County Extension

If you speak Spanish, the word to describe the weather of late is “freo.” That’s “cold” to those of you who don’t habla the Español. Whatever your language of choice, the temperatures have been abnormally low in the last week or so. What does the cold mean for our garden plants?

The short answer to that question is, “Not too much.” While the temperatures haven’t been pleasant for those of us who prefer the feel of sweat rolling down our backs, the plants are doing just fine. 

Susan Brown
Horticulture Agent

Most of our coastal trees are showing their fall color. Those not showing color yet will either turn fast or show no color change at all. 

When a homeowner purchases a tree, interest is in the mature size, what the light requirements are for that particular plant and when and how long they will bloom. Often times the fall color of a tree can be overlooked. Some trees can provide a homeowner color in spring and again in fall.

Tom Woods 
Master Gardener

Reading nutritional labels can help you make the best food selections for your body’s needs. Taking time to read plant labels can help you to do the same for the plants.

Before you buy a plant, you need to read and understand information on its label. This is as important for plants as it is for seed, fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides. 

By SUSAN BROWN
EXTENSION HORTICULTURAL AGENT

Winter is slowly on its way. It is becoming harder to find interesting color in the garden. Have you noticed the pockets of color along the roadside? 

Being a Raleigh native and new to the area, I was unsure of what to expect in the fall. It is always a tradition for me to visit Asheville and see the palate of color the leaves create. The rich, reds, bright, yellows and brilliant, oranges are always so vibrant and well worth the trip.