Starting Seeds and Pruning Trees
Fruit trees, grape vines, and blueberries can and should be pruned this month. Pruning on these plants allows for …
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.
Tree Limb Care and Repair
All joking aside, most of our native trees and shrubs are used to this kind of up and down …
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 …
Pruning for Pollinators
Take a look at this episode of Extension Gardener on the Crystal Coast video series, as Shawn Banks discusses …
Starting Seeds and Healthy Recipes
Fruits and vegetables are going to be a big part of my diet this year. I’ve already talked with …
Solitary Bee Nesting and Tree Care
I learned this year that some solitary bees use hollow twigs of perennial plants to make nests and lay …
Pesky Winter Weeds
January is a good month to control those pesky, winter weeds if you haven’t already. I have a lot …
Native Plant, Yaupon Holly
In this episode of Extension Gardener on the Crystal Coast video series, Shawn Banks takes a look at Yaupon …
Annual Coastal Native Plants Event
Spring is on the way, and it’s time to start germinating ideas for your garden and yard. Join us at …
Gardening Resolutions for the New Year
Jump into the new year with some gardening resolutions. You’ll improve your gardening skills and help our ecosystems, too. 1. …
Dormant Lawncare and Weeds
By the time I write this article my lawn is usually dormant. This year is a different story. The …
What to Prune and When
I’ve already started receiving the pruning questions this fall. The question I’m referring to is, “When can I prune …
Wax Scales Hatching on Many Common Host Plants
There are a couple species of wax scales (Ceroplastes spp.) in North Carolina. Common ones include Indian wax scale …
Tulip Tree Aphids and Scales Feeding and Dropping Honeydew
Tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) have two primary pests both of which produce honeydew and both of which are actively …
Eastern Tent Caterpillars
Eastern tent caterpillars are common native insects that create silk webs or ‘tents’ in the branch crotches of some …
Time to Scout for Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
Crape myrtles have typically been almost maintenance free (unless you top them) but with the new crape myrtle bark …
Boxwood Leafminers Active
Amanda Taylor, Area Specialized Agent – Nursery and Greenhouse alerted us that Boxwood leafminer adults are active in the …