N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center

North Carolina Agromedicine Institute programs are focused on making the day-to-day lives of farmers, fishermen, foresters their workers and families safer and healthier. The Institute is strictly educational – not regulatory or advocacy. (Meaning that they do not report any concerns to any agency - they simply give you information to correct hazards and improve your health and wellness!)

Learn about all the programs offered here: https://www.ncagromedicine.org/program.php

If you have a specific need that their listed programs do not address, let them know! They are happy to work with you to develop a program just for you and your needs.

North Carolina Agromedicine Institute Welcome to the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute, a University of North Carolina inter-institutional alliance promoting the health and safety of North Carolina's farmers, fishermen, foresters, their workers, families and communities. NC partners include East Carolina University, North Carolina S...

Join us tomorrow from 4pm to 5pm at the Southside Library for our STEAM workshop for youth ages 5 to 11. During this event we will be explore fruit properties and flavors to create the ultimate fruit smoothie using a secret mystery ingredient.

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 - 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭

N.C. Cooperative Extension invites you to join us for our Extension At Home- Lunch & Learn monthly program. In August you will learn how food and art can come together to make fruits and vegetables more appealing to the eye and more appetizing to your taste buds.

In this workshop you will learn to create beautiful art when making focaccia bread. This online workshop will teach you how to turn a simple loaf of bread into a masterpiece.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned baker, this event is perfect for anyone looking to unleash their creativity in the kitchen and create their own masterpiece at home! You are sure to impress family and friends.

Bring your lunch and learn with us during this virtual workshop on 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟐 𝐍𝐨𝐨𝐧.

Registration is required, please click on the link below to register. If you are unable to attend the live presentation, that is not a problem. All registered participants will receive the recording and any handouts provided.

𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬://𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞.𝐜𝐨𝐦/𝐞/𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐚-𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝-𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬-𝟗𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟒𝟒𝟐𝟑𝟓𝟕

This workshop is part of the 2024 "Extension at Home" series, brought to you by a collaboration of N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents. This series will feature a new topic each month related to Family and Consumer Sciences.

bread ❤️

Come join us on the Community Gardens Tour - North and East Forsyth, July 28th 4:30 - 7:30pm, there are still a few spots left! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-gardens-tour-north-and-east-forsyth-tickets-942128400407?aff=oddtdtcreator
Take a look into the community gardens of Forsyth, meet garden leaders, gain insight into gardening successes and opportunities.
We'll visit 5 different gardens, see them in their peak season, and meet the garden leaders of these sites. There are seats available on a 15 passenger van, please email [email protected] to reserve a seat. We will also have the directions and route available for anyone driving themselves. Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the tour where we'll have a short Q+A session back at our office. If you are interested in joining or supporting the gardens, information will be available on how to be paired with a garden.

Community Gardens Tour - North and East Forsyth Take a look into the community gardens of Forsyth, meet garden leaders, gain insight into gardening successes and opportunities.

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬

There is still time to Register!!!

Welcome to the Build Your Bones Program! Get ready to learn all about how to strengthen your bones and improve your overall bone health.

Join N.C. Cooperative Extension for this 7-week life changing series starting on Tuesday, July 16 2024 at 2:00 PM EDT running through Tuesday, August 27, 2024 (same time each week).

This program is brought to you by a multi-state Cooperative Extension collaboration where our knowledgeable speakers will share valuable information to help you keep your bones strong and healthy.

We will cover topics on:
•Basics of osteoporosis
•Tests to diagnose osteoporosis
•Medications
•Healthy eating tips
•Nutrients important for bone health
•Fall prevention
•Balance exercises
•Physical activity for bone health
•Moving safely with osteoporosis

Don't miss out on this opportunity to take charge of your bone health and feel your best for years to come!

Registration is required and will close on Tuesday, July 23, 2024

To Register, click on this link below: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NxG_QyvMT2aGy4GfEKgelA #/registration

Do you have gardening questions? Come get answers while you shop at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market every third Saturday of the month - the next one is this weekend, July 20th! This information booth is a resource for community members to get horticultural questions answered quickly. Speak with knowledgeable NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers while you shop.

Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Introduction:

Hi everyone, my name is Rhett Kyle and I am excited to be continuing my journey in Forsyth County as the new Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent! A little bit about myself: I was born and raised in North Wilkesboro, NC and have spent extended periods of time in both Chapel Hill and Boone, NC in pursuit of my undergraduate and graduate studies. I have been working for N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center for the better part of one and a half years as the Wellness Produce Box Program Coordinator before having the opportunity to fill the role of Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, focusing on financial literacy. I am passionate about providing the residents of Forsyth County with the tools to become financially independent through the use of the many resources here at N.C. Cooperative Extension.

SWEET BASIL
What would the summer garden be without a few basil plants? Basil, botanically known as Ocimum basilicum is a tropical plant that we typically treat as an annual in our climate. Actually there are many species of Basil and they are all thought to originate in Africa and Asia. The earliest recorded mention of basil is around 5000 years ago and from India. Basil has been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Basil is a warm season herb and will not tolerate any frost. Plants can be purchased at most any garden center in the spring but basil is also very easily started from seed. Whether starting from plants or seed, it is a good idea to wait till the 1st of May before planting or sowing. If you are inclined to start your tomatoes and peppers from seed indoors, then basil seeds can be sown around the same time and then you will have a head start when it comes time to plant them outdoors. But basil seed can easily be sown directly in the garden once frost danger is over, just make sure they do not dry out.
Basil does best planted in somewhat richer soil then many other herbs require and it also likes more moisture than herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Basil is a relatively fast growing herb, that depending on type or variety, grows from 8 inches to nearly 3 foot tall. Basil will do best planted in full sun but I have found that it also does quite well with morning sun and afternoon shade. In just a few short weeks basil will be ready for harvesting and should be harvested frequently to keep the plants more bushy and to keep them from going to seed. Many claim the quality of basil declines if allowed to bloom and mature seeds so harvest often.
Contrary to some literature, basil dries and stores well for at least 6 months to a year without losing much flavor. It can also be frozen if you prefer not drying it. Some chop fresh basil leaves and fill ice cube trays, then top off with water and freeze. Once the cubes have frozen solid they can be removed and stored in a zip lock freezer bag for storage.
Basil, in its many forms make great container plants for those without garden space. If grown in a container you could apply an organic fertilizer at least once a month and pay close attention to not letting it dry out.
If one has the space, it is a good idea to designate a few basil plants for blooming purposes as the usually white blossoms are very attractive to bees and many other beneficial insects. Basil is a very ornamental herb, both for its foliage and its blooms and could just as easily be grown in a flower garden or other parts of the landscape.
There are many varieties of basil, 'Genovese' is a very good variety for use in the kitchen, especially for making things such as pesto. It has large leaves with excellent flavor and was selected in Italy. 'Mrs. Burns Lemon' basil is outstanding for making iced or hot herb tea. It is also very good used in fish and seafood dishes. 'Lime' basil is similar with smaller leaves and a very fragrant lemon/lime flavor, and has similar uses. 'Cinnamon' basil is another variety that makes an outstanding iced or hot tea and can be used much the same as regular basil in the kitchen. 'Thai' basil is a very popular variety with a basil/licorice flavor and fragrance used in Thai cooking. There are also dark red leaved varieties of basil that make great herb vinegar and can also be used as regular basil in cooking. One harder to find type of basil native to Africa is known as 'Clove' basil. It has a strong clove scent and is fantastic for making herb teas. In my opinion, it should be more popular. It is from a different specie but is just as easily grown as any other basil. 'African tree basil' is a different variety but it is grown more for medicinal qualities. There are many other varieties of basil with various uses and all are easily grown. And if you have not planted basil this year, it is still possible to get a few into the ground. They will produce at least until the first frost of autumn.
For more information on growing basil or any other gardening questions, reach out to us by calling 336 703-2850.

