011

2011-04-27T10:18:00.003-04:00

April 29-30, the Bullington Center will have its annual spring plant sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will offer for sale many varieties of perennials, herbs, heirloom and other vegetables, hard-to-find annuals, trees and shrubs. Call 698-6104 or visit www.bullingtoncenter.org for more information. All proceeds from the sale will go to support educational programs for children and adults at the center.

Pesticide Collection Day - Haywood County

2011-04-26T17:15:00.004-04:00

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in cooperation with the Haywood County Cooperative Extension, will be offering a Pesticide Collection Day for residents in Haywood and surrounding counties. The local site manager will be Tim Mathews, Agricultural Extension Agent for Haywood County. Collection will be Wednesday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Extension Center at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville. Nearly all pesticide products will be accepted. For liquid pesticide containers larger than 5 gal or for unlabeled pesticides, please contact the Cooperative Extension Office for information before bringing to the collection event. No gas cylinders are accepted at the event; however, assistance information can be provided. Contact the Cooperative Extension Office for more information. Don't miss this opportunity in Haywood County. For more information contact Tim Mathews at the Haywood County Extension Center at (828) 456-3575.

Garden Plugs Newsletter - May / June Edition

2011-04-21T14:57:00.001-04:00

The May/June 2011 issue of the Garden Plugs Newsletter is available for your reading enjoyment at the link listed below. Just click on this link and your on your way (you must be able to view a PDF in order to open the link).

NCDA&CS Agricultural Tornado Assistance Program (AgTAP) - Hotline Information

2011-04-21T14:17:00.004-04:00

Purpose: Farmers can call into the Department to get more information about assistance programs, have their concerns heard, and get answers to their questions. Websites are currently under development to assist farmers with sharing resources and finding volunteers. Farmers can call the Hot line to find out more information about ongoing Departmental and other agency efforts.
Phone: 1-866-506-6222
Hours of Operation: 7 am – 7 pm (Monday – Friday) Hot line is currently operational as of 4/20/11. During the holiday weekend, the Hot line will be available Friday 4/22/11 and Saturday 4/23/11 from 7 am – 2 pm. If calling after hours please leave a message. Messages will be frequently retrieved, and will be returned as soon as possible. The Hot line will be closed on Easter Sunday.

Also, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) has instituted the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to allow farm operators to be reimbursed for the cost of debris removal and repair of fences due to damage from the recent tornadoes. Operators should contact their local FSA office to apply for this program. Generally the office will either visit the site or ask the operator to document the damage with photographs prior to clean up. Click here for a fact sheet detailing the program. Click here for contact information to your local FSA office.

Finally, farm operators can contact their county Extension agent and/or county Emergency Manager to ask that a resource request be submitted to North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) for prison labor to remove debris from fields to allow normal cultural practices to resume. The owner/operator will need to sign a Right of Entry Agreement Waiver which will be provided by NCEM or the county Emergency Management office. Click here for contact information to your local Cooperative Extension Office.

South Carolina: Downy Mildew Found on Cucurbits in Home Garden Center

2011-04-18T10:47:00.004-04:00

Article can be found on WNC Vegetable and Small Fruit News. See this site for more info.

Gall on Virginia Pine

2011-04-14T08:52:00.003-04:00

Wednesday afternoon, this sample of Virgina Pine came into the Master Gardener Info line. The gall on this branch is caused by a disease known as Pine-Oak Gall Rust. This fungal disease, caused by Cronartium quercuum, requires two different hosts to complete its life cycle. It lives part of its life-cycle on pines and part of its life-cycle on oaks.

Symptoms on pine include swollen areas on the branches, lumps or galls measuring up to 4 inches across, and slowed growth. Trunk galls on young trees may result in death or breakage of the trunk or branches at gall location. Galls on branches may girdle and kill tissue beyond the infection. Symptoms on oak leaves include small dark brown spots with yellow borders on the upper leaf surfaces, and reproductive structures develop on the underside of infected leaves.

In the spring, mature galls on the pine host release windblown spores, which infect expanding oak leaves. About one week after infection, orange spores are released from the underside of infected oak leaves, causing additional oak leaf infections.

The above photograph shows the orange spores produced by the pathogen and being released on the surface of the gall.

Control measures include removal of infected branches on pines to remove the source of inoculum (spores) available for infecting oak trees. No control measures are feasible on oak trees.

Flat Rock Playhouse - Spring Daffodils

2011-04-11T14:39:00.002-04:00

The Henderson County Master Gardener Volunteers have planted 2,000 daffodil bulbs in the gardens of the Flat Rock Playhouse. If you have not visited the State Theater lately, please do so soon to enjoy the show!

Enjoy the Beauty at the Bullington Center Today!!!

2011-04-05T11:31:00.003-04:00

Stop by the Bullington Center in Hendersonville and enjoy the tulip display in the Horticulture Therapy Garden; the most recent addition to the grounds which offers horticultural therapy programs to elderly and disabled populations. This garden brings hope through specifically designed gardening activities.

A visit to the Bullington Center is a delight to anyone who appreciates the beauty and texture of flowers, ornamental and evergreen shrubs, and trees. The center's unique, natural setting changes with each new season. The existing gardens include colorful perennial borders, a butterfly garden, a shade garden, and an herb garden containing fragrant and dye, medicinal, and biblical herbs.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

2011-04-05T09:39:00.004-04:00

Since last autumn, the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) has been invading homes and other buildings throughout the state. The stink bug feeds on a variety of hosts in the landscape, including—but not limited to—Buddleia sp., hibiscus, zinnia, and sunflower. Both fruit trees, such as apples and peaches, and vegetables can also serve as host plants. Stink bugs inflict leaf and fruit damage primarily from feeding with needlelike mouth parts. The North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual suggests either malathion or permethrin as a control agent for ornamentals and vegetables.

The biggest problem for homeowners is the bugs’ overwintering behavior of collecting inside structures and homes when seeking shelter, much like the multicolored Asian lady beetle. They do not harm people, but they can emit an unpleasant odor when crushed or vacuumed. Appearance in homes usually begins about late September or early October. For homes, sealing and caulking all entry spaces usually keeps stink bugs at bay. If they are found inside, hand removal and vacuuming are the best options. A piece of ladies’ hosiery over the vacuum’s nozzle allows for easy disposal of the insects and keeps the odor from lingering in the vacuum canister.

For more information, see this site.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day

2011-04-04T11:21:00.003-04:00

The Henderson County Division of Solid Waste will hold a household hazardous waste disposal Stoney Mountain Activity Center from 9 a.m. to noon April 21.

As Earth Day, April 22, falls on a holiday this year, the Solid Waste Division is celebrating on April 21 by providing for free and safe recycling and disposal of household chemicals and cleaners, pesticides, insecticides and thermostats. Liquid paint will also be disposed of for a fee of $5 per liquid gallon.

The event will be in the rear of the Stoney Mountain Activity Center. Follow the directional signs at the entrance and exit of the activity center. Traffic entering the site will use the exit side of the current driveway, while the entrance will be used for the exit in order to make room for more vehicles.

Bullington Center - Spring Plant Sale 2011

2011-04-04T11:01:00.002-04:00

Operation Medicine Drop 2011

2011-03-25T15:41:00.007-04:00

Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet! Henderson County Sheriffs Department will accept and safely dispose of your expired, unused, unwanted medications. Saturday March 26, 10am-2pm, four Ingles locations: Etowah, Fletcher, 64E & Howard Gap Rd and Hwy 176 & Highland Lake Road. Help us keep medication out of the hands of those who would be hurt by them!

