dbmcgiff@ncsu.edu

NC Cooperative Extension 2020 Report to the People

Who can say that it was business as usually in 2020? Though 2020 started out as in years past, the twists and turns brought on by COVID-19 quickly threw the start of the new decade off course, unimaginably off course actually. Shutting down the economy, job losses, school closures, poor internet infrastructure, toilet paper shortages and food insecurity starting out as temporary conditions, but eventually become the new “normal” for far too many people.

While the pandemic presented extraordinary challenges, Extension never stopped delivering on our promise. Our Extension Specialists and County Extension Agents learned to connect with North Carolinians in new and innovative ways that transported Extension into homes, businesses and communities. When COVID-19 hit, Extension was there with resources to keep farmworkers safe, support overwhelmed parents and teachers, to fight food insecurity in underserved populations and to help restaurants reopen and operate safely.

Read more about how Extension carried out its business in ways that was in no way usual or normal, but still met our neighbors, rural and urban, with high tech and high touch resources where they were.

Master Gardeners Hotline Open for Business

From March 1 through October 31 each year, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are available from 10 am - 12 noon daily, Monday through Friday to answer residential lawn and gardening questions. Due the pandemic their normal schedule has been delayed this year. However, starting April 1, they will be open for business and available to provide home gardening resources and information to Moore County residents.

If you have any vital or burning questions and need advice from a Moore County Extesnion Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV), beginning April 1, call 910-947-3188.

EMGV are passionate gardeners who are dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information that enhances Moore County communities through horticulture, and connecting people with the benefits of gardening. EMGV go through an initial rigorous 40-hour training taught by Extension staff and specialists The course trains and prepares EMGV to advise local residents on a wide range of research-based horticultural topics and issues that focus on the science behind sustainable gardening practices. Topics include soils and plant nutrients, composting, insects, Integrated Pest Management, lawns, food production, organic gardening, herbaceous, woody and native plants, wildlife, landscape design and more.

To find out more about the EMGV program or to learn how you can become an EMGV. Refer to: https://emgv.ces.ncsu.edu/become-a-volunteer/

Summer Squash

Plan for summer squash now! Summer squash includes straight, crookneck, and zucchini varieties. If you want to get ahead, start seeds indoors and transplant one-two-weeks before the last frost date, between March 15 - April 15.
Early planting spurs squash growth and gets ahead of damage from cucumber beetles that arrive in March, followed by the emergence of squash borers in late April. Weed management is the best control of cucumber beetles that overwinter in weeds at garden edges.

Optimal soil temperature for seed germination is between 60 – 85 degrees. If using raised beds, the soil can be pre-heated by covering the beds with plastic before planting. Protect the young seedlings with row covers or even plastic buckets. Avoid planting squash in the same areas that have other cucurbit crops. Plant in well-drained soil that is high in organic matter with a pH of 6-6.5. Mound rows 5-8 inches above the ground to improve runoff. Plant three seeds per mound spaced 3 - 4 feet apart. Maturity usually runs 45 to 50 days.

For more information, contact the Extension Master Gardener Helpline at 910-947-3188, Monday-Friday.

By: Claudia Watson, EMGV, Moore County
Photo retrieved from shutterstock_327893783.jpg

It's Springing Up Strawberries

One of the first fruits of spring are strawberries. In the next few weeks local strawberries will be gracing farm stands and farmers' markets. That should delight many as the long rainy months of this winter and the pandemic have kept us cooped up. Going out to pick strawberries at some of our u-pick farms or just driving up to a local farm stand signals that spring has arrived.

Americans eat 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries each year plus another 1.8 pounds frozen per capita. Although strawberries are available in many forms—frozen, jam and jelly, and ice cream— nothing compares to the taste of a fresh vine ripened strawberry. Add to your enjoyment of freshly picked strawberries with these facts and tips:

Nutrition Facts:
Strawberries are low in calories and high in nutrients. One cup strawberries contain 55 calories. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C. They also contain vitamin A, iron, fiber, and folic acid. Folic Acid is especially important for childbearing women. When consumed in adequate amounts, it has been proven to prevent certain birth defects.

