Irrigation Workshop

Looking for irrigation credits. Good news! NC Cooperative Extension and Carolina's Irrigation Association has teamed up for a 6 hour session on December 1st to offer 5-6 hours (pending final credit approval) to offer a whole day of irrigation credits. This class will be at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center from 8:30 to 4:30 with lunch. The cost is only $25.00. Registration form and agenda will be sent out very soon!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Landscape Workshop on December 1

On Wednesday Dec, 1 2010, Madison County Cooperative Extension in conjunction with Zink Outdoor Power and Equipment will hold the annual Landscape Pesticide Workshop and Small Engine Maintenance Training. Pesticide Classes (with 3 hours of credit for Subcategories L, N, O, D, and X) run from 9am - noon with no RSVP and no charge. For those participating in lunch and the afternoon small engine maintenance training please call Bill Zink at 689.3237 to register. This event will be held at the Madison County Cooperative Extension Center.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Grafting Workshop at NC Arboretum

Link to online NC Arboretum education calendar

Grafting Woody Ornamental Plants: a 2-day workshop

Instructor: Brian Upchurch of Highland Creek Nursery

Saturday and Sunday, November 6 and 7

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day

$195 Member/$225 Public

Limit: 18 students


This comprehensive course is appropriate for advanced gardeners and horticultural professionals, and will cover all aspects of grafting ornamental plants. Award-winning instructor and nurseryman Brian Upchurch hosts this hands-on workshop that gives students a complete understanding of grafting woody plants. He will include detailed discussion of grafting theory, choosing and growing rootstocks, compatibility issues, maintaining stock plants, collecting and storing scion material, grafting techniques and materials, and aftercare of completed grafts. Each student will graft 20 plants of 5 different species to take home. Students should bring a grafting knife and pruners.


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent

Van Wingerden's Open House

Van Wingerden International will once again hold their open house event on November 13th 2010.
This is a quality event that attracts home gardeners and plant lovers for many miles around. The folk there have graciously extended an open invitation to all green industry businesses to have marketing booths (no selling on site) for distribution of literature and displays of plants or other products. Please call the Van Wingerden office at (828) 891-4116 to reserve a space.

The link to this event is at: Van Wingerden's Open House



For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Greenhouse Management Workshop

If you have a greenhouse and are looking for information on increasing the sustainability of that greenhouse then this program is for you. We will have a general session in the morning dealing with releasing biological controls and using organic substrates and wrap the day up after lunch with concurrent sessions divided between ornamental growers and vegetable growers. The link here takes you to the registration flyer and more information:

Greenhouse Management Workshop

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Fall 2010 Erosion and Sedimentation Control Planning and Design Workshop

Fall 2010 Erosion and Sedimentation Control Planning and Design Workshop
We will be holding a workshop this fall dealing with issues related to erosion and sedimentation control. If you are actively involved in issues related to these issues please consider attending.
The information, agenda, and registration information is attached at: Erosion and Sedimentation Control

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

PEST ALERT

PEST ALERT! September 17, 2010

Declaration of Exterior Quarantine for the Walnut Twig Beetle and the Fungal Pathogen that causes Thousand Canker Disease in Walnut Trees

The Commissioner of Agriculture, the Plant Industry Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), and the Plant Pest Administrator hereby immediately establish an exterior quarantine for the walnut twig beetle, Pityophthorus juglandis, and the fungal pathogen, Geosmithia morbida sp. nov., that causes Thousand Canker Disease in walnut trees, Juglans spp., for the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Washington and any other state found to be infested or infected. This exterior quarantine is needed to prevent the establishment, dissemination, or potential spread of Thousand Canker Disease ands its vector into North Carolina and other states.

