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Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers

Since 1979, North Carolina Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers (EMGVs) have been leaders in this internationally acclaimed program, guiding homeowners in making environmentally sound decisions in their landscapes. Trained by North Carolina State University faculty and staff, EMGVs provide research-based information about gardening and environmental stewardship to individuals and communities across the state. EMGVs engage the community through education and outreach on a wide variety of subjects and through a broad spectrum of projects, all designed to maximize their impact.

Plant Sale Flier

Annual Spring Plant Sale!

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to get to planting. The Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer …

Pruning larger tree limbs

Pruning Larger Limbs Safely

Take a look at this episode of Extension Gardener on the Crystal Coast video series, as Shawn Banks discusses how to …

St Augustinegrass

Warmer Temps and Flowering Weeds

On warm days, with temperatures of 55 degrees, weeds will be growing and getting ready to produce flowers, if …

Young lettuce in the garden

Starting Seeds and Pruning Trees

Fruit trees, grape vines, and blueberries can and should be pruned this month. Pruning on these plants allows for …

Fallen Tree Limb

Tree Limb Care and Repair

All joking aside, most of our native trees and shrubs are used to this kind of up and down …

Master Gardener Training Class Info

2024 Master Gardener Training

We are now accepting applications for the 2024 Master Gardener℠ Training Class. For an application or more info, email shawn_banks@ncsu.edu …

Shawn is bending down to prune long stemmed perennials to benefit pollinator nesting.

Pruning for Pollinators

Take a look at this episode of Extension Gardener on the Crystal Coast video series, as Shawn Banks discusses …

Spraying Herbicide on Weeds

Pesky Winter Weeds

January is a good month to control those pesky, winter weeds if you haven’t already. I have a lot …

False oleander scales. Photo: SD Frank

Monitor False Oleander Scales

False oleander scale, Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli, is a tropical and subtropical pest originally from China. False oleander scale is common throughout …

Imported will leaf beetle on willow. Photo: SD Frank

Imported Willow Leaf Beetles

Imported willow leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolor) are common on willows in landscapes and natural areas. Most of year adults and …

Crape myrtle aphids. Photo: SD Frank

Crape Myrtle Aphids

Crape myrtles are among the most commonly planted trees in the Southeast. The two main pests are crape myrtle …

Twospotted spider mites and webbing on a butterfly bush leaf. Photo: SD Frank

Scout for Twospotted Spider Mites

Twospotted spider mites are probably the most common spider mite species to damage ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables, and others. Twospotted …