Pesticide Pick up Day Scheduled

On Wednesday, June 3rd, farmers and homeowners can dispose of their unwanted or unused pesticides. The Haywood County Extension Center along with NCDA&CS will be sponsoring a pesticide disposal collection day from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Extension office on Raccoon Road in Waynesville.

We will be able to collect any pesticide (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.) that are in original containers and are clearly labeled. There is no charge to the public for this service.

Materials of unknown identity, paints, or other hazardous waste will not be accepted.

For more information contact Tim Mathews at 828-456-3575.

The Importance of Farmland in Your Community

March 19, 2009
7 - 8:30 pm
Haywood County Extension Office Auditorium
589 Raccoon Road
Waynesville, NC 28786

Farmland is important to residents of Haywood County. At this meeting we will report on the findings of two three-year studies on the value of farmland and ways to keep farming prosperous in your community. The Farmland Values Project is led by Leah Greden Mathews at UNC Asheville and the Farm Prosperity Project is led by Jeanine Davis at the NC State Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River. The Farmland Values Project will share results from surveys and focus groups about what local residents and visitors value about farmland, including their willingness to contribute to local farm protection efforts, with a focus on results from Haywood County. Results confirm the importance of farmland for maintaining residents’ quality of life, access to local food, and the scenic beauty of our region. The Farm Prosperity Project will explain how they worked with local farmers to develop tools to help farmers make decisions about their farms, how to preserve them, and what to grow. They will also discuss the research that has been conducted on organic and heirloom tomatoes. This meeting and three others in surrounding counties are designed specifically for the general public. There will also be a meeting for farmers (March 12) and one for local officials (April 15). Please call Terri Schell at 684-3562 to reserve a seat. Walk-ins are welcome, but we can plan better if you call ahead. Directions can be found at http://haywood.ces.ncsu.edu/. More information is available about these projects at http://www.unca.edu/farmlandvalues and http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/specialty_crops/farmprosperity/index.htm. These projects are funded by grants from the USDA-CSREES Small and Mid-Sized Farms Program.

The Farmland Values and Farm Prosperity projects are supported by the National Research Initiative of the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, grants #2005-35618-15647 and #2005-35618-15645.

Plant Sale

The Haywood County Master Gardeners Association plant sale is now in full swing. Orders are due in the Extension office by 5:00pm on Tuesday, March 10th. If you are interested in purchasing plants, go to the link below, print off the order form and return it to the Extension office by the March 10th deadline. You can bring the form by the office or fax it to (828)452-0289.

For additional information, call (828)456-3575

Order Form

Mandatory Water Restrictions

As the Mills River continues to drop in flow, the City of Hendersonville is implementing mandatory water restrictions to ensure our ability to meet the core water needs of our customers. By declaring a Phase II water shortage condition, the City and County will enforce restrictions on a number of uses, and violators may be subject to disconnection of their water service or a fine of up to $500.

Until mandatory restrictions are lifted, the following restrictions are in place:

• Watering of lawns, shrubs, trees and flowers is prohibited
• Vegetable gardens may only be watered once a week up to one inch of water
• New or existing pools may not be filled
• Washing of sidewalks, decks, driveways, patios, or homes or buildings is prohibited
• Washing cars is prohibited, unless at a commercial car wash which recycles water
• Operation or filling of ornamental fountains, pools or ponds is prohibited
• Drinking water at restaurants shall not be served unless requested by the patron
• Operation of water-cooled air conditioners is prohibited, unless the water is recycled
• Any other unnecessary use or intentional wasting of water is prohibited

Residents can help with the City’s enforcement effort by reporting violations or problems to the City’s Drought Response Hotline at 828-233-3215. A coalition of Hendersonville water and sewer employees, city code inspectors, city police and county sheriff deputies will be used to enforce the Phase II water restrictions.

Master Your Garden Lectures

Henderson Country Master Gardeners are once again offering a series of Fall lectures open to the public. Call the Extension office at 697-4891 to register; each lecture will cost only $5.00 and will be held at 3:30pm at the Bullington Center.

Schedule
August 18th – Perennials: New & Tried N True – Carol Ebreo
September 22nd – Design with Your Pleasure in Mind – Barbara Beck
October 6th – Gardening Secrets for Newcomers – Nancy Gilchrist
October 20th – Beauty from Bulbs - Pierre Hart

Concerned about Salmonella and tomatoes...check this out!

FDA has issued a warning to consumers nationwide that an outbreak of Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, an uncommon type of Salmonella, has been linked to consumption of raw red plum, red Roma, round red tomatoes, and products containing these raw tomatoes.

At this time, FDA recommends consuming raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw red round tomatoes only if grown and harvested from the following areas that HAVE NOT BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE OUTBREAK!

States that are not associated with the outbreak include North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and many others. Consumers who are unsure of where the tomatoes are from that they have in their home are encouraged to contact the store or place of purchase for that information. If consumers are unable to determine the source of the tomatoes, they should not be eaten.