Take the 40 Gallon Challenge

2011-03-25T15:00:00.004-04:00

The 40 Gallon Challenge is a call for residents and businesses to reduce our region's water use on average by 40 gallons per person, per day. The challenge began in 2011 as a voluntary campaign to increase water conservation.

The 40 Gallon Challenge encourages people to save a minimum of 40 gallons a day by adopting new water-saving techniques. The pledge card outlines water-saving practices and the daily water-savings to expect. You can use the pledge to review the water-saving practices that you or your family currently puts to use. By pledging new practices, you will see the total daily savings expected for your household.

The 40 Gallon Challenge also provides maps and charts to see pledge activities in your state and across the United States. For more information click here.

Ag Support Rally

2011-03-18T09:22:00.000-04:00

The Agricultural Support Rally has been set for Monday, March 28 at 9:00 am in the Virginia Boone Building (log cabin) at the WNC Agricultural Center. It should conclude by 10:30. Breakfast will not be served, but refreshments will be available. Come if you love agriculture!

Fish Truck coming to Edneyville 3/12/2011

2011-03-08T14:52:00.003-05:00

For those of you that have been waiting on Farley's Fish Truck to come back into town, they will be at the Edneyville General Store this Saturday, March 12, 2011 from 7:30am-8:30am. See this website for prices in North Carolina. This is a great opportunity to stock your pond or control pond weeds with grass carp.

Boxelder Bugs

2011-02-28T11:55:00.003-05:00

This past weekend as I was pulling into my driveway I noticed a large mass of insects crawling on my neighbors foundation. Closer inspection confirmed that what I was seeing was actually Box Elder Bugs. This time of year, these insects are very active, especially on warmer days.
Boxelder bugs are elliptical and about 0.5 inch long. The thorax has 3 red stripes; the leathery parts of the wings are outlined in red; and the eyes are red. The remainder of the insect is dark gray or black.
Adult boxelder bugs emerge from their overwintering shelters in March and early April and feed for about 2 weeks before mating. These insects prefer sunny areas and, therefore, are found most abundantly on trees in a southern exposure and on sides of buildings facing south. Eggs are deposited in masses of 10 or 11 eggs usually in bark crevices.

These insects are more of a nusience than anything and control is not normally needed. However, if you would like more information on how to control these insects see: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/houseplants/ort040e/ort040e.htm

USA: World without farmers - One Hungry Planet

2011-02-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

Rain Garden Design - March 16th, 2011

2011-02-17T13:24:00.002-05:00

RG 101: Residential Rain Garden Design for Homeowners (NEW!)

This is a new workshop developed just for homeowners, master gardeners and other non-professionals and does NOT include a certification.

Training Date/Location:
Asheville, NC - March 16, 2011

About the workshop: As homeowners and property managers become more aware of the issues of stormwater management many of them are choosing to manage the runoff from their homes and businesses with rain gardens. Rain gardens are shallow depressions and serve as landscape features that can effectively collect and treat stormater and reduce localized flooding. Rain gardens can be integrated into the existing landscape as a retrofit or be included in the initial landscaping plan. To effectively manage stormwater, rain gardens must be accurately sized and properly constructed. This 1-day workshop will present a method for sizing and designing rain gardens and detail proper construction techniques. Workshop participants will also be installing a rain garden. As a result of this training participants will:

* Understand why stormwater needs to be managed,
* Understand the principles of rain garden location, design, construction
and maintenance,
* Be able to select appropriate vegetation, and
* Design, build and plant a small rain garden.

These workshops are sponsored by NC State University Dept. of Biological & Agricultural Engineering and NC Cooperative Extension. For more information and to REGISTER ONLINE, please go to this website.

Composting Bonanza - March 19th - 10:00am

2011-02-11T11:26:00.003-05:00

Presentations on Backyard & Business Composting.
Plus, Vermicomposting Workshop - Take home your own worm bin!

Saturday, March 19th 10:00-3:00. NC Cooperative Extension, Jackson Park

Guest Speakers:
Brian Rosa, NCDENR Composting Specialist
Chandler Cummins, Advanced Composting Technologies
Janice Sitton, Good Green Graces
Katie Breckheimer, Blue Ridge BBQ Festival

Cost: $35 for entire Bonanza or $15 for presentations only
Compost Bins will be available for purchase through Henderson County

Pre-registration is required by calling ECO office at (828)692-0385. Space is limited!

2011-02-09T07:18:00.002-05:00

Henderson County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are offering a series of lectures for a small fee of $5.00 per participant for each program. Money raised is used to support future educational efforts by the Volunteers. All lectures will be held on at 3:00pm in the classroom at the Bullington Center.

Spring 2011 Schedule

February 28 – A Walk in the Woods: Getting t0 know wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians – Alan Mizeras

March 21 – Divide and Multiply: Vegetative Plant Propagation – Pierre Hart

March 28 – Herb Gardening - Betty Lockwood

April 4 - Grow a Great WNC Lawn - Dave Zorich

To register for these or other upcoming Mastering Your Garden Lectures, call the Extension office at 697-4891. Keep checking our county website for more information on upcoming lectures.

Henderson County Plant Sale

2011-01-20T09:24:00.002-05:00

Henderson County 4-H is selling small fruit plants to support programs and awards for youth. All plants are bare root, and must be picked up at Henderson Farms, 705 Tracy Grove Rd., Flat Rock, on Monday, April 11, 12:00 – 4:00 pm. All plants prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Instructions for planting and care will be provided with the plants. Click here for the order form. Orders will be accepted through March 15th, 2011.

Haywood County Master Gardener Plant Sale

2011-01-13T10:01:00.003-05:00

Haywood Co Master Gardener Volunteer Association Plant Sale

To enhance your edible garden, reserve your plants for pick up in early to mid April. Everyone with a prepaid order will be notified when the plants are available for pick up at the Haywood County Cooperative Extension Office at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville.

New items for 2011 are the American Hazelnut, Shadbush Serviceberry, and American Elderberry. Available again this year are blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and asparagus.

For information call Erin Freeman at 456-3575.

To print an order form Click Here.

Gardening Like a Forest with Dave Jacke

2011-01-13T09:50:00.003-05:00

Learn from Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens, about designing forest gardens in a rare local appearance at Warren Wilson College.

Gardening like a Forest: Home-Scale Ecological Food Production.
Date: February 12 7-9PM
FREE evening lecture at Bryson Gym of Warren Wilson College.

Healthy forests maintain, fertilize, and renew themselves, naturally. Wouldn’t you like to grow an abundant food-producing ecosystem like this in your back yard? You can! Edible forest gardens mimic the structure and function of natural forests through all their stages of development and grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder, fertilizers, farmaceuticals, and fun. We can meet our own needs and regenerate healthy ecosystems at the same time!

Ecosystem Agriculture: Patterns, Principles, and Practices
Date: February 13 9-5PM
Workshop $90 early bird special (register before Jan. 22) $115 after Jan. 22 at Bryson Gym of Warren Wilson College.

Ecosystem agriculture attempts to mimic the structure and function of natural ecosystems in food-producing ecologies. This workshop explores the vision, theory, and design practices of ecosystem agriculture using the temperate deciduous forest as a model. Lectures and experiential exercises will reveal the nature of ecosystem architecture and social structure, as well as give you an embodied sense of how to design ecosystems composed of functional guilds and polycultures. The main themes of these experiences lead to a range of practical principles, practices, patterns, and processes for garden design and management.

This is an introductory workshop for gardeners, designers, and students of gardening, ecology, and design. Space is limited so REGISTER NOW online at this website.

N.C. Cooperative Extension partners with 10% Campaign to promote local foods

2010-11-10T09:59:00.002-05:00

Renay Knapp and Susan Colucci with North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Henderson County will be extension’s local foods coordinators, supporting the 10% Campaign. The campaign is an effort to encourage North Carolina consumers to spend 10 percent of their food dollars on foods from local sources.

