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 »
Category Archives: Gardening Tips
Webworms vs. Bagworms: A Gardener’s Guide to Tree Pest Identification
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 »
August is Critical Time for Managing Pecan Weevil, Extension Agent Warns
Homeowners urged to take action now to prevent fall disappointment with infested pecans By Jessica StricklandWayne County Horticulture Extension Agent Early Warning Signs Signal Weevil Emergence As August approaches, Wayne County homeowners with pecan trees should begin preparing for the annual emergence of pecan weevils, according to local extension experts. Those who have noticed pecans…… read more »
The Science Behind Changing Hydrangea Colors: A Gardener’s Guide to pH Manipulation
By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent Popular Shrubs Offer Unique Color-Changing Opportunity Hydrangeas have long been cherished as one of the most spectacular flowering shrubs in residential landscapes, delivering impressive bursts of color from late spring through early summer. These beloved plants captivate gardeners with their massive flower clusters, but what many don’t…… read more »
Save Your Summer Tomatoes: Spot and Stop Common Garden Issues
🌿 Gardening Tips: Watch Out for Common Tomato ProblemsBy Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent As summer approaches, gardeners across Wayne County are eagerly anticipating that first juicy bite from a homegrown tomato. But before those tomatoes reach peak ripeness, some common growing issues could appear—especially with unpredictable rainfall and fluctuating temperatures. 🍅 Blossom-End…… read more »
June Gardening Tips
As we welcome summer, our gardens are thriving! But with warmer weather comes the need for consistent watering 💧 and careful monitoring for pests and diseases 🐛. Below are some timely tips to help your garden grow strong through the month of June. 🌿🌻 🌱 Lawn Care Tips ✅ Mow Smart, Grow Strong ✅ Sprayer…… read more »
Watch Out for Squash Bugs: Common Garden Pest Threatens Summer Crops
By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent As summer approaches and gardens begin to thrive, many North Carolina gardeners eagerly anticipate harvesting fresh squash. But along with the joys of growing zucchini, pumpkins, and squash come some unwelcome visitors—squash bugs. Squash bugs are among the most common and destructive pests in home gardens this…… read more »
