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N.C. Strawberry Producers Delayed in Planting Strawberries

Web AdminNorth Carolina, Strawberry

By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) strawberry producers are late in getting their plants in the ground this fall. But it should not have long-term repercussions, according to Austin Wrenn, president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association. Wrenn said there were delays in his growers receiving plant materials, and it stemmed from poor weather conditions in Canada. The nursery stock …

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market to Host Watermelon Day on Aug. 11

Web AdminEvents, North Carolina, Watermelon

CHARLOTTE – You know summer has fully arrived when fresh North Carolina (N.C.) watermelons are on the market. To celebrate these seasonal favorites, the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day Friday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be treated to free watermelon samples, giveaways and recipes. They can also enjoy scavenger hunts, take their …

Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market to host Watermelon Day June 21

Web AdminEvents, North Carolina, Watermelon

You know summer has fully arrived when fresh North Carolina (N.C.) watermelons are on the market. To celebrate these seasonal favorites, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day on Friday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be treated to free watermelon samples, giveaways and recipes, plus they can enjoy scavenger hunts, …

Spring Rains Impact N.C. Strawberry Crop

Web AdminNorth Carolina

By Clint Thompson Persistent rainfall this spring put a damper on strawberry production in North Carolina (N.C.). It impacted the quality of the fruit and some patrons willing to come out to U-pick farms throughout the state, according to Austin Wrenn, president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association. “The worst was for our pick-your-own growers that were mostly direct to …

State Farmers Market Hosts Pecan Day Thursday

Web AdminNorth Carolina

RALEIGH – The State Farmers Market in Raleigh, North Carolina (N.C.), will host Pecan Day Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the event center located between the Farmers Building and the Market Shoppes retail building. Visitors can enjoy free samples and pick up new recipes while shopping for this holiday favorite ingredient. This event is sponsored by the …

Turnaround Times for N.C. Nematode Testing Expected to be Long

Web AdminPests

RALEIGH – The North Carolina (N.C.) Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (NCDA&CS) Nematode Assay Lab is warning growers to expect turnaround times of 15 weeks or longer for routine (predictive) nematode samples submitted this year. Samples submitted for diagnostic testing, including molecular diagnosis of guava root-knot nematode species, will be given priority. Those results should be available in around …

Strawberry Research Essential to N.C. Production

Web AdminNorth Carolina

By Clint Thompson The future of strawberry production in North Carolina lies in Gina Fernandez’s research lab at North Carolina (N.C.) State University. The strawberry breeder is responsible for developing the newest strawberry variety adaptable to the state’s environment. “California has beautiful climate, nice day length and temperatures, cool temperatures that strawberries like to grow in. Florida has a breeding …

N.C. Producers Should Be Wary of Self-Diagnosing Strawberry Diseases

Web AdminNorth Carolina

By Clint Thompson Disease diagnosis is better left to the experts. North Carolina strawberry producers who are concerned their crop is infected with crown rots should be wary about diagnosing the disease themselves. Different diseases require specific chemical treatments, says Bill Cline, North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension specialist in small fruits production. Concerned growers should submit their samples to the …

Supply-Chain Issues Delay Some N.C. Strawberry Plantings

Web AdminNorth Carolina

By Clint Thompson North Carolina (N.C.) strawberries are in the ground, but not without a delayed start to the season. Austin Wrenn, president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association, confirmed during the Southeast Strawberry Expo last week in Asheville, North Carolina, that supply chain issues contributed to some growers not receiving their plants until much later than normal. It could …

N.C. Forest Service Offers Discount on Tree Seedling Sales for Military Members Through November

Web AdminNorth Carolina

RALEIGH– To show its appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by veterans and current military members, the North Carolina (N.C.) Forest Service is offering a 25% discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel during November. The discount applies to the first $500 off all new orders, up to a $125 discount. “North …