Through the campaign website – www.nc10percent.com -- consumers and business will pledge to spend 10 percent of their food dollars locally, purchasing products from area farmers and food producers. Campaign participants will receive weekly email reminders to report how much money they spent on local food. The website will show consumers how their dollars spent on local foods grow.

North Carolinians spend about $35 billion a year on food. If each person spent just 10 percent on food locally – roughly $1.05 per day – then approximately $3.5 billion would be available in the state’s economy.

Cooperative Extension’s local foods coordinators will help connect consumers and food producers and support local businesses and organizations who want to spend 10 percent of their food dollars locally. Local food coordinators will personally contact businesses and organizations that register through the website to help them develop a plan for purchasing local products.

In addition, the 10% Campaign website provides a “Find Local Foods” page with links to help consumers find local food and farm products in their own communities. A “Learn More” page includes links to information on a variety of partner organizations, such as Slow Food USA and Eat Smart, Move More NC. There are also links to educational information on topics ranging from how to set up a workplace community-supported agriculture program to how to cook seasonal, local products.
To find out what’s happening with local foods in your county, visit your Cooperative Extension website http://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/. A link to the Local Foods page can be found in the left hand column of your county center’s home page. Help us build North Carolina's local food economy by joining the campaign and encouraging your family, friends and neighbors to do the same.

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) and Cooperative Extension are partners in the campaign. Extension, based at N.C. State and N.C. A&T State universities, serves all the state’s 100 counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee. CEFS is a partnership of N.C. State, N.C. A&T State and the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Sciences that provides research, outreach and education on sustainable agriculture and promotes local food economies in North Carolina.

The Compass Group of Charlotte, the world’s largest food service provider, is leading the way in the campaign by pledging to purchase 10 percent of its food from local sources. Compass Group is developing a parallel model farm-to-institution buying program and will purchase 10 percent of the produce it serves in its North Carolina accounts from local farmers in the state.

Funding for the 10 Campaign and website is provided by Golden LEAF.

Edited by Sue Colucci, area extension agent

NC Establishes Exterior Quarantine to Prevent Thousand Canker Disease

2010-09-17T12:38:00.002-04:00

Declaration of Exterior Quarantine for the Walnut Twig Beetle and the Fungal Pathogen that causes Thousand Canker Disease in Walnut Trees

The Commissioner of Agriculture, the Plant Industry Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), and the Plant Pest Administrator hereby immediately establish an exterior quarantine for the walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, and the fungal pathogen, Geosmithia morbida sp. nov., that causes Thousand Canker Disease in walnut trees, Juglans spp., for the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Washington and any other state found to be infested or infected. This exterior quarantine is needed to prevent the establishment, dissemination, or potential spread of Thousand Canker Disease ands its vector into North Carolina and other states.

For complete information, go to this website.

Thousand Cankers Disease Discovered in East TN

2010-08-20T13:20:00.002-04:00

Plans underway to survey and restrict movement of walnut material in Tennessee.

Check out this press release from Tennessee. I will be sure to send more information as it becomes available as NC assesses the threat of this pathogen to our native forests.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture today announced the discovery of Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD), the first detection of the destructive tree pest east of the Mississippi River. The discovery was made in July by a TDA forester.

“The discovery of TCD in Tennessee is unexpected, but we’re prepared to help slow the spread of the infestation and protect our forest resources.” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “We will be working closely with stakeholders to determine the extent of the infestation and to take steps to limit its spread.”

TCD is a progressive disease that kills a tree within two to three years after initial infection. The disease-causing fungus, Geosmithia, is transmitted by a small twig beetle. Branches and trunk tissue are killed by repeated infections by the fungus, as the beetles carry the fungus into new bark.

The TCD discovery comes a week after emerald ash borer (EAB) was found. Both TCD and EAB have the potential to cause significant damage to Tennessee forests. It is imperative that citizens work to prevent the spread of both.

In response to the find, TDA plans to issue a quarantine in Knox county prohibiting the movement of firewood and black walnut nursery stock and limiting the movement of black walnut timberland other material that can spread TCD. TDA plant inspectors and foresters will conduct a thorough survey of trees in the areas to assess the extent of the infestation and to see if more quarantines are warranted.

See this link for more information including a disease checklist and control measures.

It's Fair Time!

2010-08-19T09:07:00.003-04:00

The Haywood County Fair will begin next week with exhibit take in on Tuesday, August 24th. Take in will begin at 9am in building B at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. I hope to see you there.

With the fair being a little earlier this year, I expect to see an increase in both flowers and vegetables. Therefore, it is even more important that you carefully select your entries. Judges will be looking for quality entries that adhere to the fair guidelines. If you are planning to enter something in the fair please be sure to read the fair brochure for specific guidelines for the division that you are entering. If you don't have a brochure, you are welcome to stop by the extension office and pick one up.

We will have volunteers available on the day of take in to help you with your entries.

Please be sure to attend the fair and support our local agriculture!

Late Blight Confirmed on Tomatoes in Henderson County

2010-07-29T10:48:00.005-04:00

This week Plant Pathologist Kelly Ivors found and confirmed late blight (by microscopic examination) in one small shaded area of a conventional tomato field in Henderson County. We have not been able to confirm its presence anywhere else in the tomato production areas of NC this summer, so I believe this is the start of the tomato late blight epidemic in WNC. We've had some rains recently and I'm sure it's out there elsewhere now, or soon to arrive.

Without proper preventative measures, late blight can completely defoliate and destroy a crop within one to two weeks. The disease can be severe on tomatoes grown in the mountains of North Carolina, as well as in late plantings in the Piedmont.

The first symptoms of late blight on tomato leaves are irregularly shaped, water-soaked lesions on lower leaves. During high humidity, white cottony growth may be visible on underside of the leaf. As the disease progresses, lesions enlarge causing leaves to brown, shrivel and die. Fruit lesions appear as dark, greasy spots that eventually turn a chocolate brown color, and can enlarge to the point of encompassing the entire fruit.

Refer to this website for more details on the symptoms of this disease. The application of fungicides plays a significant role in the control of late blight. Fungicides containing copper, chlorothanonil, or mancozeb are recommended for treatment in home gardens.

No fruit on your tomatoes?

2010-07-27T14:33:00.004-04:00

We have had some seriously warm weather here in the past few weeks for WNC. Daytime temperatures above 90°F and night temperatures above 70°F result in reduced flowering and fruit set. There is considerable evidence that night temperature is the critical factor in setting tomato fruit, the optimal range being 59° to 68°F. With night temperatures much below or above this critical range, fruiting is reduced or absent. Low temperatures reduce the production and viability of pollen. High temperature, especially if accompanied by low humidity and moisture, hinders fruit set through failure in pollination and/or fertilization.

Apple Recipe Contest - September 3, 2010

2010-07-26T15:09:00.004-04:00

The annual Apple Recipe Contest is only weeks away and NC Cooperative Extension is looking for both amateurs and professionals to enter their original non-copyrighted recipes. Winners will receive great prizes, a ribbon, and I can't forget to mention the bragging rights that accompany winning the contest at the NC Apple Festival. Recipe entry forms and the written recipe must be mailed, faxed, or delivered by September 1, 2010 to NC Cooperative Extension. If you would like more information, contact Renay at 828-697-4891.

Blossom-end rot on tomatoes

2010-07-19T11:23:00.004-04:00

We have been receiving several calls lately concerning tomatoes that are rotting on the blossom end. The problem is blossom-end rot. Blossom-end rot is a fruit disorder that causes the blossom end of a tomato fruit to rot. The rot is dark brown in color and has a tough, leathery feel. It is usually worse on the first fruit cluster but can be a problem throughout the season.