For complete information, go to: http://www.ncagr.gov/paffairs/release/2010/Exterior%20Quarantine-Thousand%20Canker%20Disease%20(25210).pdf
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Internet Marketing Classes

We will be offering 2 classes this fall on Internet Marketing. These classes will be held on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College, Monday evenings October 18th and 25th.
For more information click on this link Internet Marketing Series. There is no cost but space is limited to the first 18 and we would like to have an idea as to who is attending early.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Final Issue for NC Pest News 2010

Your final issue for NC PEST NEWS 2010 is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, the topics this week are Azalea Caterpillars, Oak Stem Galls, Tarsonemid Mites and Aphid Pests of Ornamental Greenhouses.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Landowner Forestry Event, September 21

Bee Tree Community, Landowner Forestry Event
When: September 21, 2010
Where: Bee Tree Fire Department, 510 Bee Tree Rd., Swannanoa
Directions to the Bee Tree Fire Department can be found at: http://www.svfd.net/
What: There will be two afternoon sessions, 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., each consisting of the following presentations:
1. Stewardship and Forest Management Opportunities through the NC Division of Forest Resources by Les Hunter, NC Division of Forest Resources
2. Voluntary Protection Strategies for Private Forest and Farmland by Mark Megalos, Extension Forestry Specialist, NCSU
*Speakers will be available to answer a host of questions on assistance, tax plans, etc.

Contact for more information: John Alger, (828)299-0799

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC PEST NEWS- Week of September 6

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available. In the Ornamentals and Turf section this week the topics are: Saddleback Caterpillars Are Back, Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillars, Cottony Cushion Scale Activity, Aphidius colemani: Parasitoid of Aphids

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Mills River Tailgate Market Looking for Vendors

For Immediate Release Subject: Mills River Farmer Market Looking For Nursery Operators
Media Contact: Jim Reed; Chair, Mills River Farmer Market 828-890-4105 The Mills River Farmers Tailgate Market is looking for nursery operators, and growers of shrubs, perennials, and ornamentals. If you are interested in selling to customers at our Market on Saturday mornings, 8 AM - 12 noon, please contact Jim Reed at 828-890-4105 or email at millsriverfarm@yahoo.com for further information.
MRFM started it's second season on May 8th and features locally grown meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, eggs, craft items, goats milk cheeses, jelly, jams & relishes from more than a dozen local farmers, producers and market gardeners. Market hours are every Saturday from 8am - Noon at the Mills River Commons, 5046 Boylston Hwy, Mills River NC. The popularity of the market continues to swell. Earlier this year, the market featured a Tomato Festival that also featured local entertainment. The MRFM features farmers within a 50 mile radius of Mills River, an agricultural town that is 22 square miles in size, and home to approximately 6,600 residents minutes from Pisgah National Forest, Interstate 26, and the Asheville Regional Airport. Vendor space is limited, but the market is continuing to accept day use applications throughout the season. Email millsriverfarm@yahoo.com for an application or call Jim Reed, 828-890-4105.


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC PEST NEWS- Week of August 30

Your weekly NC Pest News is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, the topics are: Spiny Oakworms and Blister Beetles on Clematis.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Rain Garden Certification Workshop, Sept 29-30 in Asheville

Rain Garden Certification workshops will be offered by NC State University Dept. of Biological & Agricultural Engineering and NC Cooperative Extension. This certification is awarded by NC State University Cooperative Extension. 8 C.E.U.s are approved by the NC Board of Landscape Architects for this 1.5 day workshop (Course # 6379).

About the workshop: As homeowners and property managers become more aware of the issues of stormwater management many of them are choosing to manage the runoff from their homes and businesses with rain gardens. Rain gardens are shallow depression landscape features that can effectively collect and treat stormwater and reduce localized flooding. Rain gardens can be integrated into the existing landscape as a retrofit or be included in the initial landscaping plan. To effectively manage stormwater, rain gardens must be accurately sized and properly constructed. This workshop will present a simple method for sizing and designing rain gardens and detail proper construction techniques. As a result of this training you will:

* Understand why stormwater needs to be managed,
* Understand the principles of rain garden location, design, construction and maintenance,
* Be able to select appropriate vegetation,
* Tour several local rain gardens, and
* Be eligible to take a test at the conclusion of the training to be certified in rain garden design and construction

