October is a month of transition—summer’s heat has faded, nights are cooler, and the first frosts may be just around the corner. For gardeners in Eastern North Carolina, this is the perfect time to plant, tidy, and prepare for both fall beauty and spring success. What’s Blooming & Colorful Now Planting Priorities Pruning & Cleanup…… read more »
Category Archives: Gardening Tips
October Gardening Tips for Eastern North Carolina
Gardeners Urged to Collect Soil Samples Now for Free Testing
Wayne County Extension Agent emphasizes importance of early soil preparation for next year’s growing season By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent GOLDSBORO, N.C. — With the growing season winding down, Wayne County gardeners are being encouraged to take advantage of free soil testing services now available through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture…… read more »
September Gardening: Essential Tips for Fall Garden Preparation
By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent As summer transitions into fall, September presents gardeners with a crucial window for preparing their landscapes for the cooler months ahead. According to local horticulture experts, this month offers ideal conditions for establishing winter crops, maintaining lawns, and ensuring plants are ready for the seasonal shift. Lawn…… read more »
September Gardening Tips for Eastern North Carolina
As summer’s heat softens and daylight hours gradually wane, September marks a pivotal month for gardeners here in Eastern North Carolina. From sowing cool-season veggies to tidying up summer spent blooms, these tasks set the stage for a vibrant fall and a strong spring comeback. What to Plant and Sow Lawn and Soil Care Pruning,…… read more »
Think Twice Before Fertilizing Your Lawn This Fall
Extension Agent Warns Against Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers for Warm-Season Grasses By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent As autumn temperatures arrive in Eastern North Carolina, homeowners may be tempted by advertisements promoting winter fertilizer products for lawns. However, a local extension agent is urging caution when selecting fall fertilizers, emphasizing that the wrong choice could…… read more »
Webworms vs. Bagworms: A Gardener’s Guide to Tree Pest Identification
By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent As the seasons change and we spend more time observing our landscape trees, many gardeners notice unusual webs, bags, or silk structures appearing on branches. These formations often spark confusion about which pest is causing the problem and how to address it effectively. Understanding the differences between…… read more »
Time to Plant a Fall Vegetable Garden in Wayne County
By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent Extended Growing Season Offers Fresh Harvest Opportunities While summer remains at the forefront of many gardeners’ minds, agricultural experts are encouraging Wayne County residents to begin planning their fall vegetable gardens. The region’s favorable climate allows for continuous gardening and fresh vegetable harvests extending well into the…… read more »
Wayne County Gardeners Warned: “Labor Day Worms” Threaten Azalea Plants
Colorful caterpillars capable of completely defoliating shrubs spotted across the region By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Local gardeners are being urged to inspect their azalea plants for destructive caterpillars that typically emerge in late August and early September, earning them the nickname “Labor Day worms.” Identifying the Azalea…… read more »
August Gardening Tips
Here are some helpful August gardening tips for Eastern North Carolina (Zone 7b–8a) to keep your garden thriving through the late summer heat and prepare for the fall: 🌞 General Garden Maintenance 🥦 Vegetable Garden 🌱 Start Your Fall Garden: August is prime time to start cool-season crops from seed or transplants: 📆 Tip: Use…… read more »
Beat the Heat: Essential August Gardening Tips for North Carolina Homeowners
By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent As the sweltering heat of August settles across North Carolina, many gardeners find themselves retreating indoors during the hottest parts of the day. However, this month presents crucial opportunities for lawn care, plant maintenance, and fall garden preparation that shouldn’t be missed. “The hot summer days of…… read more »
