July, 2024
4-H
Franklin County 4-H Summer Cuisines was one of many fun-filled Summer sessions youth enjoyed during the July heatwave. 4-H'ers made pizzas, Smore's, waffles, learned new recipes, culinary skills and healthy eating habits. During July, 4-H'ers enjoyed Alpacas in the Pines, It's Electric, Science, Bugs and FUN!
Franklin County 4-H youth learned how to prepare and cook LOCAL FOODS in the Farm to Fork summer session on July 30th. They toured 2 local farms and learned about where food is grown. Afterward they all helped prepare and serve healthy, local dishes from the farm-fresh ingredients received from the farms. For more information about Franklin County 4-H contact the office at 919-496-3344, or 4-H Extension Agent, Meg Wyatt.
Forestry
Timber Marketing Program
A Timber Marketing program took place July 17th, at the Franklin County Extension Center. The topics ranged from understanding the timber market to knowing what your timber may be worth, and to finding a consulting forester to assist in managing and marketing your timber. Thank you to all the speakers for the presentations. For additional forestry information, contact the office at 919-496-3344, or Matthew Place.
Growing in Franklin
Watermelons in the Home Garden
Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are a warm season crop that grows best at average air temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees F. The soil temperature at a 3-4 inch depth should be 60-65 degrees F before the crop is planted. Melon seeds do not germinate well in cold soils. Learn more
For additional gardening information, contact the Franklin County Center, 919-496-3344 or visit our website.
Watermelon-Nutrition Facts & Benefits
Watermelon, one of summer's most iconic fruits, is low in calories and rich in water. It's also an excellent source of vitamins A and C and lycopene while being less acidic than citrus fruits and tomatoes—other well-known providers of lycopene and vitamin C.
One cup of diced watermelon (152g) provides 46 calories, 0.9g of protein, 11.5g of carbohydrates, and 0.2g of fat. Watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene and vitamins A and C. Learn more
Minted Watermelon Salad Recipe, a fresh summer salad that goes well with many grilled foods and meats, such as grilled chicken or hamburgers.
For Family & Consumer Science information, contact the office, 919-496-3344 or FCS Extension Agent Dominque Simon.
Livestock
The Five-County Beef Tour took place on July 16th at Wood Angus Farm in Willow Springs, Southern Wake Cattle Company in Fuquay-Varina and at the NC State E. Carroll Beef Educational Unit in Raleigh. Photos of the tour were taken by NC Farm Bureau Videographer/Editor, Mark Stebnicki. The tour was sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension -Wake and Franklin County Centers. For additional livestock information contact 919-496-3344, Extension Agent Martha Mobley.
Local Foods
Franklin County Farmers Market
Market Hours: Open Fridays, 9am to 1pm. For Farmers Market information, contact 919-496-3344, Pat Ayscue, Farmers Market Manager. Learn more
Visit NC Farms App
The Visit NC Farms App can connect you to farms in communities across North Carolina. The app is available for Apple and Android phones. Download the app to explore local foods, farmers markets, U-Pick farms & more. Available for Apple and Android. #VisitNCFarms Learn more
Upcoming
For more program information contact the Franklin County Center office at 919-496-3344 or visit our website.
- 28th Annual Franklin County Regional Horse Farm Tour - Aug. 2
- Regional Strawberry Preplant Meeting - Aug. 15, Nash County Ag Center
- Regional Small Farm Boot Camp - Aug. 19, Vance County Farmers Market
- Landscape Professionals Summer Credit Class - Aug. 29, Nash County Ag Center
- Fall Extension Gardener Classes - Sept. 4, 11, 18