Click on the link below to read the full article.
FDA article - June 11. 2007

Master Your Garden Lectures

Henderson County Extension Master Gardeners are offering a series of lectures to the public. There will be a small fee of $5.00 per participant for each program to support future educational efforts by the Master Gardeners. All lectures will be held on Mondays in March, April and May at 3:30pm in the classroom at the Bullington Center.

Spring 2008 Schedule
March 3rd – Growing Herbs – Betty Lockwood
March 17th – Beware of Green Invaders – Alan Mizeras
April 7th – Proper Planting Techniques – Jane Davis
April 21st – Growing Wildflowers - Pierre Hart
May 5th – Learn to Make a Rain Barrel - Kathy Connors & Barbara Patton
May 19th – Vegetable Gardening – Pierre Hart

To register for these or other upcoming Mastering Your Garden Lectures, call the Extension office at 697-4891. Keep checking our website http://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/ for more information on upcoming lectures.

Successful Gardening in the Mountains

Coming soon!

This is a program designed for homeowners who want to learn more about how to successfully manage their home landscapes and gardens. This class consists of 10 participants who will travel to each of the other participants homes to discuss issues related to their specific location. This class meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-12pm. Participants will learn about plant selection, pruning, planting, pest issues and other issues that arise during the class. This class is conducted in the field and requires the ability to navigate different terrains. The initial meeting will be conducted at the extension office. This class will last 5 weeks. Cost for this program $25.

The first session of this program will begin on Tuesday, May 13th. For more information call 456-3575

Natural Christmas Tree Ornaments

Henderson County Master Gardener, Tamsin Allpress, is guiding a ornament making workshop at the Bullington Center on December 5th, 2007. She will help all participants to create beautiful natural ornaments to use in decorating for the Holiday Season. To register for this workshop, call 698-6104 and start collecting berries, leaves, and other plant parts for use. Cost $15.00.

Pumpkin Tour

Have you dreamed of the GREAT PUMPKIN or are you interested in that cute little pumpkin or gourd that just makes you feel good when you experience the brilliant colors and crisp cool nights of autumn? The autumn season is finally here after a long HOT summer? If this is the case, here is an opportunity for you. Planted in the scenic setting of the Appalachian mountains, there is about an acre planting with over 30 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds to see and enjoy. Scientists from NC State University, University of Tennessee and University of Georgia will be taking photos, weights (those giant pumpkins present quite the challenge) and notes to find those fruits that might just tickle your fancy and provide some additional revenue options for commercial growers. If you would like to come and see, feel and touch, please join in as we walk through the various pumpkin and gourd types on Friday, October 12, 2 pm at the Mountain Research Station, Waynesville. This is an excellent opportunity for agents and their growers, or the interested consumer. The location of the pumpkins on the Mountain Research Station is off Raccoon Rd across from the Haywood County Extension Center. More detailed directions are given below. For more information, please contact the Mountain Research Station office at 828-456-3943.

Farm City Day - FREE FAMILY FUN

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, come by Jackson Park for a full day of fun at FARM CITY DAY. The event takes plant October 6th from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Here are just a few of the events going on inside the park on Saturday.

Blacksmith Live Entertainment & Cloggers Food

Antique Farm Equipment Tractor Pull 4-H Activities

Old Timey Demonstrations Games Petting Zoo

Helicopter Rides Wagon Rides Children's Games

Crafter's Corner Sheep Herding Homemade foods

The Master Gardeners are also having a plant sale during FARM CITY DAY located between fields 3 & 4. All plants are reasonably priced and have been donated by Master Gardeners. Swing by between 10:00am and 4:00pm and buy a few great plants.

October Garden Chores

Lawns

• Mature lawns can be fertilized early this month if you did not do a September application.
• You can also overseed bare spots and be sure to mulch newly seeded areas with wheat or barley straw, then keep the area irrigated.
  

Ornamentals

• Do not prune spring flowering shrubs as their buds have formed for next spring.
  
• Do not fertilize shrubs in October or November.
  
• Wait until cooler weather moves in to plant spring bulbs and pansies.
  

Miscellaneous

• Think about starting a compost pile if you do not have one. Be sure to throw in plant debris that is not diseased as you clean your gardens for fall.
  
• Prepare houseplants to re-enter your home. Check them carefully for insect pests. You may need to bring all tropical plants in on cool nights when the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
  
• Clean garden sprayers and lawn equipment not in use.
  

August Garden Chores

Lawns

• Mow tall fescue lawns to 2 ½ to 3 inch height. Research has shown that mowing to the proper height will help control weeds.
• Begin treating for Japanese beetle grubs in August to reduce next year’s pest levels.
  
• Allow grass clippings to fall on the ground, they add nutrients to the soil.

Ornamentals

• Do NOT prune spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons now, their buds have formed for next spring.
  
• Do NOT fertilize shrubs in August, September, October or November.
• Root prune any large shrubs that will be transplanted in November. See enclosed article about root pruning for more information.
  

Vegetables

• Continue to spray tomatoes with fungicide to prevent blight diseases.
  