Selection:
Choose fully ripened, bright red berries. Strawberries do not ripen after they have been picked. Berries should be plump and have a natural shine with bright green, fresh looking caps. Use strawberries as soon after picking as possible for the best flavor and highest nutritional value.

Storage:
Store strawberries in the refrigerator, covered, unwashed, with the caps on. Do not crowd. If you have the space, gently spread the berries on a cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Use berries within 2 to 3 days.

Handling:
Handle strawberries gently. Never remove the caps before washing. The cap prevents water from soaking into the berry, which lessens the flavor and changes the texture. To wash, cover berries in cold water and lift gently out of the water to drain. Dry by placing berries in a single layer on paper towels. After washing, remove the caps if necessary. Give the cap a gentle twist or use the point of a sharp paring knife or pointed spoon. Pat berries dry with paper towels before serving whole or sliced, fresh or cooked.

Find more ways to enjoy strawberries with recipes from the NC Strawberry Association.

Farmland Challenges in a

Fast-Growing State

North Carolina is blessed to have 8 million acres of farmland, but it’s losing agricultural lands to development at a fast pace. In fact, the American Farmland Trust ranks North Carolina as the second-most threatened state, behind only Texas, when it comes to the loss of agricultural lands to other uses.

What does this mean for the future of agriculture in our state? And what’s being done about it?

In this recent episode of the Farms, Food and You podcast, hear from agricultural leaders working to ensure that the farms of today and tomorrow have access to productive farmland.

2021 Sandhills Turf and Ornamental Conference

This year's Sandhills Turf and Ornamental Conference will be held virtually on Tuesday, March 30 at 10:00AM.

Registration is free, but it is required.

This course has been approved for pesticide credits including 2 hours of D, L, N, and X and 1 hour of H and O. NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board has also approved this course for 2 hours of education credits.

Click Here to see the agenda and register!

Please contact Savanah Laur at (910) 947-3188 or savanah_laur@ncsu.edu with any questions.

NC FarmLink-Linking Landowners to
Aspiring Farmers

NC FarmLink is a program of NC State Extension that connects farmers, landowners, and service providers across North Carolina, helping to grow the state’s agriculture industry. NC FarmLink maintains databases of available farmland and farmers looking for land, and works with landowners and farmers to ensure an appropriate and lasting match is made.

Learn more at: https://ncfarmlink.ces.ncsu.edu/about-nc-farmlink/

Art in the Garden

The Moore County Extension Center has been approached by the Horticultural Society of Sandhills Community College. The society has commissioned the renowned international botanical artist, Patrick Dougherty, to install a custom sapling sculpture in the Sandhills Horticultural Garden in early June. His commission has special significance for the Horticultural Society, because Mr. Dougherty was raised in Southern Pines where he played in its woods as a child. Extension has been asked to reach out to landowners and farmers who can allow the harvesting of usable pliable saplings consisting of willow, maple gum or elm on land that is in need of clearing or thinning for the project. The society of course would appreciate donations of available saplings, but is also prepared to offer a small stipend to landowners if necessary. Please contact me at deborah_mcgiffin@ncsu.edu or 910-947-3188 if you are interested in taking part and contributing to this environmentally artistic horticultural venture.

To view some of Mr. Dougherty’s creations, visit www.stickwork.net.

Millstone 4-H Summer Camp Discount Offer Now Available

Millstone 4-H Camp is an ACA accredited camp that provides age-appropriate, small-group experiences in a safe, enjoyable, kid-centered environment. Campers enjoy daily activities such as swimming, canoeing, nature programs, horseback riding, target sports, climbing wall, arts and crafts, hiking, campfires, talent shows, and more!

Moore County 4-H will take a group of campers, ages 9-12, on this week-long overnight camping experience June 20–25. Moore County youth who register as 4-H members, sign up for camp by calling the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Moore County office, 910-947-3188, and pay a $150.00 deposit before March 31, will receive a $50 discount off the already reduced price of *$350!
Space is limited, so call the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Moore County office today to get your application, complete it and pay your deposit of $150.00 by March 31, you will receive the $50.00 discount

*If you were to sign up for this camp directly with the Millstone
4-H Camp Center, the camp fee is $525.

Camp Millstone will be utilizing safe COVID-19 protocols and guidelines to ensure your camper has a safe, but fun, exciting and memorable camping experience!