Blossom-end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the fruit. If the soil pH is too low, calcium is not available to the plant. Dry weather contributes to the problem.

You can also reduce blossom-end rot by spraying with a calcium chloride solution. Ideally, you should start spraying when the first green tomatoes are about the size of a silver dollar then spray once a week for three to four weeks.

Inconsistent watering encourages the problem of blossom-end rot. So, water as needed to maintain uniform soil moisture. Tomatoes need about 1 inch of water per week. During hot dry weather they may need more. Blossom-end rot tends to be worse on staked tomato plants and when high rates of nitrogen fertilizer have been applied.

While the tomatoes that are already affected will continue to be deformed, they are safe to eat. Simply cut out the bad portion and eat the rest.

For more information see: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-28-d.html

Photo credit: Darrell Blackwelder

Fresh Market Tomato and Vegetable Field Day - August 19th Noon-4:30pm

2010-07-14T09:44:00.003-04:00

Mark your calendars now and reserve the date for the annual tomato field day at the Mills River (formerly Fletcher) Research Station! This is your opportunity to see new up and coming varieties and learn the latest about disease, insect, and weed control for staked tomato production and vegetables in western North Carolina. As always, the afternoon field day will be followed by a pig pickin' at Lake Julian.

Tomato field day is sponsored by North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, NC Agricultural Research Service and NC Cooperative Extension Service, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the North Carolina Tomato Growers Association. For more information, contact Denny Thompson at 828.684.7197 or Jim Walgenbach at 828.684.3562.

Be Careful in the Heat!

2010-07-09T15:18:00.002-04:00

The combination of heat, humidity and physical labor can lead to fatalities. The two most serious forms of heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion (primarily from dehydration) and heat stroke, which could be fatal. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke need immediate attention. Recognizing those warning signs and taking quick action can make a difference in preventing serious injury or a fatality.

Follow these guidelines to insure a safe and pleasurable gardening season.

Sun

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans. Be especially careful in the sun if you burn easily or spend a lot of time outdoors.

Here’s how to block those harmful rays:

• Cover up. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Be sure to follow application

directions on the bottle or tube.

• Wear a hat. A wide brim hat, not a baseball cap, works best because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.

• Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses (eye protection). Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Before you buy sunglasses, read the product tag or label.

• Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Heat

The combination of heat and humidity can be a serious health threat during the summer months. If you work outside you may be at increased risk for heat related illness. So, take precautions.

Here’s how:

• Drink small amounts of water frequently.

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable

clothing—cotton is good.

• Take frequent short breaks in cool shade.

• Eat smaller meals before work activity.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol or large

amounts of sugar.

• Work in the shade.

• Find out from your health care provider if

your medications and heat don’t mix.

Herbicide Injury Showing Up in Henderson County

2010-07-09T09:00:00.003-04:00

I have had multiple samples of herbicide injury on fruits and vegetables come in the office the past few weeks. Keep in mind that tomatoes are SO sensitive to some broadleaf herbicides that you can just walk past the plants with a sprayer on a hot day and they can get enough fumes to affect them. Above is a picture of what the injury can look like on tomatoes. Leaves tend to be stringy and malformed. Be sure to keep herbicides away from your fruits and vegetables.

Japanese Beetles are Emerging

2010-06-15T15:48:00.002-04:00

Japanese beetles are now beginning to emerge which means egg laying will start in early July. Effective applications of insecticides for white grubs will be mid July - early August. Despite the dry weather earlier this year, the beetles are right on schedule. See the image to the left to see the full life cycle of Japanese Beetles.

Fire ants Moving throughout NC

2010-06-15T09:31:00.004-04:00

In the past few years I have seen fire ant mounds in the southern most areas of Henderson County. Fire ants have also become quite active where present throughout the NC and baits will work quite well in the spring when workers are actively foraging. Be sure and use fresh bait and carefully follow label directions. Take the time to understand the product and that most baits take several weeks or more than a month to be fully effective. Click here for a full article on fire ant management.

Herbicide Carryover in Hay, Manure, Compost, and Grass Clippings:

2010-06-10T09:25:00.004-04:00

Caution to Hay Producers, Livestock Owners, Farmers, and Home Gardeners
Many farmers and home gardeners have reported damage to vegetable and flower crops after applying horse or livestock manure, compost, hay, and grass clippings to the soil. The symptoms reported include poor seed germination; death of young plants; twisted, cupped, and elongated leaves; misshapen fruit; and reduced yields. These symptoms can be caused by other factors, including diseases, insects, and herbicide drift. Another possibility for the source of these crop injuries should also be considered: the presence of herbicides in the manure, compost, hay, or grass clippings applied to the soil.

To read the full article from NC State University, click here.

Pesticide Collection Date Set

2010-06-08T10:48:00.004-04:00

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in cooperation with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Henderson County center will be offering a Pesticide Collection Day for residents in Henderson, Buncombe, Haywood, Polk, Transylvania and surrounding counties. The local site manager will be Mr. Marvin A. Owings, Jr. Agricultural Extension Agent for Henderson County. Collection will be Tuesday, July 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Jackson Park.

Nearly all pesticide products will be accepted. For liquid pesticide containers larger than 5 gal or for unlabeled pesticides, please contact the Cooperative Extension Office for information before bringing to the collection event. No gas cylinders are accepted at the event; however, assistance information can be provided. Contact the Cooperative Extension Office for more information. Don't miss this opportunity for residents in Henderson and surrounding counties. For more information contact the Henderson County Extension Center at (828) 697-4891.

Be on the lookout for bagworms now!

2010-06-07T14:59:00.002-04:00

Bagworms hatched a couple weeks ago and are still quite small. Therefore they can be difficult to find although they have constructed tiny bags that can be seen on leaves and needles of infested plants. It is easier to look for the large bags left from last year’s bagworm adults. These will be empty, but are a good indication that small bagworms are likely roaming a plant. This is because female bagworms are flightless and overwinter and lay eggs in their bags on trees and shrubs. Thus, baby bagworms hatch and grow up on the same plant as their mother was on the previous year.

Early in the year the best strategy is to hand pick the bags before eggs hatch to prevent infestations. Although it is too late for that now, at this point the small caterpillars have not eaten much or caused much damage. This increases dramatically as they will grow until they easily defoliate branches, causing unsightly ornamental plants. Small caterpillars are also much easier to kill than large ones. This is because they have less body mass to dilute toxins and their protective bags are not as thick. Therefore less toxic chemicals such as Bt formulations can be very effective when targeting small caterpillars. Other chemical options that are considered compatible with natural enemies are Acelepryn, TriStar, and spinosad. More information can be found in Ornamentals and Turf Insect Information Note No. 81.

Steve Bambara, NCSU Extension Entomologist

Bullington Center has new website

2010-06-02T09:02:00.003-04:00

The Bullington Center, once the nursery of Bob Bullington, is on 12 acres of rolling land. Visitors are welcome to visit and enjoy the gardens which includes a therapy garden, shade garden, perennial borders, native woodland garden, pumpkin patch and herb garden.

These gardens incorporate some of the many unusual mature trees that Mr. Bullington collected and introduced to the area. There is a half-mile nature tail through the wooded area of the grounds. The facilities at the Center include a multipurpose room, a greenhouse and headhouse (used for hands-on workshops) and an amphitheater.

Click here to visit the new Bullington Center website and for more information.

Fireflies are Back

2010-06-01T10:45:00.002-04:00

It has been an entire year, but with a good rain behind us, the lightning bugs have returned “right on time.” Hopefully, this will be a good year for these delightful beetles. Be sure to visit a wooded area with moist soils some evening.