Come work with us! We are currently accepting applications for a maintenance technician at the Arboretum at Tanglewood Park! This part-time employee helps with maintenance of the Arboretum and works with our many volunteers. Please consider applying or share with anyone who may be interested! https://go.ncsu.edu/hiring.arbtech.forsyth

Do you have gardening questions? Come get answers while you shop at the Cobblestone Farmers Market every second Saturday of the month - the next one is this weekend, July 13th! This information booth is a resource for community members to get horticultural questions answered quickly. Speak with knowledgeable NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers while you shop.

Explore the gateway to growing anywhere, in containers! Featuring a basic hands on look at indoor and outdoor planting basics, looking at herbs, veggies, and a few flowers.

July 30th from 1 to 2:30pm, at 1110 E Seventh Street, Winston-Salem.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/container-and-raised-bed-gardening-basics-malloy-jordan-library-tickets-942091339557?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join N.C. Cooperative Extension at the Malloy Jordan / East Winston Library, for a hands on workshop on the basics of container gardening. We'll discuss growing outdoor in small gardens, on balconies, in windowsills etc. as well as briefly go over some basics of house plants. We will look into plant selection, growing mediums, container sizing, lighting conditions, and problem solving. For questions, please contact Matthew Scoggins at [email protected] , or at 336-705-8823.

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, s*x (including pregnancy), s*xual orientation and veteran status. NC State University, N.C. A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and local governments cooperating.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made at least 10 days prior to the event by contacting Colleen Church, County Extension Director, [email protected], or 336-703-2850.

Explore the art and science of residential landscape architecture, focusing on designing outdoor garden spaces to harmonize with home environments. Attendees will be equipped with the knowledge to transform their own outdoor spaces into personalized oases that reflect both beauty and functionality. Hope to see you there!

Read more and register here:

Blueprint to Blooms: Enhancing Home Gardens with Landscape Design Join as we discuss and dissect the ABC's of beautiful and functional Garden Design.

We have another chance for you to volunteer with us! Join us this Thursday evening to volunteer at the Arboretum at Tanglewood Park. No volunteer experience necessary. We hope to see you there! Register today on Eventbrite: https://july-evening-workday-2024.eventbrite.com

Can you identify tree of heaven? Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is an invasive tree and is also host of the spotted lanternfly, an insect pest. Reducing tree of heaven plants on your property is important for spotted lanternfly management and to make room for more desirable, native plants. Tree of heaven is recognizable by its compound leaves, where each leaflet has small teeth at the base. You'll also notice the scent of burnt peanut butter when you crush the leaves. Read this publication for information on identifying and controlling tree of heaven:https://www.ncforestservice.gov/publications/Forestry%20Leaflets/IS01.pdf

You may have heard of spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect pest that has an established population in our county. This image (by Emily Swackhamer of Penn State University, via bugwood.org) shows an adult spotted lanternfly (SLF), which is what you are likely to see at this time of the year. We recommend anyone with SLF on their property to take action to manage the insect population - this publication can help you get started:https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/Spotted-lanternfly-BMP-yards-and-lanscapes.pdf

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center, is now accepting applications for the 2024 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Initial Training Class. NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ (EMG) volunteers are integral to Extension’s horticulture programs in Forsyth County. EMG volunteers are trained to be educators and share their knowledge of gardening with other community members.

You do not need to be an expert at the beginning of the training course, but you must be willing to learn and volunteer your time and energy! The training will strengthen your skills and knowledge of horticulture, as well as prepare you to teach others. Volunteer opportunities within the program include presenting programs to adults and youth, organizing educational events for the community, representing Extension and sharing information at public events, assisting with maintenance at Extension’s gardens, and more.

Interested? Read more in this article - including class details, costs, and more about what you'll learn and get to do! http://go.ncsu.edu/readext?1011831

It's hot out and the insects and diseases in your fields and gardens are loving it- DID YOU KNOW that the Plant Toolbox offers direct links to factsheets on common pests and diseases of your favorite plants?

Find short videos and articles on how to get the most out of the Plant toolbox features here:
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/help/

Can you identify the beneficial insects in your garden? We spotted lady beetles in our Demonstration Garden feeding on aphids. Notice that the larva look quite different from the adults! All insects go through a life cycle and the juvenile and adult stages may look different. Lady beetles are helpful predators that eat other insect pests in the garden. Learn more about them: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/lady-beetles-1

NC State Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers are members of our community who assist N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center with its horticulture programs. NC State EMG volunteers assist in teaching other community members, answering questions, and maintaining Forsyth County Center's public gardens.