Workshop Dates/Locations:

September 29-30, 2010 Asheville, NC
October 12-13, 2010 Holly Springs, NC
October 18-19, 2010 Winston-Salem, NC
November 10-11, 2010 Mt. Holly, NC

To view an Agenda and to REGISTER ONLINE, please visit our website at:
http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/stormwater/training/raingarden.html

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News for August 23rd

ORNAMENTALS AND TURF

From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist

Orangestriped Oakworms Return

Over the last two seasons, I haven't seen much of the orangestriped oakworm. I think the ground has been too hard and dry for the insect to move into and out of the soil. That's good in a way, because the oak trees had a break from defoliation. They are somewhat back this year and devouring foliage. I see them most on willow oaks and pin oaks.

The moth is brown in color with a white spot and a dark stripe on each forewing. The moths emerge in June and July and deposit their eggs in clusters of several hundred on the underside of oak leaves. The eggs hatch in about a week. The tiny, green caterpillars eventually grow into attractive black caterpillars with yellow or orange stripes running lengthwise along their bodies. Young caterpillars feed in groups whereas older caterpillars tend to be solitary, although there may be thousands of caterpillars on a single tree. Small trees are sometimes defoliated completely by midsummer.

As the caterpillars mature, they are often seen crawling along sidewalks, driveways and yards. These caterpillars may wander for a considerable distance while searching for a place to pupate. They can drop a lot of black fecal pellets on a sidewalk. You can step on these without fear, as long as you have on shoes. They dig into the soil three or four inches and pupate there. There is usually one generation per year, and the caterpillars overwinter as pupae in the soil. Control is complicated by the size of many of the infested trees. Most people do not have sprayers that can reach very high into shade trees, and by the time the caterpillars descend and crawl about on the soil they are extremely resistant to pesticides. Fortunately, late summer defoliations are much less damaging to the health of trees than early spring defoliations. In most cases it is probably better to rely on birds, diseases and parasites to lower the population next year. A long pole can knock many out of a tree, if you can reach them. (If you're extremely tall, you could use a short pole.)

For more information, see http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/trees/note139/note139.html. If you would like to consider boosting the paper wasp predator population with nest boxes in the spring, see http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Other/note121/note121.html.


European Hornets

European hornet populations have grown and so have nest sizes. This large hornet is attracted to lights and windows at night which terrifies some people. The European hornet, Vespa crabro, is an introduced species into North America. It builds large, tan, paper nests that are usually not free hanging. Nests are often located in hollow trees, but partially exposed. Sometimes they nest in structures such as a wall or outbuilding. Tom Daly of Wake County, North Carolina, was kind enough to send in a picture of his hornets that built a nest in a bird house. Like all wasps and hornets, they can be considered beneficial because they eat other insects. These hornets often eat other stinging insects. They may strip bark from soft-barked twigs. A normal foraging hornet, if left to tend to its own business, is usually not a threat. For more information about these mahogany and yellow-colored hornets and their control, if necessary, see Residential, Structural and Community Pests Insect Note No. 11 at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/eurohornet.htm.

An eye catching solitary wasp is the tarantula hawk. This is just one of a group of pompilid wasps that prey upon spiders to provision a burrow. Pepsis menechma is dark metallic blue-purple with bright yellow antennae. It is easily twice the size of a paper wasp. When not hunting spiders, this wasp may be seen on flowers collecting nectar or pollen, especially milkweed and allium. Males may be territorial toward each other, but there is no aggression toward people and they won't sting unless handled roughly. As described in the August 13, 2010 issue of North Carolina Pest News, on the Schmidt pain index, the sting is at the top of the chart, akin to having a hair dryer dropped into your bathtub. Interestingly, in Bolivia, the common name of this type of wasp is "amigo del hombre," or "friend of man."