• Remember to water tender vegetable plants through these dry months with a minimum of 1 inch of water per week.
  

Miscellaneous

• Consider taking your soil samples now, there turn around for results is only about 1 week.
• This is perfect for timing fall lime applications.
  
• Most garden chores are best done in the early morning or early evening when the heat index is lower.

Master Your Garden Lecture Series

Henderson County Extension Master Gardeners are offering a series of lectures to the public. There will be a small fee of $5.00 per participant for each program to support future educational efforts by the Master Gardeners. All lectures will be held on Mondays in August, September, and October at 3:30pm in the classroom at the Bullington Center.

Fall 2007 Schedule

August 6th - Success with Lawns – Ernie Grose

August 20^th – Selecting Ornamental Grasses – Mike Covell

September 17^th – Winter Garden Preparation to Build your

Compost Pile – Jane Davis

October 1^st – Beauty from Bulbs - Pierre Hart

October 15^th - Planting for Winter Interest – Alan Mizeras

To register for these or other upcoming Mastering Your Garden Lectures, call the Extension office at 697-4891. Keep checking our website http://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/ for more information on upcoming lectures or click here.

Bullington Center Plant Camp - July 23-27

The Bullington Center in Hendersonville is taking applications for a fun and educational week exploring the amazing world of plants. Each fun filled day will be loaded with crafts and activities occurring on the beautiful Bullington Center grounds. Plant Camp is aimed for rising 5th, 6th, and 7th graders and is limited to 15 campers. Activities will occur from 9:00am - 3:00pm with childcare available from 3:00pm - 5:00pm for an additional charge. Contact the Coordinator John Murphy at 698-6104 for more information. Sign up now... space is limited.

Pesticide Disposal Collection Day Scheduled

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services along with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service are sponsoring a Pesticide Disposal Collection Day on Wednesday, June 6. This event will be held at the Haywood County Extension Center located at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville. Technicians will be on hand from 10am-2pm to assist you with pesticide disposal. We can collect any pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.) that are in original containers and are clearly labeled. There is no charge to the public for this service; however, we cannot accept products with unknown identities, products that are unlabeled, or products not in pesticide containers. Materials of unknown identity, paints, or other hazardous waste will not be accepted. For more information or questions about this event, please call 828-456-3575.

Haywood County Garden Tour set for June 9th

The 4th Annual Haywood County Garden Tour is now less than a month away. This tour is sponsored by North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the Haywood County Extension Master Gardeners.
The six gardens in this year's tour run the gamut from whimsical to dramatic. Included are the gardens of a professional landscaper and a local architect. Water features, sculptures and garden rooms will provide new ideas for both the beginner and the seasoned gardener.

Bring your cameras and notebooks and spend the day with Extension Master Gardener volunteers and the garden owners. These gardens will add to your knowledge of gardening in Western North Carolina and inspire you to take on your own garden plans.

The date for this year's tour is set for June 9, from 9am-4pm, rain or shine. Tickets are $10 per person with children 12 and under free.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, please contact the Haywood County Extension Center at 828-456-3575.

May Garden Reminders

Lawns

• Mow tall fescue lawns to 2 ½ to 3 inch height.Research has shown that mowing to the proper height will help control weeds.
• Do not fertilize tall fescue and bluegrass lawns again until September.Excess nitrogen can lead to brown patch disease in lawns.

Ornamentals

• Remove foliage from spring blooming bulbs that were injured in the hard freeze we had on Easter weekend.
• Prune trees and shrubs that were damaged from the freeze now. Remove dead tissue and prune into healthy tissue.
• Most plants will recover from freeze damage; however leaves may now be as full and healthy as they might have been before the freeze.

Miscellaneous

• Do not plant tomato and pepper seedlings until May 15^th.
• Be sure to harden off seedlings for at least a week if they were started inside.
• Keep the weeds pulled, before they have a chance to flower and go to seed again. Otherwise, you will be fighting newly germinated weed seed for the next several years.
• Think about using potted annuals or perennials for an added touch of color and variety in the landscape.
• Be sure to deadhead annuals to promote more flowers through the summer.

April Garden Reminders

Lawns

• Do not fertilize cool season grasses until September.

• Mow cool season grasses to 2 ½ – 3 inches in height.
  

• Allow clippings to stay on the lawn, they will add nutrients to the soil.

Ornamentals

• Do not remove foliage from spring bulbs until the leaves die down at least half way on their own.

• Fertilize shrubbery beds and flowering perennials.

• Apply a fresh layer of mulch no more than 3 inches deep.

• If spring flowering shrubs need to be pruned, do so within a month after the flowers fade.

Vegetables

• Plant cold tolerant crops such as cabbage, broccoli, greens, carrots, and onions.

• Seeds for tomatoes and peppers can be planted inside now, do not put them in the ground until the second week of May.
  

• Do not plant seeds of cucurbits, beans, or corn until the soil temperature is at least 65º.

Misc.

• The average last frost date for Henderson County is around April 25 and around May 15th in Haywood County, be weary of planting tender plant material until after these dates.