NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Henderson County

10/23/2026

Consider planting straight species trees instead of smaller cultivars for a robust future urban canopy...

If you travel through cities that may have existed early in our countries history you may have noticed many majestic beautiful mature trees. There was a time when people didn’t worry about how big a…

10/22/2026

Don't throw away your fall leaves! 🍁🍂 They're nature's gold 💰free mulch, fertilizer, and compost all rolled into one.

The article highlights that removing leaves:

Depletes soil nutrients ❌, creating an "unhealthy urban soil."

Destroys critical habitat 🐛 for wildlife (like the Blue Ghost Firefly!). 😔

Costs municipalities hundreds of thousands of dollars 💸 in removal expenses.

Instead, recycle them! Use them as mulch in your garden beds or add them to your compost pile ♻️ to return vital organic matter to your soil. Save money 💵, protect nature 💚, and get healthier plants! 🌱

https://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/news/leaves-are-good-dont-throw-them-away/

10/20/2026

As you do your fall hiking, look for granitic domes, one of our truly unique ecosystems.

Have you ever been hiking at DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest, or the Carl Sandburg Home Historical Site and run across big domes of rock in the woods? These rock domes are technically…

10/19/2026

Great local gardening blog...

Sow True Seed's Garden Blog is a collection of articles to help you be a better gardener and seed saver written by guest writers and in house gardening experts.

10/19/2026

Topping trees is bad! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C9XkdoNAn/

Thinking about cutting back your trees? Think twice before topping them! 🌳⚠️

"Topping",or removing most of a tree's top branches, might seem like a good way to prevent storm damage, but experts say it actually does far more harm than good. Severe pruning starves the tree, leaves open wounds that lead to rot and insects, and creates weak, fast-growing branches that are more likely to break later on.

Instead, opt for responsible canopy reduction (removing up to 25% without cutting into large branches) or speak with a certified arborist to protect your property safely. ✂️🍃

Read the full article from N.C. Cooperative Extension:
👉 https://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/news/avoid-topping-trees/

10/14/2026

It is the time of year when reptiles including snakes, turtles and lizards are looking for somewhere warm to spend the winter. They can often be seen crossing roads sunning themselves and traveling. Be on the alert when you are doing your fall garden chores and driving. Remember, these creatures are beneficial to our environment and ultimately humans so lets try not to harm or impede them.

This summer has been warm and wet. There are high populations of rodents. All these things snakes enjoy. Luckily we only have two species of venomous snakes that we see locally; the timber rattler…

10/13/2026

Class today at the Edneyville Library on invasive plants...

10/12/2026

Field peas, cow peas, southern peas, black-eyed peas...all names for the same staple of southern dinner tables.

Call it what you want- cowpea, field pea, or southern pea, these common names of Vigna unguiculata are all hard-working plants that pull double duty as a cover crop and summer vegetable.Field peas…

10/11/2026

Looking for a truly low-maintenance garden? 🌿 Groundbreaking news: "no-maintenance" plants don't exist, but finding low-maintenance options tailored to your space is easier than ever!

Check out this guide from NC State Extension on how to match plants to your yard's natural light, soil, and space so they can thrive with minimal effort. 🌸✂️

Read the full article and try out their Plant Toolbox tool here:
https://gardening.ces.ncsu.edu/news/low-maintenance-plant/