March
Franklin County 4-H
Scholarship
Emma Haynes Received a Mountaire "Farm to Table" Scholarship. Please see the video: www.flickr.com/photos/silermountaire/53583607316/in/album-72177720315401511/
Franklin County 4-H Attends 2024 Teen Retreat
14 Franklin County 4-H'ers attended Northeast District 4-H Teen Retreat. Franklin County 4-H traveled to the Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia, NC on March 8-10, 2024 to attend leadership workshops, run for office and do officer campaigns, and network with other Northeast District counties. Franklin County had two outgoing officers, Bryson Freed and Mia Clark and one incoming district officer, Tia Iversen. We are very proud of our youth that are leading not only on a county level, but also a district level. Emma Haynes is also serving as a state officer this year. For more information about 4-H Youth Development, contact 919-496-3344, Meg Wyatt.
Horticulture
Home Gardening
Compost: The Best Soil Conditioner
Composting is a way of recycling organic waste materials that you would ordinarily discard. Many questions that are asked are: What kind of organic waste? How old should it be? How much should I use? What works best: leaves, grass clippings, pine bark, pine straw, hardwood chips, or manure? There is really no right or wrong answer to these questions. Generally, the question asked most often is: How do I get started? Learn more
Fertilizing Trees in the Landscape
Most trees exist in nature without much care, but transplanting trees into urban areas or man-made conditions can create problems. Often these trees are planted in restricted root zone areas, such as along paved streets or in compacted soil. You should keep in mind that the root system is just as important (and delicate) at the top of the plant. Fertilizer or pruning will not help the growth of a tree if it stressed by one of these environmental conditions. Fertilizer is only one factor that contributes to the growth of plants and health of plants. Learn more
Protect Your Plants With Mulch
Homeowners and professional landscapers depend on mulch in their ornamental plantings for several reasons. Functionally, mulches discourage weeds from growing, conserve moisture during drought periods, allow better use of water by controlling runoff and increasing water-holding capacity of light, sandy soils. Mulches help maintain a uniform soil temperature also. A 3 to 4-inch layer of mulch can add to the aesthetic value of a garden while protecting the base of plants from being injured by mechanical equipment. Learn more
For more horticulture information or if you have other gardening questions, contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Office at 919-496-3344 or visit our website.
Family & Consumer Science
Living Well Month
The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences proudly celebrates Living Well Month every year in March to promote healthy living and the great work FCS professionals do to educate individuals, families, and communities across the country. Learn more
Spice Make & Take Cooking Class
Easter Baskets for Seniors
Seniors at the Franklinton Senior Center received Easter baskets donated by The Help Center NC. Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent, Dominque Simon, delivered the baskets. For additional Family and Consumer Science information or questions, contact Dominque Simon, 919-496-3344.
Small Farms
A demonstration of how to inoculate Shitake mushroom logs was conducted Saturday, March 23, at the Franklin County Farmers’ Market shelter. For questions or for more information, contact the Franklin County Extension Center, 919-496-3344, or William Landis, Small Farms Agent.
Franklin Region Agritourism Opportunities Conference
83 participated in the Franklin area's first Agritourism conference Thursday, March 28th. Discussions included Financial Planning/Access to Capital/Funding, Farm Stay Regulations, Air B&Bs, Tiny Homes as Farmstays, and Northeast Franklin Revitalization Updates, finishing with the Q&A session. For more information contact 919-496-3344, or Martha Mobley.
Visit NC Farms App
Explore North Carolina with the Visit NC Farms App, the mobile app that connects you to local farms, food and fun! Explore North Carolina with the Visit NC Farms app, the farm fresh app you need. Download the app on the App Store or get it on Google Play. #VisitNCFarms Learn more
Farmers Market
The Franklin County Farmers Market will be open Friday, April 26 with homemade strawberry ice cream available. For Farmers Market information contact 919-496-3344, Pat Ayscue, Farmers Market Manager.
Upcoming Events
- April 3, 3:30-5 pm Spring Extension Gardener Class-"Vegetable Gardening In Franklin"
- May 12, 10am-6pm Women in Ag Local Foods Farm Tour
For additional program information contact the Franklin County Center office at 919-496-3344.