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Alexander County Center

Green Thumb Gazette

February 2026 Newsletter
Become a Master Gardener Volunteer!

Join a network of passionate gardeners across the state who are dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing their communities through horticulture, and connecting people with the benefits of gardening.

This 14 Week Course will start Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. Most classes will be held on Tuesdays from 1-4 p.m. unless otherwise posted for field trips. The locations will be the Alexander and Caldwell County Centers. The cost for the program is $125 which includes your book, demo supplies and field trips. Applications will be accepted through February 10th or until the class is full.

Topics will include: botany, small fruits, tree fruits, pesticide safety and IPM, wildflowers, tree ID and wildlife, gardening with natives, lawns and weeds, soil testing and composting, propagation, vegetables and raised beds, and more!

**This class is designed so that you finish with an Extension Master Gardener Certificate and hopefully go on to continue your volunteering and education to keep that certification. To obtain your certificate, you will be REQUIRED to complete 40 hours of volunteer service related to horticulture in the year following the completion of the class.
To register and for more info, please call the Alexander office at 828-632-4451 or contact Cari Rosenbalm by email at cari_rosenbalm@ncsu.edu .
Blueberry Pruning Field Day 2026

Alexander County Cooperative Extension is excited to announce the return of our annual Blueberry Pruning Field Day! This year, the event will be held on Saturday, February 21st, at Campbell's Berry Farm in Hickory, NC. We invite all blueberry enthusiasts to join us for this hands-on learning experience led by Dr. Bill Cline, NC State Blueberry Specialist. To participate, please call us at 828-632-4451 to register. Participants are encouraged to bring their own pruning shears, lopping shears, gloves, and water. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and the occasion.

Pruning is an essential practice for maintaining healthy, productive blueberry bushes. Regular pruning improves fruit size and taste, makes the plants easier to manage, and promotes new growth by replacing old, less productive canes. During the field day, you’ll learn expert techniques to optimize your harvest and ensure the long-term health of your blueberry plants. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical skills—come ready to learn and prune!
2026 Alexander Extension Small Fruit Plant Sale

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. There are some new items this year as well as some we have offered previous years.

Please know that the earlier you place your order the better chance we will be able to complete your request. Plants will be available for pickup on March 5-6, 2026.

To check current availability or to place your order, please call our office at 828-632-4451 or email Cari Rosenbalm at cari_rosenbalm@ncsu.edu.
Spring Pesticide Recertification Courses

Please call to register - 828-632-4451

 Feb 23rd @ 6-8pm -
Private V Training              
Credits Offered (V:2)

February 27th @ 2-4pm - Commercial X Training                     
Credits Offered (A, B, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, T, D, X, K(SA), K(PU): 2)
Respirator Fit Testing Event!

If you are a pesticide applicator in need of a Respirator Fit Test & Medical Clearance Examfor 2026, please call our office (828-632-4451) to register for a time on Feb. 23rd to have yours done here at the Extension Office! If you are using ANY product in 2026 that requires the use of a respirator, these tests are REQUIRED.

*Applicators MUST be clean shaven, bring their own respirator, and have completed their paperwork prior to their appointment time.
Click on the following links to see the Garden Calendars for each month:

BOLOs (Be On The Lookout)....
Month-by-month lists of common plant diseases, pests, and other problems you may encounter in North Carolina yards and gardens. Straight from our PDIC (Plant Disease & Insect Clinic) entomologists and pathologists!

Welcome to our Regional Tree Fruit Meeting! This event is tailored for commercial tree fruit producers across the mountains, foothills, Brushy Mountain region, and Piedmont of North Carolina, as well as neighboring areas and states. Join us for an engaging day with specialists from NC State University, as we explore the latest research and management practices to enhance the success and sustainability of your orchards. Let's work together to tackle challenges, embrace innovations, and strengthen our tree fruit industry!
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, they will be available for purchase on February 20th (please call our office to purchase - 828-632-4451). 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
 
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
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