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…

5 Viral Gardening Hacks That Could Do More Harm Than Good

You’ve probably seen the videos: Someone pours kitchen scraps into a flowerpot, sprays weeds with a homemade mixture, or buries a banana peel beside a struggling tomato plant, promising spectacular results. The ingredients are cheap, the instructions take seconds, and the before-and-after photos make everything look incredibly easy. But what happens when those supposedly brilliant…

6 Backyard Improvements That Could Create More Work Than They’re Worth

That beautiful backyard makeover you saw online might look like the perfect weekend project. A new pond, decorative gravel walkway, or elaborate flower bed could transform your outdoor space into something straight out of a landscaping magazine. But what happens when that seemingly simple improvement turns into hours of weekly maintenance and unexpected expenses? Some…

7 Beautiful Plants That Can Become a Nightmare Once They Spread

That gorgeous flowering vine climbing your fence or colorful shrub filling an empty corner of your yard might seem like the perfect landscaping investment. But what happens when it refuses to stop growing? Some of the most attractive plants sold for home gardens can spread aggressively, overwhelm neighboring vegetation, and leave homeowners facing years of…

Bringing Your Houseplants Inside for Winter? Don’t Make This Common Mistake

Your houseplants have spent the summer thriving on the patio, growing lush leaves and enjoying the warm sunshine. Now that nighttime temperatures are dropping, you’re ready to bring them indoors before the first frost. You carry your favorite plants into the living room, arrange them beside your other greenery, and congratulate yourself on saving them…