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center staff trains Extension Master Gardener volunteers. EMG training covers a variety of topics, including growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, trees, lawns, and more. No prior garden knowledge is required! In return for specialized training, EMG volunteers dedicate volunteer hours each year to expand Extension’s capacity to educate other gardeners.

Register to attend one of the information sessions here: go.ncsu.edu/forsyth-eventbrite. Attendance at an information session is not required to apply to the EMGV program.

This session will focus on the EMG volunteer program in Forsyth County. Volunteers must complete all training and volunteer hours with N.C. Cooperative Extension in Forsyth County. If you are interested in volunteering in another county, please contact the Extension office there. Visit ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center/ to find other offices.

This information session will teach you the basics of the volunteer program, and you will learn the details of when the next class will be held. Additionally, you will receive a paper copy of the volunteer application to fill out at your leisure. Walk-ins are welcome, pre-registration is appreciated! There will be three sessions held at the Paddison Memorial Branch Library, the Forsyth County Central Library, and the Lewisville Branch Library.

This session will be presented by Anika Parks, Volunteer Coordinator with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County. Please direct any questions to her at [email protected] or 336-703-2848.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Interim County Extension Director, Colleen Church, [email protected], 336-703-2850. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event.

This week is National Pollinator Week! We caught this Great Spangled Fritillary visiting flowers in our Demonstration Garden. You can support butterflies and other pollinators in your yard by planting a plants, especially native plants. Visit our website to learn more about gardening for pollinators: https://forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu/native-plants-for-bees/

Do you love reading and gardening? We invite you to join us and the Forsyth County library for our gardening book club, Blooming Pages. We meet monthly at the Paddison Memorial Library in Kernersville. The next meeting is coming up on Thursday, June 20. https://forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/05/blooming-pages-book-club-to-meet-at-paddison-memorial-library/

You can support beneficial insects, such as butterflies and their larvae (caterpillars) in your own backyard. Join our class at the Lewisville library on June 18 to learn more about supporting good insects and preventing mosquitoes in your yard. Registration is open now: https://good-bad-bugs-2024.eventbrite.com

We've got another chance for you to join us for some gardening coming up on Thursday, June 13. Join us for an evening workday at the Arboretum at Tanglewood Park! No experience necessary - our talented volunteers and staff will lead community members in gardening tasks. Hope to see you there - you can register today on Eventbrite: https://june-evening-workday-2024.eventbrite.com

A variety of hydrangeas are now blooming in our area. These shrubs are a garden favorite, but many people are intimidated by the maintenance involved. Read this article for tips on how to properly prune your hydrangeas: https://macon.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/06/pruning-tips-for-hydrangeas/

4-H Volunteers and Extension professionals took an afternoon this week to learn new skills in Plant Systems & Agriculture! Our volunteers are constantly learning new skills and gaining confidence in their ability to teach our youth those same skills. Interested in attending a training like this? Read more about becoming a Forsyth 4-H Volunteer here (https://forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu/forsyth-4-h-volunteers/) or reach out to our office at 336-703-2850.

Herbs are a wonderful addition to your garden and can also improve the flavor of your food. Learn all about growing and cooking with herbs at this month's Arboretum Adult Education class. The class is coming up on Wednesday, June 12 at noon - be sure today to register to hold your spot: https://herbs-2024-arboretum-education.eventbrite.com

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 - 𝐄𝐚𝐭 𝐀 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐰🌈

Join N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center for our June Lunch & Learn.

Details and registration information are found below. We hope to see you then!

This workshop is part of the 2024 "Extension at Home" series, brought to you by a collaboration of N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents. This series will feature a new topic each month related to Family and Consumer Sciences.

Announcing the Community Garden Leadership Academy - Forsyth County!

A deep dive into Community Gardening for Leaders and volunteers! A hands on two day workshop at multiple sites, teaching all the essentials!