From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist

Beetles Attack Drought Stressed Trees

Yesterday I received a call about a cherry laurel that was riddled with very tiny holes. The tree had dead brown dead leaves on some branches and the grounds manager initially assumed the tree was drying from drought. Upon closer inspection he found the many small holes about the size of mechanical pencil lead that had little tufts of sawdust. The holes were concentrated at old twig scars though they occurred throughout the lower third of the branches. The cause of the holes was a bark beetle in the genus Hypothenemus. We recovered adults from shallow incomplete galleries which they must have just started in the past few days. These beetles made the holes, but may not have killed the tree. Although we have not determined the species, this group of beetles often target trees that are already stressed or in decline due to drought or other causes. Drought can make many plants more susceptible to pest attack. Thus, it is important to keep plants healthy and watered and investigate drought-like symptoms to determine if other problems exist.


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

August 16- NC PEST NEWS

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, this week's topics are: Fall Armyworms in Turf and Pastures, Spiders in the Landscape, Schmidt Sting Pain Index.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Grant Opportunity for Nurserymen and Farmers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2010
Contact: Megan Riley, WNC AgOptions, (828) 333-4151, info@wncagoptions.org
Or the local Cooperative Extension Center

Grants to boost local agricultural system
WNC AgOptions application deadline November 22

MARSHALL — WNC Agricultural Options is introducing a new community grants program that will support projects that are improving the local agricultural system. WNC AgOptions will fund at least three farmer-led group projects that address processing, marketing, packaging and other distribution needs in the mountain region.

The new Family Farm Innovation Fund, which Gov. Beverly Perdue announced on Monday, will provide $100,000 to WNC AgOptions, in addition to the $225,000 that the program distributes annually. RAFI-USA's Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, with which N.C. Cooperative Extension partners to manage WNC AgOptions, was included in the $18.4 million package to five state and federal programs assisting farmers.

"This initiative builds on the legacy of innovation in North Carolina's family farms, and it is another step forward in our JobsNOW economic recovery efforts," Perdue said in making the announcement at the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center.

The WNC AgOptions steering committee determined that logistical challenges related to distribution are the main barriers in improving the local agricultural system. "Solving distribution issues is often more challenging than growing the product," said Ross Young, Madison County Cooperative Extension Director and leader of the WNC AgOptions steering committee. "We hope applicants will use this opportunity to create systems that help local farmers respond to the high demand for local products, as well as improve the availability of locally grown products to consumers."

The size of the community grant is dependent upon the expenses associated with the project. The maximum amount to be awarded per applicant group is $20,000.

In addition, WNC AgOptions is continuing its grant program for individual farm businesses, and will award approximately 40 grants ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 for farm diversification projects. Since 2004, WNC AgOptions has administered more than 250 grants in 17 counties and the Cherokee Indian Reservation to mountain farmers diversifying or expanding their operations.

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission has supported WNC AgOptions since 2003. "We're proud to be the funding partner for the WNC AgOptions program," said William Upchurch, Executive Director of the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. "Over the past few years, the farmers in western North Carolina have developed very innovative projects and have shown that their ideas can generate some great results."

Applications are available at www.wncagoptions.org or at county Cooperative Extension Centers. The postmark deadline of November 22 is earlier than previous years, and the 2011 grant cycle is from January to November. Interested applicants should contact their local Cooperative Extension Agents by November 1 to express their intent to apply.

Priority will be given to projects that provide demonstration to other farmers and encourage the economic sustainability of cooperating farm businesses. Applicants should extensively research the logistics, markets, expenses and timelines for their projects.

Successful community grant projects will require participation from a diversity of people, organizations, and institutions. Groups of farmers, farm coops, farmer associations, churches, local businesses, civic organizations, non-profit organizations or combinations of these are eligible and encouraged to apply. Western North Carolina farmers must be active in the leadership of the group.

Individual farm business projects awarded in 2010 include: a produce packaging facility for improving sales to local grocery chains, a propagation house for food and medicinal plants, hops production for steep terrains, a maple syrup finishing cooker, no-till production of specialty winter squash, and a screened greenhouse for commercial disease-free strawberry plants.

