Cooperative Extension

How to Use a Cooperative Extension Plant Clinic

July 15, 2026 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

A struggling tomato plant, a mystery bug chewing holes through bean leaves, or a tree that suddenly drops leaves can send even experienced gardeners searching for answers. A Cooperative Extension plant clinic offers one of the most reliable places to solve those puzzles with science-based guidance instead of random internet guesses. That makes it one…

Gardeners in North Carolina Are Reporting a Surge in This Destructive Pest

February 21, 2026 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

A striking, polka-dotted insect has landed in North Carolina, and it carries a reputation that makes seasoned growers wince. Gardeners across the state have started spotting clusters of unfamiliar bugs on tree trunks, patio furniture, and even vegetable beds. This surge points to one culprit that agricultural officials have tracked with growing urgency: the spotted…

How To Get Free Seeds From The Government by Amanda Blankenship Seeds might seem like a small expense, but any seasoned…
Should I Use Enviro Ice On My Plants? by Kathryn Vercillo Every week, I receive food from Hungryroot. It's a great…
From Trash to Treasure: Transform Shredded Paper Into Garden Gold by Amanda Blankenship Should you use shredded paper as garden mulch? It might…
What Happens to Plants If You Use Enviro Ice on Them? by Amanda Blankenship About a year ago, I wrote our first article about…

The Cheapest Way to Start a Community Garden Plot

Fresh vegetables, colorful flowers, and friendly neighbors all fit into one surprisingly affordable project. Starting a community garden plot does not require a big budget, expensive equipment, or a truckload of supplies. With a little creativity and some smart planning, almost anyone can transform a patch of soil into a productive growing space without draining…

Soaker Hose Placement Mistakes That Waste Water and Stress Plants

A soaker hose can feel like a gardener’s secret weapon, quietly delivering water while saving time and effort. However, the wrong placement can turn this helpful tool into a leaky garden headache that leaves some plants thirsty while others sit in soggy soil. Many gardeners install a hose, turn on the faucet, and assume the…

Why Your Garden Is Growing Leaves But No Fruit

A garden full of giant green leaves can look impressive, but when tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, or squash refuse to produce, that leafy jungle starts feeling more like a mystery than a success story. Plants need more than sunshine and water to make fruit, and sometimes too much of a good thing sends them in the…

The $10 Seed Packet Strategy That Can Stretch a Grocery Budget for Months

Fresh vegetables often carry some of the highest price tags in the grocery store, especially during periods of bad weather or supply shortages. A single $10 seed packet can change that equation by producing dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of harvests over an entire growing season when planted wisely. The secret has very little to do…