Lightning bugs (or fireflies) produce a heat-free source of light through a biochemical reaction. The light flashing patterns are used to attract mates. Different species have different flash patterns. There are even flashing predator beetles which attract a meal by mimicking the flash of the female and wait for their meal to arrive. In some species, the larvae, which live in shallow soil, are known to glow, also. What could be better than the miracle of light coming from an insect? How about . . . the larvae eat snails and slugs! It doesn't get much better than that.

Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist, NCSU

Haywood County Garden Tour

2010-05-19T13:49:00.003-04:00

The Haywood County Garden Tour is just a month away. On June, 26, 2010 you will have the opportunity to visit several of the counties finest gardens. The tour will begin at 9am and run till 4pm, rain or shine and the cost is only $10 per person. The tour will begin this year at the Haywood County Extension Center at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville. Advance tickets are available at the Extension Center, Rux Gardens, Mountain View Nursery and Hazelwood Soap and Twigs & Leaves. Tickets will also be available on the day of the tour at the Extension Center. For more information, call 828-456-3575.

Mosquitos Appearing Soon

2010-05-19T08:45:00.004-04:00

The recent bout of heavy but very needed rain will likely trigger a significant increase in mosquito activity in about 10-14 days. In residential areas in particular, now is the time for homeowners to take the initiative to reduce the likelihood of serious mosquito problems around your property before they become reality. Before resorting to insecticide applications, consider a few other critical tasks:

Standing water is the critical item because mosquitoes will not be able breed without it. Permanent bodies of water can pose a more formidable impediment but most of our problems in residential areas are the result of MMOs or "Man-Made Objects" (yes... we guys will take the blame).

Natural low-lying areas will begin to dry slowly but make sure you're not contributing to the problem with clogged drainage ditches, tire ruts, etc.

Other water-collecting items such as empty buckets, tires, dishes under outdoor potted plants, the tarps over boats, equipment, etc. need to be emptied, inverted, discarded or whatever is workable to remove the water.

Have birdbaths? They make great observation posts for watching mosquito larvae in the water. There's no need to add chemicals. Do yourself and the birds a favor and flush out the birdbath. Same thing applies to pet water bowls outdoors (livestock water troughs out in pastures are another issue since they're not always as easily flushed out or routinely maintained).

Excuse time is over - get out the ladder and climb up there and unclog those rain gutters. The decaying leaf material and other debris actually attract mosquitoes. If you're planning home improvements, consider gutter guards to divert the debris. Also, make sure that your downspouts direct the water away from the house and not simply create a big puddle along the side of the house. If you have those concrete or plastic splash blocks, make sure they're directing water *away* from the foundation.

Finally, if you're using rain barrels to collect that precious rain runoff, make sure you have them screened, which helps keep out the junk and the mosquitoes as well.

And while you're at it, get your neighbors to do the same. Mosquito control "takes a village" but it only takes one village idiot to make life miserable for the rest of the neighborhood.

From Charles Apperson and Mike Waldvogel, NCSU Extension Entomology

Question: How Do Make a Plant Pathologist's Day?

2010-04-21T11:12:00.003-04:00

Answer: Bring in a sample of the spore horns (or telial horns) of the Cedar Apple Rust pathogen. This sample was brought in today from a Henderson County homeowner.

The fungus that causes the disease, Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae, is unusual because it must spend a phase of its life cycle as a parasite on Juniperus species, such as red cedar or ornamental junipers and a part of its life cycle on apple or crabapple trees.

Cedar-apple rust can be severe on apple, therefore Henderson County apple growers are more aware of this disease than most homeowners. Infections of apple fruit result in lower fruit quality and early fruit drop. Leaf spots may cause early defoliation, especially during dry summers. If trees are defoliated several years in a row, they become weakened and stressed. Fruit bud formation may be reduced after one year. The disease is not as harmful to juniper, causing galls but not severely affecting plant vigor.

Click on the link for more information on Cedar Apple Rust.

Entertaining Video form Utah State Extension

2010-03-24T14:36:00.003-04:00

I got a great chuckle out of this video produced by Utah State University Extension. Take a few minutes and enjoy the hard work put into this video of "Gnome Control in the Garden".

2010-03-17T13:14:00.002-04:00

Henderson County residents can dispose of expired medication at four Ingles locations Saturday, March 20th.

Operation Medicine Drop takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Howard Gap Road and Highland Lake Road Ingles in Hendersonville, as well as the Fletcher and Etowah locations.

See my previous post from November 13th for more information on the importance of keeping medicines out of our waterways.

Wood Ashes as Soil Amendment

2010-03-11T10:08:00.002-05:00

Wood ashes are often used as a soil amendment. They contain potash (potassium), phosphate, boron, and other elements. Wood ashes can be used to raise soil pH; use twice as much wood ash as limestone for the same effect as lime. Ashes should not come into contact with germinating seedlings or plant roots as they may cause root damage. Spread a thin layer during the winter and incorporate into the soil in the spring. Check pH yearly if you use wood ashes. Never use coal ashes or large amounts of wood ash (no more than 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet), as toxicity problems may occur.

Time to Think about Preemergent Herbicides

2010-03-09T13:09:00.001-05:00

It is time to think about preemergent herbicide applications for summer annual weed control in turfgrass environments. Preemergent herbicides offer a great option for select annual grass and broadleaf weed control in warm- and cool-season turf. Preemergent herbicides are commonly used for crabgrass and goosegrass control but also control other grass and broadleaf weeds propagated from seed. As with any herbicide, one must be mindful of the herbicide mode of action. Specifically, with preemergent herbicides, application timing, application coverage, and single versus split applications among other factors are crucial to the results obtained.

Preemergent herbicides are typically applied late winter for control of many summer annual weeds, particularly annual grasses including crabgrass and goosegrass species. Application timing is critical with these products to obtain desired results. Specifically, smooth and large crabgrass germinate when 24 hour mean soil temperatures (four inch depth) reach 55 degrees F whereas goosegrass germinates when 24 hour mean soil temperatures reach 60 degrees F. Since these herbicides control susceptible species as they grow through the herbicide treated zone, the herbicide barrier must be established prior to weed seed germination. In most areas in NC, this occurs in mid- to late-March. If you are not able to track 24 hour mean soil temperatures on-site, you can visit this site and find a site in your geographic region to track 24 hour mean soil temperatures.

Plant Sale in Progress

2010-02-12T10:01:00.004-05:00

The Haywood County Master Gardener Association is now taking orders for their small fruit sale. Orders will be taken through March 5th, 2010. Pick up dates this year will be on Monday, April 5th from 10am till 6pm and Tuesday, April 6th from 8:30am till 4pm. If you have questions about the sale or would like to receive an order form via email, please contact our office at 828-456-3575.

2010-01-29T14:23:00.004-05:00

With impending winter weather expected across the state this weekend, North Carolina Cooperative Extension specialists at North Carolina State University can provide information on dealing with the storm.

Resources have been posted to Cooperative Extension's disaster page. Other winter storm resources from the national Extension Disaster Education Network are online so look for those too.

For a complete list of Cooperative Extension experts who can speak about disaster, visit: www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/media/experts.html.

Additionally, extension specialists are available to provide information on the following topics.

Preventing frozen pipes
Frozen water and sewer pipes can cause extensive damage to a home. Dr. Sarah Kirby, Cooperative Extension housing specialist, can provide information on preventing frozen pipes.
Dr. Sarah Kirby, 919-515-9154 or sarah_kirby@ncsu.edu.