The ultimate goal of WNC AgOptions is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises. Members of the WNC AgOptions steering committee include: representatives from the N.C. Cooperative Extension, HandMade in America, N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and other agricultural business leaders.

For more information, see the following: N.C. Cooperative Extension Centers: www.ces.ncsu.edu; Family Farm Innovation Fund: www.ncruralcenter.org; Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, RAFI-USA: www.ncfarmgrants.org; N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission: www.tobaccotrustfund.org.



For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

August 9- NC PEST NEWS

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available! In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section the topics this week are: Red Headed Ash Borers, Post-Oak Grasshoppers, Walnut Twig Beetle and Thousand Cankers Disease Now in Tennessee, Argentine Ants in the Landscape, Crapemyrtle Aphids. Please pay special attention to the new disease called Thousand Cankers Disease on Black Walnut. Also from last week, I hope you read the article on Emerald Ash Borer. It was found in East Tennessee and attacks Ash trees. We need to be on alert here in Western North Carolina for it's arrival. If you suspect either Thousand Cankers Disease or Emerald Ash Borer, please contact your local extension agent!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC Pest News- Week of August 2

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available. In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section the topics this week are: Field Crop Caterpillars on Ornamentals, Formica integra Ants, Cecropia Moths, Emerald Ash Borer Reported in East Tennessee.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Water Issues Webinars

Free online presentations for growers to help you deal with water issues
A new series of online water quality and recycling webinars begins August 18 to help growers successfully manage water quality issues and recycle irrigation water.
This education program to promote water conservation is co-sponsored by the Water Education Alliance for Horticulture (a collaborative program hosted by the University of Florida with industry partners), OFA – an Association of Horticulture Professionals, the Society of American Florists, and the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association. The series of 30-minute live presentations will feature both new research and practical guidelines.
Registration is free at www.watereducationalliance.org (click on “workshops”) for this series of online presentations. Space is limited, so sign up early.

Workshops at a Glance

Please be advised that these workshops may require high speed internet connections so if you are on dial up, you may encounter problems with downloading time.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Local Foods Movement

NC State University and the NC Cooperative Extension have launched a program encouraging consumers to buy at least 10% of their food from a local producer. To learn more about this program visit the following link: Local Foods

While there is not a similar program for locally grown plants, this is something to consider.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

FEE Increase for NC Pesticide License and Exam- Effective August 1

**FEE INCREASES*

With the signing of the 2010-2011 State Budget by Governor Beverly Perdue on June 30 2010, the General Assembly has mandated fees for administered examinations and an increase in licensing fees in accordance to General Statutes 143-448, 143-452, and 143-455 of the NC Pesticide Law of 1971. The fees below went into effect July 14th 2010.

EXAMINATION FEES:
(Applies to all Testers, regardless of license type)

Core, Dealer, Worker Protection Designated Trainer, Aerial, and Consultant...$50.00

Ornamental and Turf, Right of Way, Forestry, Public Health,
Ag Pest Animal, Pet Grooming, Poultry, Ag Pest Plant, Seed Treatment,
Demonstration and Research, Wood Treatment, Regulatory, and Aquatic..........$20.00

Private......................................................................$10.00

LICENSE FEES:

(026) Ground, (027, 028, 029) Aerial, (030) Consultant, (033) Public Utility,
and (037) Dealer................................$75.00

(038) Private Applicator........................$10.00

(031, 032) Public...............................No Charge

Aircraft Inspections............................$25.00


Questions? Contact:
North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Structural Pest Control & Pesticides Division
1090 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1090
919-733-3556


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Commercial Horticulture Newsletter- Summer Edition

Your Summer Edition of Commercial Horticulture Newsletter is now available! Learn about upcoming events, grant & cost share money available, show stopper plants and more! The Grower Spotlight is Hop'n Blueberry Farm in Black Mountain. If you would like to have this newsletter mailed or emailed directly to you contact Amanda Stone, amanda_stone@ncsu.edu or (828)255-5522 and we'll get you signed up.


