NC Cooperative Extension Updates


Grants Available to Farmers

Farmers who derive at least 50% of their income from farming may qualify for grants of up to $8,000.  The Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Project is now accepting applications for innovative farm projects designed to increase farm income.  It is funded exclusively by the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission and the program is administered by Chatham County based Rural Advancement Foundation, International (RAFI).  Projects must be completed in 2013 and farmers must be willing to share what they learn from their project and promote its success to their community.  The application deadline is Wednesday, December 5, 2012.  For more information contact Joe Schroeder at RAFI, cell 919.621.0534.  Applications and guidelines can be found at www.ncfarmgrants.org.

MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE
Are you interested in joining the premiere volunteer program in Vance and Warren County, if not the entire universe? Come to our open house to learn more about becoming an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. This event will be held on Saturday, January 5th. We’ll be at the Vance County Extension Center from 10 am to noon, then at the Warren Extension Center from 2 pm to 4 pm. Light refreshments will be served, plus you’ll have a chance to meet some of our dedicated volunteers to ask questions and decide if the program is right for you.

BUY A NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTMAS TREE!
North Carolina is the number two Christmas tree producer in the U.S. Please make sure the Christmas tree YOU buy was grown in NC!

EXTENSION GARDENER SURVEY
I hope you have enjoyed the Extension Gardener Newsletter, which is published four times a year. Would you please take a few minutes to give some feedback? (note that a separate survey will be sent for feedback on these e-mail updates and our Garden Path Newsletter).
http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/surveybuilder/form.cfm?TestID=15154&Preview=1

WEEKLY GARDEN TIPS
1. Continue planting trees, shrubs, bulbs, pansies.
2. Cover strawberries two inches deep with straw.
3. Watch for insect, slug,and disease damage through the garden.
4. Get rid of any weeds in the garden that have formed seed heads.
5. Pot up some spring flowering bulbs for indoor color during the winter.
6. Cut chrysanthemum stems to 2-3 inches from the soil once they have begun to die back.
7. Apply lime to your garden so it has time to work over the winter, but ONLY if recommended by soil test report.
8. Winterize any garden equipment before storing for the winter.
9. Make sure pesticides are stored securely for the winter, and note any that you’d like to dispose of at the next pesticide disposal day.
10. Winterize mowers, trimmers, tillers before storing for winter.

SMART PHONES FOR FARMERS
Have you considered buying a smartphone but are confused by the options? Have you wondered if it could be a valuable tool in your farming operation? I will attempt to answer these questions on Friday, 11/30, 10 am at the Warren County Extension Center. If possible, please register via e-mail or phone (252-257-3640).

MASTER GARDENER OPEN HOUSE
Are you interested in joining the premiere volunteer program in Vance and Warren County, if not the entire universe? Come to our open house to learn more about becoming an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. This event will be held on Saturday, January 5th. We’ll be at the Vance County Extension Center from 10 am to noon, then at the Warren Extension Center from 2 pm to 4 pm. Light refreshments will be served, plus you’ll have a chance to meet some of our dedicated volunteers to ask questions and decide if the program is right for you.

HIGH TUNNEL WORKSHOP
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 9:00a.m. – 11:30a.m., FREE, CEFS, Goldsboro, NC.  Kurt Taylor (NCA&T SU) and Bryan Green (NCSU) will present information regarding organic nutrient management of tomatoes in the field of high tunnels for fall season production. In addition, workshop participants will learn the advantages, different types, planting dates and sorrel production in high tunnel production.To register, please download and complete a registration form: (Word) or (PDF). Email [lisa_forehand@ncsu.edu] or fax (919-515-2505) completed registration forms to CEFS; C/O Lisa Forehand