NC Cooperative Extension Updates and Events


GARDENING WORKSHOP, 4/30 IN WARRENTON
On Saturday, April 30th, come to the Warren County Extension Center for “Ready, Set, Grow! Successful Gardening in Raised Beds & Containers.” This two hour workshop (9:30-11:30 am) will cover all the basics to start your gardening season off right. Registration is only $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Learn about growing vegetables in raised beds and containers, and also how to manage pests organically. Instructors include Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and your friendly Horticulture Extension Agent (yours truly!). Register here.
FARMERS MARKETS OPEN SATURDAY 4/16!
This Saturday, April 16th, is opening day for farmers markets in Warrenton and Henderson! The Warren County Farmers Market will be open on Saturdays, 8 am to noon at the BB&T parking lot (corner of East Macon and Bragg in Warrenton). The Vance County Regional Farmers Market in Henderson will also be open on Saturdays, 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, and will add Wednesday hours beginning in May (located at 210 Southpark Dr., just off S. Beckford). 
WHAT’S AT THE FARMERS MARKETS THIS WEEK?
When you visit your local farmers markets over the next couple of weeks, please don’t look for tomatoes and watermelons. However, you can certainly expect a nice selection of early crops like sugarsnap peas, salad greens, radishes, and more. And don’t be surprised to find local, fresh picked strawberries! You should also find a nice selection of plants for the gardens, and perhaps some freshly baked treats and handmade crafts. Note that selection will vary. For a guide to produce through the season, visit http://ncfarmfresh.com/availability.asp.
TALL FESCUE UPDATE
What’s the best thing to do for your tall fescue lawn this time of year? Check your mowing height! Tall fescue should be mowed no lower than about 3 inches. Place your mower on the driveway and measure from the ground to the blade. Note that NCSU does not recommend seeding, fertilizing or herbicide treatments this time of year on tall fescue. So mow at the correct height and be ready to water if we hit a dry patch. For best results, irrigate infrequently but deeply, moistening the soil to a depth of about 4 inches. Once a week is usually sufficient during dry spells, maybe a bit more frequently if we have extreme temperatures.