HOPS CONES

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC PEST NEWS - July 19

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available!! Highlighted in the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section this week is: Cranberry Rootworms, The Cicada Killers Are Coming!, Green June Beetles Delayed?, Are Katydids Keeping You Up at Night?, Chinch Bugs in Turf, Walnut Caterpillars, Lace Bugs of Summer, and Green Lacewings. Please take a minute and check it out!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC Pest News- Week of July 12

Your weekly NC PEST NEWS is now available. In the Ornamentals and Turfgrass section, the topics this week are: Fall Webworms,Elephant Stag Beetles and Ladybird Beetles. Stay tuned next week for more PEST NEWS!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Become a Certified Turfgrass Professional

MAKE THIS YEAR THE YEAR YOU BECOME AN NCCTP!

There are dozens of reason why you should pursue your NCCTP designation and become an NC Certified Turfgrass Professional. Enhanced credibility, the promotion and publicity TCNC provides you to help you market your expertise in the media and with consumers, and of course, the ability to be grandfathered into the Landscape Contractor's Licensing Bill when it passes next year.

Enrolling in the NCCTP program has never been easier. Open to everyone with a Regular Member status or more, once accepted you have 6 months to study the materials and pass the exam. Contact Lynn at TCNC's office (lynn@ncturfgrass.org or (919) 380-9446) to learn more and get started today!

Check out the link to the Turfgrass Professional Short Course- Short Course

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

NC PEST NEWS- Week of July 5

Your weekly NC Pest News is available! Please check it out! This week's topics for Ornamentals and Turf are: Redbud Leaffolders, Maple Mites, Rhododendron Tip Midges.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Green Tips

The bi-monthly on-line edition of GreenTips has now been posted for July and August of 2010. Please read all of the links as some have changed since last being posted.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Its the Economy Stupid

You don't have to go far to hear somebody talking about the economy and it's impact on the green industry. Sales are down for many growers; Landscapers are scrambling for jobs; and Consumers are making do with less.
Last week I attended the Southeast Greenhouse Conference. As has been my habit for a number of years I try to attend at least one session where Dr. Charlie Hall is presenting. His talks are always refreshing as he does not candy coat what is really going on in the economy like the mass medial seems to do. As many of you are aware, Charlie is a native of our mountains and understands our industry, not because of his classroom and research experiences but because of growing up working in his family's nursery; I like to think that he is one of us.
I sat in on the first presentation on the following link Presentations and found it one that all of us need to visit and learn from. I ask Dr. Hall if he could post it somewhere that I could share it and just received this link to pass on to you.
Enjoy!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

New Communicatons Technology

Check out Master Tag's new communications technology:


New Tag Technology
Using a smart phone your clients can determine where and if the plant will fit into their gardens.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Pest News for June 14th

The weekly edition of NC Pest News has been posted.

In addition this week we have gotten word that the insecticide Endosulfan (active ingredient in Thionex) has been terminated: "EPA has concluded that endosulfan poses unacceptable risks to agricultural workers and wildlife, and can persist in the environment. New data generated in response to the agency’s 2002 decision have shown that risks faced by workers are greater than previously known. EPA also finds that there are risks above the agency’s level of concern to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, as well as to birds and mammals that consume aquatic prey which have ingested endosulfan. Farmworkers can be exposed to endosulfan through inhalation and contact with the skin."


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Week of May 31 PEST NEWS

Check out the NC PEST NEWS for your weekly update on pests or beneficials that maybe active in your area now. For Ornamentals and Turf, the topics, pests and beneficials highlighted this week are:
Do Not Move Firewood, Spined Soldier Bugs Have a Point,Giant Resin Bees,Time Flies and Fireflies, Hemlock Woolly Adelgids in North Carolina, Gloomy Scales and Indian Wax Scales.


