NC Cooperative Extension Garden Updates & More!

THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN, FROM THE WIZS GARDEN SHOW

1. Clean up garden sprayers and store if you will not be using them again this season. If you have spray solution left in a sprayer, use it up on an appropriate site. Also inventory pesticides and be sure they are safely stored.

2. Plant trees and shrubs in the fall! Remember, right plant right place! Check mature size and plant where it has room to grow. Most common planting mistake is planting too deep. Top of root ball should be even with or slightly above grade.

3. Start preparing your season extending frost protection plan for late season vegetables. Lightweight row covers are ideal.

4. Scout for fire ants and treat properly. They are active this time of year. 

5. Plant a cover crop in vacant areas of your garden. ex. red clover, annual rye.

6. Build a compost bin to handle fall leaves.

7. Control poison oak before the leaves  on the plant change  color.

8. If you missed the early Sept tall fescue fertilization, it’s OK to proceed, but reduce rate slightly and delay no further, especially if you plan to fertilize again in late November.

9. Lawn mowers and tractors are NOT designed to carry passengers! Be safe!

10. Treat lawns for cool season weeds as needed.

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

4-H Sew Down – This Saturday, all are welcome to join 4-Hers as they sew pillows to donate to area nursing homes and hospital patients. Details here: http://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/2014/09/come-to-a-sew-down/