Food safety
When the power goes out, the clock starts ticking on foods in refrigerators and freezers. Dr. Ben Chapman, Cooperative Extension food safety specialist, can provide information on what's safe to eat and preparing meals when the power is out.
Dr. Ben Chapman, 919-809-3205 or ben_chapman@ncsu.edu

Landscape damage
Trees and shrubs are often damaged by winter storms. Dr. Barbara Fair, North Carolina Cooperative Extension landscape specialist, can answer questions about dealing with damaged trees and shrubs.
Dr. Barbara Fair, 919-513-2804, 919-749-2011 (mobile) or barbara_fair@ncsu.edu

Agriculture
North Carolina is a major producer of both pigs and poultry (chickens and turkeys). Because these animals are typically raised in buildings, a winter storm is unlikely to have an impact, unless there are power outages. Farm animals such as cattle, goats and sheep, on the other hand, are typically kept in pastures and could be impacted by winter weather. Dr. Matt Poore, Cooperative Extension livestock commodity coordinator and ruminant nutrition specialist, can answer questions about cattle, goats and sheep. Dr. Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, Cooperative Extension specialist, can answer questions about goats and sheep.
Dr. Matt Poore, 919-515-7798 or matt_poore@ncsu.edu
Dr. Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, 919-515-8743 or jean-marie_luginbuhl@ncsu.edu

North Carolina Cooperative Extension is an educational agency supported by county governments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and N.C. State and North Carolina A&T State universities. County agents, backed by specialists at the two land-grant universities, conduct educational programs related to agriculture and forestry, family and consumer sciences, 4-H, community and rural development and other issues.

Annual Christmas Tree Recycling - January 9th

2009-12-28T13:26:00.002-05:00

The Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO) is coordinating their annual tree recycling event in conjunction with Henderson County Parks and Recreation. Residents are encouraged to drop off their trees at Field 6 in Jackson Park. Hendersonville city residents may leave their trees at curbside, where they will be gathered and included in the recycling project.

Be sure to remove all lights and decorations before dropping your trees at the park. No wreaths, balled trees or greenery with wire will be accepted. Christmas trees will be chipped to make mulch on Jan. 9 at Jackson Park. Mulch created from the chipping will be given away free of charge, so bring a bag if you’re interested in taking some home.

Call the ECO office at 692-0385 for more information.

Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow......

2009-12-18T21:31:00.007-05:00

As I write this post, there is 14" of snow in my front yard and the snow is still falling. I just love the snow but my plants can be damaged by severe winter weather. The large Southern Magnolia in my front yard has already had three limbs broken and the heavy, wet snow could do more damage before its all over. The boxwoods just in front of my house also look awful.
While it's true that heavy, wet snows and ice often cause broken branches, snow itself will not hurt landscape plants. In fact, the opposite is true. Snow is a very good insulator against chilling temperatures that may injure plants.
If you are concerned about injury to your favorite plants from the settling snow, protect them by scooping the snow away from the plant. Then, with gloved hands, carefully remove the snow from the branches. Natural snowfall or windblown snow seldom result in plant injury. It's usually the devices we use to remove snow that cause the most damage.
If snow is dumped on plants, it may be better to leave it than to try to remove it to prevent further breakage of the branches. If you do have branches break out of trees and shrubs, be sure to prune the broken limbs as soon as possible after the storm has passed.
For more information, call your local extension agent.

Bring the Outside Inside for the Holidays

2009-12-16T15:05:00.002-05:00

Many different kinds of greenery can be used for holiday decorations. Pines, firs and cedars are good to use for indoor decoration since they dry out slowly and hold their needles best at warm interior temperatures. They may last for several weeks if properly treated and cared for. Hemlock, spruces and most broadleaf evergreens will last longer if used outdoors.

Below are some suggested varieties to use in holiday decorating.

White Pine: This soft, bluish-green, long-needled pine has excellent needle retention but wilts visibly if dry.

Virginia Pine: This native pine has shorter, coarser needles, and is long-lasting, with excellent needle retention.

Junipers: Fragrant, short, green or silver-blue foliage that may be adorned with small blue berries. The needles are often sticky.

Firs: All firs have wonderful scent and good tolerance of hot, dry indoor conditions. The needles are short and flat with excellent color and needle retention. Fraser fir wreaths and swags are commonly available from commercial sources.

Spruce: Wreaths are the main use for spruce greens. The branches are stiff with short, sharp needles. Blue spruce is especially attractive because of its color, and it holds its needles better than other spruce. Needle retention is poorer on spruce than on other conifer greens.

Ivy: This vigorous vine is readily available in many yards. It makes an excellent green for holiday arrangements. The cut ends must be kept in water, or the ivy will quickly wilt.

Holly: This most traditional holiday green comes in several forms, both green and variegated. Female plants display bright red berries. Make sure that holly does not freeze after cutting, or the leaves and berries may blacken.

Mountain Laurel: This is a traditional evergreen in the South for wreaths and garlands. As with other broad-leaved evergreens, however, laurel holds up best when used outdoors.

Magnolia: The large leaves are a glossy, dark green that contrast well with the velvety, brown undersides. Magnolia leaves make stunning wreaths and bases for large decorations. The leaves hold up very well even without water.

Some other excellent evergreens that can be used for holiday greenery include:

* Arborvitae
* Ligustrum
* Pittosporum
* Podocarpus
* Viburnum
* Leyland Cypress
* Nandina
* Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
* Hemlock

However you choose to decorate this holiday season, be safe and have a Merry Christmas.

Parts taken from Decorating with Holiday Greenery, Clemson Cooperative Extension

2009-12-09T09:19:00.002-05:00

The Bullington Center has beautiful amaryllis with lily-like flowers for you to purchase this Holiday Season. The amaryllis makes a great gift for friends and loved-ones.

When used as a potted plant for a special occasion, the amaryllis provides spectacular flower colors and effects. They come in a wide range of flower colors from red, pink and white to combinations of these.

The bulbs for sale at the Bullington Center are red and a nice shade of pink. When properly handled and cared for properly, an amaryllis bulb may produce flowers for up to 75 years. Good quality bulbs of named varieties may produce up to six flowers on a single stalk.

The bulbs will be for sale at Bullington through December 18th. For more information, call 698-6104.

Advantages of Real Christmas Trees

2009-12-01T10:06:00.005-05:00

This morning I walked into the Extension office to the aroma of a freshly cut Christmas tree, selected from a local grower. This year our commercial agent selected a Concolor Fir, Abies concolor. This hard to find attractive tree has needles that are longer and spaced further apart than those on the Fraser Fir. Michael Dirr calls this tree the most handsome of all firs. Which ever tree you choose this Holiday Season, just remember this list of reasons to buy local and living trees.

- Real Christmas trees are plantation grown on American family farms, making an important economic contribution to many rural communities in the United States.
- Real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful “greenhouse” gases and release fresh oxygen into the air.
- A Real Christmas tree has a fragrance beyond compare.
- One acre of Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people.
- Real Christmas trees are an all-American renewable, recyclable resource. After the holidays, Real trees are chipped into biodegradable mulch, which replenishes soil in landscapes, parks, and schools.
- Real Christmas trees can be used as a feeding station and winter shelter for songbirds in your yard.
- The safest Christmas tree is a fresh, well-watered tree. A Real tree has never started a fire. Faulty Christmas lights, candles, and fireplaces can start tree fires.

Haywood County Master Gardener Program

2009-11-25T08:45:00.003-05:00

The Haywood County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension is currently taking applications for the 2010 Master Gardener Training Program. Classes this year will be held on Tuesday mornings at the Extension office on Raccoon Road from 9am-12noon. Participants will learn about a variety of horticultural topics including vegetable gardening, soils & fertilizers, pest management, and others. If you are interested in the program, please contact the Extension office at (828)456-3575.
Master Gardener Volunteers are a vital part of the overall consumer horticulture programs of Extension. Volunteers help to answer questions that come into the Extension office, make presentations, work with school gardens, and do a number of other activities to promote horticulture throughout the county.

