North Carolina gardeners are used to dealing with the usual suspects—aphids, beetles, maybe the occasional slug with a personal vendetta—but this year brings a new and far more unwelcome guest. Agriculture officials have confirmed that a destructive invasive pest has made its way out of commercial areas and into residential gardens, and it’s causing quite…
North Carolina
New HOA Rules in the Carolinas Are Banning These Common Garden Features
Across the Carolinas, many HOAs have been updating their landscaping and exterior‑appearance guidelines, and homeowners are discovering that some very common garden features are now restricted or require approval. These changes aren’t random — they’re usually tied to curb‑appeal standards, maintenance expectations, or uniformity goals. But that doesn’t make them any less surprising. Let’s dig…
NC State Agriculture Officials Issue New Alert About an Invasive Pest Moving Into Backyards
If you love your yard, your garden, or the peace of soaking up sunshine among your flowers and trees, it’s time for a quick reality check: something unwelcome might be creeping in right under your feet. North Carolina agriculture officials have just issued a fresh alert about an invasive pest that’s no longer lurking only…
Gardeners in the Carolinas Warned: Soil Mix Is Testing Positive for Lead
If you love the feel of dirt under your fingernails and envision a backyard brimming with juicy tomatoes and fragrant herbs, this might feel like a punch to the gut — but it’s something every gardener in the Carolinas needs to know. Recent soil testing and scientific studies have shown that lead contamination in soil…
What Gardeners in the Carolinas Must Do Before February to Save Their Spring Gardens
Winter winds may still nip at your nose, but in the Carolinas, February is the secret launchpad for a spectacular spring garden. The magic of gardening doesn’t wait for March sunshine, and neither should you. Whether you’re tending to a backyard oasis in Raleigh or a flower-filled corner in Charleston, taking action now can mean…
Why Stink Bugs Are Suddenly Invading Homes in North Carolina
Autumn is rolling in across North Carolina, bringing cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and an unexpected army of tiny, shield-shaped invaders marching toward your windows. Yes, stink bugs are making themselves at home in places they normally wouldn’t—your living room, kitchen corners, and even the space behind your curtains. For many, it’s an unwelcome surprise: these…
Why Gardeners in the Carolinas Are Skipping Mulch This Winter—And What Experts Say to Do Instead
Winter gardening in the Carolinas is suddenly breaking the rules, and it’s making backyard conversations a lot more interesting. Longtime gardeners who once swore by thick layers of winter mulch are quietly pushing the wheelbarrow aside and trying something different. This isn’t a lazy shortcut or a cost-cutting trick—it’s a calculated move shaped by changing…
Soil Test Warning: What North Carolina Gardeners Are Finding in Their Yards This January
January is not just a month for cozy sweaters and hot cocoa—it’s turning into a revelation for North Carolina gardeners. Across the state, backyard enthusiasts are rolling up their sleeves and digging into something a little less glamorous than snowdrifts: their soil. Soil tests done this month are yielding results that are both surprising and…