SUMMER NEWSLETTER

The Summer Edition on the Extension Gardener Newsletter is ready for viewing.  Some of the topics for our area include:

• Sustainable Gardening
• Rainfall Measurement
• Mole or Vole?
• Organic Lawn Management

Click here to download:  COASTAL PLAINS EDITION

SOLITARY BEE HOUSES

When it's too hot to be out gardening, you need to find indoor projects that still benefit your garden.  One such idea is to build a house for our native solitary bees.  Our Honorary MGV, Brian T., (Spouse of MGV Carol T.) has generously constructed several things around the Arboretum.  His latest creation is a solitary bee house shown below.  You will find it tucked into a corner by the Wildflower Garden.
To read more about these beneficial pollinators and how to build your own house, CLICK HERE.

PRUNING TOMATO PLANTS

WHY PRUNE?

1)  Remove diseased foliage.
2)  Encourage more fruit production.
3)  Increase air circulation in the interior of the plant which may help slow foliage diseases.
4)  Remove yellowing foliage.

Refer to this publication for more help in GROWING TOMATOES.

Stop by to see the Arboretum's Vegetable Garden.  You will be surprised to see how much can be grown in a small space.

ÀNNUAL FLOWERS INVITE BUTTERFLIES

Growing in our Butterfly Garden

Zinnias and Pentas are two annual bedding plants that attract butterflies. They are easy to grow, low maintenance, and bloom until frost.  In general butterflies are attracted to flowers that have flat surfaces they can perch on (Zinnias) or have short flower tubes (Pentas).  Wide swaths of red, yellow, orange, pink, and purple blooms will draw them in.
For a long term plan to create your own Butterfly Garden using native plants, check out this resource:  BUTTERFLIES IN YOUR BACKYARD.

HERB GARDENING IN PITT COUNTY

Join the Pitt County Master Gardeners

for a tour of the Arboretum.

The focus this month will be

HERB GARDENING

Meet under the shelter in front of

The Ag Center

403 Government Circle

THURSDAY,  JULY 7TH at 9:00 AM

Click here for information on GROWING CULINARY HERBS