Heather Loves our Acidic Soils

2009-11-24T10:41:00.006-05:00

Heather generally refers to a group of evergreen plants in the Ericaceae family, most often: Calluna (Scotch heather or ling), Erica (heath) and Daboecia (Irish Heath). While not native to North America, many heathers are well suited to our mountains of western North Carolina.

Many gardeners do not think about the versatility of heathers. They are evergreen, with delicate foliage, woody stems, and small long lasting flowers. Some individuals find these plants to be finicky, but once established they should be long-lived. All heathers do well in acidic soil amended with with organic matter.

Calluna vulgaris, is the true heather and perhaps the hardiest and most varied - from small tufts to spreading ‘carpeters’ and upright shrubs. Flowers in white and every shade of pink, mauve, lavender and red last for 6-8 weeks beginning late summer/early fall. Foliage is scaly, rather than needle-like and often changes to spectacular shades of yellow, orange, gold, bronze and red during the colder months. Callunas must have full sun, acid soil and good drainage. They must not be allowed to dry out their first year, but after that are drought tolerant. Hardy to zone 4 or 5.

Only a handful of the 800 species of Erica are commonly cultivated. The two easiest to grow also happen to be the two winter-bloomers:

Erica carnea or winter heath is a low, fast-growing and spreading plant with needle-like leaves and bell-shaped flowers. Its foliage is not as colorful as the Callunas’. Flowers in shades from white to pink, red, magenta, mauve appear in early to mid-winter and last well into spring. New spring growth often is a lovely contrasting color. Foliage is yellow green to very deep green. Tolerates more shade and more soil types than other heathers.

Erica x darleyensis is another very easy-to-grow species, quite similar to E. carnea, but taller and bushier. Most varieties have pink or cream tips in spring and bronze or dark green foliage. Buds form in late summer or very early fall, and some cultivars begin to bloom as early as late September, lasting into mid-spring. Flowers open pale and deepen as the season progresses. These plants should survive in zone 6 with some protection.

Heathers would be a good addition to any perennial border, rock garden, or as an accent plant with conifers. See website below for more information.

Parts taken from honeybeesandheather.com

The Value of a Leaf

2009-11-19T14:49:00.007-05:00

Leaves are truly a valuable natural resource! They contain 50 to 80 percent of the nutrients a plant extracts from the soil and air during the season. There are four basic ways in which leaves can be managed and used in the landscape.

Leaf Management - Mowing
A light covering of leaves can be mowed, simply leaving the shredded leaves in place on the lawn. This technique is most effective when a mulching mower is used.

Leaf Management - Mulching
Mulching is a simple and effective way to recycle leaves and improve your landscape. Mulches reduce evaporation from the soil surface, inhibit weed growth, moderates soil temperatures, keep soils from eroding and crusting, and prevent soil compaction. As organic mulches decompose, they release valuable nutrients for use by your landscape plants.

Leaf Management - Soil Improvement
Leaves may be collected and worked directly into garden and flower bed soils. A 6 to 8 inch layer of leaves tilled into a heavy, clay soil will improve aeration and drainage. The same amount tilled into a light, sandy soil, will improve water and nutrient holding capacity.

Leaf Management - Composting
Compost is a dark, crumbly and earth-smelling form of organic matter that has gone through a natural decomposition process.Compost can be used to enrich the soil by adding a natural source of nutrients, loosen tight, heavy soils, help sandy soils retain moisture and nutrients, add to potting soils for container grown plants, and mulch around landscape plants. If you have a garden, lawn, trees, shrubs, or even planter boxes or house plants, you have a use for compost.

Taken from Don't Bag It: Leaf Management Plan, Texas A&M University publication.

Keep our Groundwater Medication Free

2009-11-13T10:05:00.005-05:00

I received an email regarding the environmental concern about flushing medicines down the toilet. This has been shown to be a big environmental problem. There are many local, state, and national organizations trying to get the word out so that people DO NOT put medicines in our water resources. The sewage treatment plants do not treat for these chemicals and they basically end up directly into our streams and groundwater, causing a lot of ecological problems.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind regarding proper disposal of medications.

1) DO NOT FLUSH unused medications and DO NOT POUR them down a sink or drain.

2) Be proactive and dispose of unused medication in household trash. When discarding unused medications, ensure you protect children and pets from potentially negative effects:
a) Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag. If medication is a solid pill, liquid capsule, etc.) crush it or add water to dissolve it.
b) Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds (or any material that mixes with the medication and makes it less appealing for pets and children to eat) to the plastic bag.
c) Seal the plastic bag and put it in the trash.
d) Remove and destroy ALL identifying personal information (prescription
label) from all medication containers before recycling them or throwing them into the trash.

3) Check for approved State and local collection programs. Another option is to check for approved state and local collection alternatives such as community based household hazardous waste collection programs. In certain states, you may be able to take your unused medications to your community pharmacy or other location for
disposal.

For more information, see this informative publication. Smart Disposal Publication

Henderson County Master Gardener Training - 2010

2009-11-12T13:19:00.002-05:00

Henderson County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension is recruiting volunteers for assistance with home horticulture educational programs. We will have an informational meeting at the Extension office in Jackson Park that is open to the public on November 17th, 2009 at 9:30AM. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener, be sure to attend this meeting.

Selected residents will enter a specially designed training program in horticulture and related subjects. Training's will be held on Wednesday mornings at 9:00AM from mid-January through mid-April 2010. Volunteers are expected to attend all training sessions and to pass a final exam. There is an $85.00 enrollment fee to cover cost of materials.

For more information call Diane at 697-4891.

Encourage Birds in Your Landscape

2009-11-10T13:25:00.007-05:00

Birds have three main requirements in life; food, water, and shelter. These needs should be met through proper management of the backyard habitat.

The bird species in our area and their food requirements change with the seasons. A primary food source for migrant and residents birds in the spring is caterpillars and other insects. As we progress throughout the summer, breeding birds feed on insects and fruits as the become available. As migrant birds and their offspring fly south in the fall, they seek out fruits, which are high in energy and help to offset the energy lost during migration.

As you visit local garden centers this time of year for good deals, keep in mind that fall is a great time for planting. Reevaluate your landscape and make sure you include early and late fruiting plants that provide food such as blueberries, spicebush, or a variety of hollies.

If you can tolerate it, and your neighbors will allow, leave an area of your landscape unmanicured to promote additional fruit and seed production. Keep in mind that plant diversity, especially native plants, are as important as the fruit and seeds that produce. You want to plant variety of species that will serve as a home to leaf eating insects that birds devour.

Bird feeders may serve as a supplement to the natural foods in our backyard. Common seeds to consider buying include black oil sunflower, safflower, and white millet. Purchasing these seeds in bulk make prove to be a bit cheaper in the long run. If you decide to provide feeders, remember that you should continue to provide this food source throughout the year.

Normally water is not considered a limiting component of bird habitat in western North Carolina, however it may become scarce in years of drought. Birds normally obtain water from food sources, rain pools, or permanent sources. If you decide to provide a bird bath, remember to keep it shallow (2-3 inches deep). Place the bird bath within 10 feet of shrubby protection and close to the ground. Some birds will not use a bath that is high off the ground.

Dense vegetation will provide birds with a place to escape from harsh weather and predators. A variety of plant types should cover most of the needs for different bird species. Use grasses, shrubs, and trees to cover all your bases. Remember that evergreens are an important component to any wildlife habitat throughout the year.