Firefly larvae are good they eat slugs!

Firefly larvae eat slugs!

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Vegetable Transplants and Flowers for Sale

If you are looking for vegetable transplants like tomatoes and peppers or hanging flower baskets or herbs please call Icenhower's Farm in Leicester, NC at (828)683-3237 and ask for Ricky or Joy.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Week of May 24 PEST NEWS

Click HERE for the NC PEST NEWS. Highlighted this week in the Ornamentals and Turf section is: Cottony Camellia Scales on Holly,Jaw-dropping Dobsonflies,General Comments Regarding Insects on Ornamentals and Southern Red Mites.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Just Announced! Urban Landscaping Update!

The Carolina Canopy Workshop Series just announced the Urban Landscaping Update to be held in Asheville at the NC Arboretum on August 10! Hot topics and speakers not to be missed! Join us inside on this hot summer day to learn about using edible plants in the urban landscape and integrated pest management. Hear updates about Sudden Oak Death, the honeybee situation, the proposed Landscape Contractors License and updates on the Sustainable Sites Initiative and LEEDS Certification. Landscapers, urban foresters, professional gardeners, nurserymen and plants people alike are encouraged to attend. North Carolina pesticide credits and ISA credits will be available. To register, click HERE. Early bird registration (before July 21) is $20 for members of the NC Urban Forestry Council or $30 for nonmembers.
This update is sponsored by the NC Urban Forestry Council, Asheville GreenWorks and NC Cooperative Extension.


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

USDA Implements Tree Assistance Program

USDA Implements Tree Assistance Program

Orchardists and nursery tree growers can begin applying for benefits under the Tree Assistance Program. The signup began Monday, May 10, at Henderson-Polk-Transylvania County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. The phone number is (828) 693-1406, ext. 2.

The program provides cost-share assistance to orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant and rehabilitate after natural disasters. It provides assistance for trees, bushes and vines grown for commercial purposes and covered by crop insurance or NAP. The program has been expanded to include Christmas tree and nursery tree growers that were ineligible before. Trees grown for pulp or timber or not grown for commercial purposes are

not eligible.

Eligible losses must have occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2008, and before Oct. 1, 2011. To qualify for TAP, there must have been actual tree, bush, vine, etc. deaths in the stand and those losses must have been in excess of 15 percent mortality (plus adjustment for normal mortality) from an eligible natural disaster for the individual stand.

The deadline to apply for losses that occurred in 2008, 2009, or in 2010 prior to May 7 is July 6, 2010.




For more information contact Kelly Springs, (828) 693-1406 ext. 2
kelly.springs@nc.usda.gov

Week of May 17 NC PEST NEWS

NC Pest News is published weekly by NC State University. NC Pest News is a great integrated pest management tool that helps you to stay informed about pests, diseases, and beneficials that are occuring in our area. For Ornamentals and Turf, these pests and beneficials are highlighted this week:Imported Willow Leaf Beetles,Cottony Cushion Scales,Fire Ants to Ignite Soon, Wheel Bugs Begin to Roll,Red Erythraeid Mites and Oak Lecanium Scales.In Western NC, we are typically about two weeks behind the Raleigh area on pest and disease emergance. So, over the next two weeks keep your eyes out for these critters.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

GreenTips Newsletter

The May/June version of Green Tips is now online at GreenTips
Of particular importance is the Pest Management Tips article referring to Hemlock Borers.
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

How to Create a Blog

Honeybee Swarming Season

Swarming is an instinctive part of the annual life cycle of the honeybee colony and is necessary for the species to survive. Swarming occurs when a colony of honeybees divides and 30 to 70 percent of the bees, along with their queen, leave the hive to start a new colony. You may find a swarm of honeybees hanging from a tree branch or resting on your clothes line while they are looking for a new home. The swarm can be the size of a softball or as large as a basketball. The tendency to swarm is usually greatest when the bees increase their population rapidly in the period before the honey- flow. Therefore the cause of swarming is normally associated with a crowded brood (eggs/ larvae/ pupae) nest. Most swarming takes place in our area during April – June. There are many other reasons why a honeybee colony will swarm. A lack of food, age of the queen, bad odors, a heavy infestation of wax moths, repeated attacks by bears and other predators, and sometimes disease.

