Green Thumb Gazette, February 2024

It is time again to start ordering your fruit plants and trees! The N.C. Cooperative Extension – Alexander County Center is now taking orders and will until sold out. Please know that the earlier you place your order the better chance we will be able to complete your request. For a list of plants available and order information go to the following link: https://alexander.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/12/2024-small-fruit-plant-sale/

Plants will be available for pickup on Thursday, March 14, 2024. There are some new items this year as well as some we have offered previous years. As always, should you have any questions please contact the center at 828-632-4451 or email Cari Rosenbalm, Horticulture Agent, at cari_rosenbalm@ncsu.edu.

Orchardists from North Carolina and surrounding states are encouraged to attend this meeting packed with updates from NC State Specialists. There will be industry exhibitors and sponsors present at the meeting, along with a meal.

This meeting is FREE and Open to the Public. Prior registration is required to obtain an accurate headcount for the meal. Please register ASAP, or by February 9, 2024. Register on the Eventbrite Page or by calling the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Alexander County Center (828-632-4451).

Note that this meeting is suitable only for commercial growers and those who work with the commercial orchard industry. This will not address homeowner/backyard fruit production.

*NCDA Pesticide Recertification Credits (2: N,O,D,X) will be offered for NC Applicators.

Do’s, Don’ts , and the 5 D’s of Pruning

Do’s:
- Use sharp clean tools
- prune with cradle/hook facing away from main branch
- Prune before flushing with all plants! (Flushing is a term for when plants start to put on new growth)
- have multiple tools with you for use on various size branches (if you have to use much force or two hands, use a different tool: loppers or pruning saw)

Don’ts:
- use anvil blade shears (they will crush plant tissue)
- prune roots and shoots with the same set of shears (can spread disease)
- rush through pruning (each pruning cut elicits a growth response from lower buds, meaning each cut matters!)

5 D’s of Pruning (Technique)
1. Dead - these branches/limbs aren’t helping anyone
2. Damaged - any that have been broken by the weather or those that have been rubbing together, creating sores
3. Diseased - remember to clean your tools during this one so any disease doesn’t spread further into the tree
4. Dangerous - any low branches that you may run into with your lawn mower or limbs that are too close to gutters, etc.
5. Deranged - any crossing branches, watersprouts, or wild branches that take away from the natural structure of the plant

Community Garden Bed Rentals!!

Spring is almost here! If you don’t have a place to garden, we’ve got you covered. The Taylorsville Community Garden has over 20 spaces for gardeners in the community to utilize. If you are interested in renting a bed for the season, please call our office ASAP! Bed rentals are $25 for the YEAR for your first bed and $10 for any additional bed!!! We have 3 different options for raised beds :

Regular Wood- 4ft wide x 16ft long
Elderly and disability Accessible - 3.5ft wide x 6.5ft long x 32in tall
Wheelchair Accessible - 3ft x 6ft x 2ft tall

Feeding Winter Birds

Written By: Jessica Strickland, an Agriculture Extension Agent, specializing in horticulture for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County.

Feeding birds in your backyard is a great way to add some life and color to a cold, winter landscape. There are many different bird species that can visit a feeder. The type of landscape habitat you have in your backyard will determine how many and the types of birds that visit. A landscape that is more wooded and in rural areas provides a haven for a greater diversity of birds.

Deciding what type of feeder and type of seed to buy can be overwhelming with the numerous choices available. Different bird species prefer different feeders and seed, and where you place your feeder will affect the diversity of species you attract. As a general rule, all feeders need to be sturdy, easy to clean, and should repel water to limit degradation of feed.

Read more of this article by clicking on the following link: Attract Birds to Your Garden This Winter