Learn more about creating habitat for birds and other wildlife with native plants from NCSU’s website, Going Native: Urban Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Plants,

http://www.ncsu.edu/goingnative/

Photo taken by Fred Hurteau

Plant Name Pronunciation

2009-10-15T13:59:00.002-04:00

Do you ever look at the Latin name of a plant and feel the dread of saying it aloud, not knowing if others will laugh because you completely missed the correct pronunciation. I am here to tell you that I have that fear often but have been introduced to a site that will help. Check out the Fine Gardening Pronunciation Guide and feel more confident next time Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum comes up in the middle of a conversation. Enjoy!

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Arrives

2009-10-14T13:30:00.002-04:00

It is official. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, has been identified in North Carolina. First detected about two weeks ago in the Winston-Salem area, there has been another report in the coastal plain region. Originally found in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 2001, it is now established in many states across the country especially along the east coast. It is an easy traveler in things like motor homes. There is a long list of hosts, both ornamental and agricultural from maple and birch to pecan, peach, apple and cucumber. Adults emerge from overwintering about April. All instars have deep red eyes. Early nymphs are red, then almost black, and finally brown in color as adults. They are typical stink bugs in most ways and damage fruit and foliage with their feeding (proboscis) and saliva. There is a single generation in northern states. To add to their annoyance, they like to overwinter in protected places such as structures. This is where you are most likely to first notice them.

by S. Bambara, M. Waldvogel & S. Frank

Re-Blooming Poinsettias

2009-09-25T12:29:00.002-04:00

How do I get my poinsettia to re-bloom? I normally get this question after Christmas but I just had a question today about how to get a poinsettia to bloom for Christmas.

If you saved your poinsettia from last year, it is time to start thinking about the re-blooming process. By now you should bring your plant back indoors if it has been outside over the summer. Continue to provide bright light and keep the soil in the pot moist.

In early October you should begin to provide different treatments during the day and night. During the day you should provide bright light and a temperature between 70-80˚. During the night you need complete, uninterrupted dark and a temperature between 65-70˚. The plant needs this uninterrupted dark in order to produce the colored bracts. Keep the plant in a closet or other completely dark location from 5pm till 8am each night.

Continue this schedule till around Thanksgiving when the bracts begin to develop color and then discontinue the day/night treatments. At this time it is important to provide at least 6-8 hours of high intensity light until the bracts are completely colored. Once this happens you can move the plant to the location where you want to display it for the holidays.

I usually tell people to not even try to re-bloom poinsettias because it is much easier to simply buy a new one each year. But if you must try, I hope this helps and let me know if you are successful.

Dogwood Defoliators

2009-09-10T09:09:00.003-04:00

I have seen at least five samples of red twig dogwoods here in the Extension office with completely defoliated twigs. The culprit is known as the Dogwood Sawfly. Dogwood Sawfly, Macremphytus tarsatus, is a significant pest to dogwood (Cornus) species. Because the Dogwood Sawfly takes on several forms while in the larval stage, it may not be easy to identify. The larvae strips plants at the end of season, normally just before late August.

The wasp-like adult sawfly lays eggs that hatch into larvae, the first instar of which is an almost translucent yellow. Look for groups of these larvae on the undersides of leaves that are being skeletonized. The second instar appears to be covered with a chalky powder, and the last instar is a one inch long creamy-yellow larva that has a shiny black head and black spots (see photo).

Normally damage is short lived, therefore control is not warranted.

NC Apple Festival - Recipe Contest

2009-08-26T13:10:00.005-04:00

Do you have a secret apple recipe handed down through many generations. If so consider entering it in the 2009 Apple Recipe Contest on Friday, September 4th. See the entire registration brochure below. Registration deadline is September 1st.

Registration Form

2009-08-26T12:42:00.003-04:00

Polk County Cooperative Extension is co-sponsoring a Pesticide Pick Up Day on Thursday, September 3rd. It will be held from 10 am to 2 pm at the 4-H Center on Locust Street in Columbus, NC.

If you have unwanted or unused pesticides that you no longer use, please bring them in a labeled container and they will be gladly accepted. There is no charge to drop off these products. We will not accept paints or paint thinners.

For more information, contact John Vining at (828) 894-8218.

Why are milkweeds important? Check out this video.

2009-08-18T13:44:00.005-04:00

I planted a milkweed in my garden this spring. I have noticed all the activity of aphids, ants, and lady beetles on it throughout the year. Check out this fun video regarding milkweeds. I hope you will learn a thing or two that you may not of know. I did!

Late Blight in Henderson County

2009-08-06T14:55:00.004-04:00

Late blight was confirmed at the research station in Mills River from a field grown tomato sample from Henderson County. Reports of the disease will most likely start popping up all over WNC. Homeowners should continue to spray preventative treatments of fungicides according to the label. See my previous post from July 21st for symptoms and spray options.

Henderson County Book Garden Bookletter

2009-08-04T13:50:00.004-04:00

If you love garden books as much as you love gardening then you might be interested in signing up for the new Book Garden BookLetter, brought to you by the Henderson County Library. Each month you will receive an email newsletter highlighting gardening books available at the library. The selections include both newly added titles and some perennial favorites. The newsletter has links directly to the library catalog so you may easily reserve titles of interest. Sign up today at the Henderson County Public Library. Click on the BookLetters logo and scroll down to the Book Garden.

What is up with the locust trees?

2009-08-03T14:50:00.005-04:00

I have had many calls the past few weeks regarding the bronzing of the locust leaves throughout Henderson County. The locust leafminer is primarily a pest of black locust. Adults skeletonize and eat holes in the leaves; whereas, larvae mine the tissue between the upper and lower-leaf surface (mining damage is the most destructive). Under outbreak conditions, whole hillsides turn gray or brown, often suggesting fall color change. Outbreaks of the locust leafminer are generally more spectacular than destructive. Control of the locust leafminer is generally not necessary.

Fall Lectures Offered by Master Gardeners

2009-07-28T11:20:00.003-04:00

Gardening in the mountains of western North Carolina can be a joy and a challenge at the same time. The Henderson County Master gardeners are here to help you with your garden needs throughout the year. This fall, we have scheduled a five educational opportunities in the form of a lecture series. The small fee of $5.00 per participant for each program is used to support future educational projects of the Master Gardeners. Each lecture will be held on Monday afternoons in August, September, and October at 2:30pm in the classroom at the Bullington Center.

August 10th - Growing Green: Organic and Companion Gardening
August 24th, - Winter Blooming Plants
September 14th - Beauty from Bulbs
September 28th - Frugal Garden Design
October 12th - Japanese Garden
October 26th - Turning your Beds in for the Winter

For more information or if you are interested in attending any of these lectures, please call 697-4891 to pre-register.

Potatoes Producing Fruit?

2009-07-23T13:44:00.003-04:00

Have you ever noticed green marble size fruits amid the foliage of your potatoes at the end of the growing season? If so, these are the fruit which yield approximately 300 true seeds. Seeds like these are used by potato breeders to find potential new cultivars as each one is genetically distinct.

The edible tubers are actually enlarged, underground stems. Normally, most potato flowers dry up and fall off the plants without setting fruit. A few flowers do produce fruit. The variety 'Yukon Gold' produces fruit more heavily than most varieties.

Potato fruit, as well as the plant itself, contain relatively large amounts of solanine. Solanine is a poisonous alkaloid. The small fruit should not be eaten.

Just for fun, clean and save some of the seeds and plant them inside in mid-March. After frost danger has passed, transplant the potato seedlings into the garden and wait. See what you get! You may be surprised at how different the potatoes are from plant to plant.