Healthy Hydrated Plants
Temperatures are rising and we are left wanting for rain as the drought trudges along. We can see it in the browning grass, dusty soils, low ponds, and wilting leaves. Thankfully, we can do more than just cross our fingers in anticipation of the next rain. Here are a few things to remember as we manage our irrigation to help keep plants hydrated and healthy.
Water the soil, not the plant.
The Breakdown on Compost
Learn how to turn waste into a useful product for the farm and garden! Composting classes will be conducted virtually on Thursday, June 4th, 6:00-7:30 p.m., and in-person Monday, June 15th, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at N.C. Cooperative Extension, Franklin County Center Annex, 103 S. Bickett Blvd., in Louisburg.
Free to attend the presentation. Option to make a take home bin for $20. Registration required.
Register for June 4th virtual class at the following link. go.ncsu.edu/compost-class-virtual
Register for June 15th in-person class at the following link. go.ncsu.edu/compost-class
For additional information, contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office, at 919-496-3344, or Ag Agent Alejandra Martinez.
NC A&T Cooperative Extension and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association are hosting a hands-on field day for organic weed management. This event will highlight practical, effective strategies for managing weeds without synthetic herbicides. This field day is designed for farmers and agricultural professionals interested in improving weed control while avoiding chemical inputs.
Date: June 2
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: N.C. A&T University Farm, Greensboro, NC
Register here: Workshop Registration
Farmer Mentor Field Day at Jones Farm
Join NC A&T and the Jones Farm for a day of learning about specialty crops and farm diversification. Topics:
- Jones Farm Model (CSA, Church Farmer Market, Direct Sales, Farmers Trials)
- Specialty Crops (Bitter Melons, Gourds, Summer Squash, Pac Choi, Asian Greens, Lemon Cucumbers, and Sword Beans)
- Technology and Farm Innovations (AI/ Solar Electricity/Gravity Irrigation/Paper Mulch)
- The Value of “Value Added”
Date: June 2, 2026
Time: 9:30 am- 12:00 pm
Where: Snow Hill, NC
Cost: FREE
If you plan to attend, please RSVP via email to Robert Jones or call 919-623-7817 by May 31, 2026 to ensure you will be counted in the number for lunch. A confirmation email containing the farm address will be sent upon RSVP.
Small Farms Field Day at NC A&T State University
Join Cooperative Extension for 2026 Small Farms Field Day, Thursday, June 11th, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., at University Farm Pavilion - 3020 McConnell Road, Greensboro, NC Registration required by Monday, June 1st at the below link or scan the code to register.
SMALL FARMS FIELD DAY REGISTRATION
Event will take place rain or shine. Lunch will be provided.
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