It's finally here, CGLA is back in Forsyth County! This is a great introduction to the world of coordinating and growing in a community garden space. This class is aimed at community garden leaders and volunteers. We'll visit a few garden sites, and discuss everything from funding and organizing to Pest Management and Food Safety. This is a two day event, with lunch provided the second day.

Schedule June 14th: 1pm - 5:30pm

Schedule June 15th: 9am - 3:30pm

For more details, and to register check out our Eventbrite link here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-garden-leadership-academy-forsyth-county-tickets-917269958137?aff=oddtdtcreator

ORNAMENTAL BANANA'S IN THE PIEDMONT GARDEN
Much to the surprise of many piedmont gardeners there are several species of banana (Musa) that are cold hardy in our area. The Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo), native to China and grown for its fiber in both China and Japan is the most likely banana one finds growing in our area. It is a huge plant easily growing to 18 foot tall each summer if well taken care of. Talk about making a statement in the garden! Keep in mind that this specie is a large one and will slowly spread over time but if you have the spot for it, a statement it makes. Most all of the banana plants that grow here behave as dieback perennials, meaning that when frost arrives, the leaves die off and by winters end the trunks usually do as well. If you are looking for biomass for your vegetable garden, the compost pile or other areas, banana's create a lot each year and some grow them just for this purpose. Japanese fiber banana will produce a yellow/green bloom and sometimes will even produce small 3 inch long green, seed filled banana's. But the real star of the show is the massive huge leaves that give an island type flare. The flower buds can be eaten just like any other banana as well as the leaves used in wrapping tamales and the like.
A banana plant is an excellent choice in a child's garden because of its massive leaves, large trunks, and speedy growth. Banana's are a must, along with palms, ornamental gingers, and elephant ears for anyone interested in building a tropical like garden.
Unfortunately, the piedmont is not conducive to growing good edible bananas like those of Dole and Chiquita fame. The varieties that produce these large seedless fruit are mostly tropical in origin and need many more warm months of the year to ripen than we experience.
Another very striking ornamental banana that we can grow in the piedmont is the much smaller pink velvet banana (Musa velutina). This specie only grows from 6 to 8 feet tall and has a much slower spread than the fiber banana. It has beautiful bright pink blossoms that ripen to small pink bananas even in our climate. However, the fruits are not really eaten as they are full of seeds that are as hard as buckshot. But they are quite ornamental.
Two other banana's that do well here are the sikkum banana (Musa sikkimensis) and yunnan banana (Musa yunnanensis). Both of these are tall growing species (up to 20 foot) but have a much slower spread compared to the fiber banana and the new leaves on both of these species have pretty red backed leaves. The yunnan banana also sports a very attractive bluish/white trunk.
All of these banana's grow well planted in full sun or partly shaded areas, as long as they get at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily. Banana's love moisture and lots of fertilizer and if given plenty of each will respond with very rapid growth. Amend the soil heavily with compost, leaf mold, or manure before planting. Once planted they should also be heavily mulched to help hold in the moisture that they love. I particularly like using fish emulsion on a monthly basis during the growing season as they respond very well. It is a good idea to mulch your plant heavily the first year during winter. Once the banana has frozen back pile leaves, pine needles, straw or other material around the base up to a foot thick. And in our climate banana's should only be planted in the spring or very early summer as they need time to get established before winter.
Banana plants are usually sold in containers but for the adventurous can be started from seed. They are also easily started from suckers or "pups" growing around established plants. They also make good container plants as long as a very large container is used. Container grown banana's will require frequent watering and fertilizing but keep in mind banana plants grown in containers will never grow as large as when they are planted in the ground.
Banana blossoms are especially loved by hummingbirds and bees so this is yet another good reason for adding a banana or two to the garden.
If you are unable to find banana plants from a local nursery try a mail order source such as Plant Delights nursery in Raleigh.

Come Shop Local Goodies! Forsyth County Urban Farm School Students will be selling their produce today, Wednesday 5/29 from 8:30-11 AM at the weekday Cobblestone Farmer’s Market (1001 Marshall Street SW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101) alongside of some awesome farms & agribusinesses. Don't miss out!
Read more about the class here: go.ncsu.edu/ufs