January/February Newsletter and Classes

The January/February edition of In the Garden Now is available now at http://onslow.ces.ncsu.edu/In%20The%20Garden%20Now/  Topics include fungus gnats (a common winter pest on houseplants), keeping holiday plants healthy, planting potatoes and peas, pruning, timely tips and tasks, and more. 


We have a lot of great classes coming up this spring:

Become a Master Gardener Volunteer
The Master Gardener Volunteer training starts on January 31.  These classes are offered Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-12.  You will learn about everything from growing lawns and ornamental plants to fruits and vegetables in Onslow County.  Participants become Master Gardener Volunteers and commit to giving back to their community through Master Gardener projects.  Cost for the class is $100 which includes comprehensive Master Gardener manual.  Please call 455.5873 for more information or to request an application.

Learn to Grow Vegetables
Our HELP Garden (vegetable gardening class) starts February 1 from 5-7 pm.  Classes meet weekly on Friday nights.  This twenty week long class will lead you through the growing season.  You will learn everything from planning and planting a garden to harvesting, marketing your produce and beyond.  Cost for the class is $75 and you get to take home fresh produce too.  Call 455.5873 and speak to Larry for more details.

Get Ready for Chicks!
Our new livestock agent, Abby Dilley, and I will be offering a series on integrating gardens and livestock this year.  Our Barnyards by the Sea series kicks off January 26 at 10 am with a class on "Get Ready for Chicks" for people interested in raising backyard chickens.  This class is free.  Call 455.5873 and speak to Lisa or Abby for more details.

Spring Vegetable Gardening
The second installment of our Barnyards by the Sea series, learn all about planting a spring vegetable Garden in Onslow County.  This class will be held in two locations on February 23 - 10 am at the Onslow County Extension Office and 2 pm at the Main Base Library on Camp Lejeune.  Call 455.5873 for the Extension Office session or 451.5724 for the afternoon Camp Lejeune session (preregistration preferred).  Please note that you will need access to base to attend the afternoon session.

Terrawa Terrace Community Garden Spring Gardening Series
I will be holding an extended spring vegetable garden training on Tarrawa Terrace this spring.  This class will cover a variety of topics over 8 sessions from February 8 through May 17.  For more information or to register, please contact Lorraine 450.0514.  Please note that you will need access to base to attend this training.

I am eagerly looking forward to the new growing season and hope you are to.  I look forward to your questions and comments.