NC Cooperative Extension: Late April Garden Updates


READY, SET, GROW! GARDENING IN RAISED BEDS/CONTAINERS
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. Find all the details here

 

FARMERS MARKETS NOW OPEN!
Both the Vance and Warren Farmers Market are now open every Saturday! The Warren market is open from 8 am to noon in the BB&T parking lot in downtown Warrenton, while the Vance market is open from 7:30 am to 1 pm on 210 Southpark Dr. (just off S. Beckford). Produce selection will be limited this early in the season, but you can expect to find a good selection of plants for your garden. This Saturday at the Vance market you may also find local beef and eggs, and maybe even the first strawberries of the season!

 

VEGETABLE PLANTING GUIDE
One of the most important factors to success in the vegetable garden is planting at the right time. For a complete schedule, download the Central NC Planting Calendar, which contains the NCSU recommended planting dates for all garden crops. 

 

WHERE TO FIND LOCAL GROWN FARM PRODUCTS
Are you looking for a specific locally grown product? Of course, our local farmers markets are always a good bet, but you can also try a search at http://www.ncfarmfresh.com. This site, operated by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, offers a searchable database of NC farm products in each county.

 

PROPER MULCHING
Mulch, when applied properly, can conserve water, add organic matter to the soil, reduce weed problems and keep roots cooler during summer. The key is to use the right amount. A three to four inch layer is sufficient, and exceeding that amount is actually detrimental. You should also take care to keep the mulch pulled away an inch or two from the trunks of trees and shrubs. A variety of materials are available and you can choose based on personal preference and cost. Keep in mind that mulch is not 100 percent effective at eliminating weeds, so you will still need to plan on some hand weeding or herbicide treatments as appropriate.