*** If you notice a swarm in Buncombe County, please call the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension office at (828) 255-5522. We have a list of local beekeepers who we can contact for catching the swarms. If the honeybees decide to take up residence inside the wall of your home or storage building, the local beekeepers can help with that too. If you notice a swarm in another county, contact your local Cooperative Extension Office.

Swarm resting on the bottom of a picnic table.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Disaster Prepardness and Recent Storms

If the recent storms have left you with downed trees or you need information on chainsaw safety, visit NC State University's Urban Forest website for this information.

EDEN, the Extension Disaster Education Network, working through eXtension has released four new fact sheets regarding the impact of floods on farms and methods of preparing for and recovering from flooding on the farm. In preparation for spring and the severe weather that potentially lies before us, you may want to revue the resources available through eXtension and EDEN. Their URL's are listed below.
EDEN - http://eden.lsu.edu/Pages/default.aspx
eXtension - https://www.extension.org/disasters


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Irrigation Workshop - Chlorination Systems for Nursery and Vegetable Crop Production

Many of you are pumping water from non-potable sources. Whether this is from a pond, cistern, or stream, some of these sources contain both plant and human pathogens.
This class will provide you some insight into methods that you can use to reduce the risks that these pathogens can have on both your crops, your family, and your customers. The class has been granted 2 hours of commercial and/or private pesticide x credits as well as 2 hours of irrigation contractor credit. So- for a morning of your time you could earn 2 hours of credit for each of these two licenses.
Irrigation Workshop
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Internet Marketing Series

Looking at ways to expand your market? If so you may want to consider marketing on the internet. The NC Cooperative Extension is offering as series of classes on Monday mornings to assist with the idea of internet marketing. You may find the information at: Internet Marketing Series
Come and join us, you might be tweeting before summer!
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Town Hall Meeting

This is a notification to all landscapers of an up-coming town hall meeting where the proposed Landscape Contractor Practice Act will be discussed. This event will be in the Bo Thomas Auditorium on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College. The meeting will take place from 6:30 until 8:30 on Thursday evening,
March 18th. RSVP requested. If possible please car pool with a colleague as parking may be limited. The Bo Thomas Auditorium is in the Sink Building on the Flat Rock Campus. If you need additional directions please call me or visit the College's website: BRCC
Note: Blue Ridge Community College is a tobacco free campus.

This is an informational meeting sponsored by the Green Industry Council of North Carolina and only facilitated by the Cooperative Extension offices. For an overview of the legislation please visit their website at: NC Landscape Contractor's License.
NC Cooperative Extension remains an educational organization only and not a regulatory one. Regardless of the outcome of this legislation we will continue to strive to provide the educational programs that will give all green industry professionals an equal opportunity to achieve their professional goals, learn new practices and/or skill and obtain or retain any required certifications or licenses.


For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Weather Alert

Another winter weather event is headed our way. This one could surpass the size and damage of the one in December. If you have nursery/greenhouse structures be prepared to add additional bracing and keep your brooms handy for snow removal. Check to make sure that all generators are working and that you have them full of fuel. It is hard to tell when the storm will arrive- but early predictions show it hitting in full force by early afternoon. This should allow you the morning to purchase any supplies, extra fuel, food etc. Check the link above in the title line for more information about the track of this storm event. While driving back from the Turf Conference in Raleigh, I noticed that NCDOT were out in full force "salting" the highways. They are preparing for a severe weather event for the entire state.

For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Green Tips

The Green Tips Newsletter is now posted at: GreenTips.
With all of the winter weather we have had, we are still gathering information about damage to crops, structures, etc. Please visit the survey at:
Weather Survey



For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.