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.
  

Burn Ban Lifted

RALEIGH – Recent rains across the state have allowed the N.C. Division of Forest Resources to lift its ban on open burning for all 100 counties in North Carolina.

The statewide ban on open burning, which was implemented Aug. 21, is canceled effective at noon Tuesday Sept. 18th.

Officials with the Division of Forest Resources decided to lift the burning ban because of Friday’s storm that dumped several inches of rain across the state. While recent rainfall and lower temperatures have reduced the fire danger, this small amount of precipitation has not ended drought conditions the state is facing. Residents should be especially careful as meteorological conditions could cause North Carolina to continue having warmer temperatures and below normal rainfall during the upcoming fire season. Officials are warning that if the drought continues, and there is an increase in the number of wildfires, the ban on open burning could be reinstated.

For more information, click here for the full article from NC Department of Forest Resources.

Beech Blight Aphid Boogie

Here is another great photo that was sent into me this week. This aphid is known as the beech blight aphid and it is one of several woolly aphids commonly encountered throughout North Carolina.

The aphids first become apparent in early August and as populations continue to grow they become increasingly noticeable. Very high numbers can be seen on individual branches, sometimes extending onto leaves, with lots of sooty mold built up below. They do not usually cause much damage to overall tree health, but we occasionally see dieback on very heavily infested branches.

However, this aphid does exhibit a curious response to potential predators. When disturbed, the entire colony will raise their "cottony" abdomens, and begin wagging these fluffy derrieres in unison at the aggressor.

See the video below for an example if this "boogie-like" behavior on video from youtube.



Beech Blight Aphid

Tobacco Hornworm Control

Check out this great photo taken by Master Gardener Betty Lockwood of the pupal cocoons of a parasitic wasp on the tobacco hornworm. Other hornworms (Sphingidae) are parasitized by these parasitic insects of the order Hymenoptera.

The adult wasp inserts its eggs beneath the skin of the hornworm larva. The eggs hatch and the young wasps feed on the hornworm until they pupate as shown in the photo. This parasite is an important factor in natural control of hornworms. Pretty cool huh!

See this link for youtube below to watch a few parasitic wasps hatch. Youtube

Fair Time

The Haywood County Fair begins this month. If you haven’t already picked up a fair brochure you can stop by the Haywood County Extension Center to get one. This has been a difficult year for gardening but I am sure that many of our local gardeners will have quality entries in the horticulture categories. If you plan to enter your flowers and vegetables, be sure to follow the guidelines outlined in the fair brochure. We will once again be offering cash prizes for entries in each category as well for best of show rosettes. Entries should be brought to the fairgrounds on Monday, September 24th between the hours of 9am-7pm. Master Gardeners will be on hand to help you submit your entries. Judging will take place on Tuesday and doors will open to the public at 5pm on that day. Hope to see you at the fair, and Good Luck!