We Grow Wilkes County: Cultivating Community Connections NC Cooperative Extension, Wilkes County Center - summer edition 2025

This August, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator Elisa Phillips from the Wilkes County Extension Center and Health Educator Jared Belk from the Wilkes County Health Department teamed up to deliver an eight-session "Matter of Balance" class. With support from the High Country Area Agency on Aging, this evidence-based program created by Maine Health is designed to help participants reduce their fear of falling. The class helps participants learn how to view falls as something they can control. Through discussions, activities, and group exercises, participants set goals to increase their activity levels, make simple home changes to reduce fall risks, and improve their strength and balance. Each person received a balance assessment at the beginning and end of the program to measure their progress. Special guest Pete Wheeler, a local physician assistant specializing in orthopedics, also spoke to the group about osteoporosis risk factors, prevention, and treatment (pictured). If you're interested in a future Matter of Balance class, please call Wilkes Senior Resources at 336-667-5281 to be added to the waitlist for the spring session.

In early August, 16 nutrition staff members from Wilkes County Schools and two restaurant managers completed a two-day Safe Plates for Managers course. This training, offered by N.C. Cooperative Extension, prepares food professionals for the retail food protection manager certification exam. Managers trained in Safe Plates for Food Managers are equipped to create a work environment that minimizes food safety risks in their restaurants, cafeterias, and grocery stores through best practices, open communication, and thoughtful practice. Led by FCS Agent Elisa Phillips, with support from neighboring FCS Agents Der Holcomb and Donna Mull, the course covered essential food safety practices. Participants learned about minimum cooking temperatures, proper food storage, heating and cooling techniques, pest management, and more. All participants then took a standardized exam from the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals to earn their certification.

This summer, Wilkes County Family and Consumer Sciences and Wilkes County 4-H had the privilege of partnering with North Wilkesboro Housing to provide some fun-filled farm visits for their youth residents. Our youngest participants visited Harmony Ridge Homestead, where they picked juicy blackberries and later created their own magical fairy gardens at the Wilkes County Extension office.

The older youth enjoyed a trip to Tevepaugh Orchards to pick their own blueberries, which they used to bake tasty white chocolate blueberry cookies.

To round out the day, they learned to paint with watercolors, guided by our own Sam Lusk.

Each month, Elisa joins two groups at Wilkes ADAP, where she helps participants build confidence in the kitchen. In July, they whipped up a "veggie-packed microwave omelette in a mug." It was a proud moment for many, who learned to crack an egg for the very first time! The following month, the group practiced their chopping skills while preparing a delicious chicken salad. Elisa enjoys spending time with this group and looks forward to seeing what they cook up next!

For Farmers and Agritourism Operations: Check out the new and improved Visit NC Farms website! You can now list your farm or business for free by filling out a request form on the website: https://visitncfarms.com/get-listed/ Once your farm is on the website, you can also submit on-farm events to advertise to the public through the Visit NC Farms website: https://visitncfarms.com/events/submit-your-event/ There are also some great marketing webinars available on the website with topics including: marketing strategies, how to leverage AI to market your farm, strategic planning and more!

How Much Water Does a Vegetable Garden Really Need in the Summer? Summer gardening in Wilkes County comes with its share of challenges, which include heat, pests, weeds, and most of all, water. One of the most common questions I hear this time of year is: How much should I be watering my garden? Whether you’re growing tomatoes, beans, squash, or a little of everything, understanding how much water your garden needs and when and how to apply it is important. It can mean the difference between a bountiful harvest and a garden that struggles throughout the entire season.

The Magic Number: One Inch a Week Most vegetable gardens require approximately one inch of water per week, excluding rainfall. That may not sound like much, but it adds up to about two-thirds of a gallon per square foot of garden space. For a 10x10 garden, that’s around 66 gallons per week. But how do you know when you've hit that inch? One simple method is to set out a straight-sided container, like an empty tuna can or a rain gauge, in your garden. Turn on your sprinkler or hose and time how long it takes to fill the container to a depth of one inch. That’s how long you’ll need to water each time you irrigate during a dry week. This trick works well for hose-end sprinklers, but it can also help you understand how effective your soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are.

When Is Too Much Water... Too Much? It’s easy to assume more water is better, but overwatering can cause its own set of problems—root rot, fungal diseases, and weak, shallow roots. Wilkes County summers can be humid, especially in the lower parts of the county, so good drainage is key. If the soil feels soggy, smells musty, or stays wet for hours after watering, you’re likely overdoing it. A good rule of thumb is to dig down about 2–3 inches with your finger or a trowel. If the soil is still moist at that depth, then your plants probably don’t need more water yet. Most vegetables prefer soil that stays evenly moist, not waterlogged. If you’re unsure, it’s better to water deeply and less often than to give your garden a quick sprinkle every day.

Timing Makes a Difference: Another common question is When is the best time of day to water? While it’s tempting to water whenever you have time, the timing actually matters. Early morning or late evening are generally best, especially during the summer heat wave. Watering in the morning allows moisture to soak in and dry off the foliage before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Evening watering is okay too, as long as it’s not too late to avoid plants sitting wet overnight. On the other hand, mid-afternoon watering, when the sun is at its highest and hottest, often leads to increased evaporation, which wastes water and may stress your plants. In extreme heat, it can even lead to leaf scorch if droplets are left on the leaves.

Best Ways to Water Your Garden: There are several effective ways to water a garden, and each has its pros and cons: Soaker hoses: These lay flat on the soil and slowly release water along their length, directly at the root zone. They’re great for row crops and conserve water by avoiding evaporation. Drip irrigation systems: These use tubing and emitters to deliver water precisely where you need it. They’re more of an investment up front but are highly efficient and easy to manage with a timer. Hand watering: For small gardens or raised beds, hand watering works well. Just be sure to water slowly and deeply, so the moisture reaches the roots. Additionally, it is better to water at the base of your plants to minimize soil splash and reduce the risk of foliar diseases. Overhead sprinklers: These are convenient for larger areas, but they tend to waste water through evaporation and can wet the foliage more than necessary, increasing the risk of disease. If you’re looking to save time, hooking up your system to a timer can help ensure your garden gets regular water even when you’re busy or enjoying a few days away. Just remember to pause watering during rainy weeks, so you’re not doubling up. With hot, dry spells becoming increasingly common in our area, establishing a good watering routine is one of the best ways to keep your garden productive and healthy throughout the summer. A little planning goes a long way, and your plants will thank you come harvest time.

If you own mature hardwood forestland (or a nice wooded backyard) with a little slope, moist soil, and good drainage, ginseng may be a viable way to produce income from your underutilized woods. Western North Carolina has ideal growing conditions for this valuable forest medicinal plant. Ginseng can be a tricky plant to grow successfully and takes between 8-10 years to reach a size favored by the Asian markets to which it is exported. However, the market for ginseng is fairly stable and has averaged around $800 per dried pound over the last few years. Ginseng is a native forest plant whose roots have been traded in Appalachia for hundreds of years.

Wilkes County Cooperative Extension will be hosting a ginseng production workshop on September 26th at 1:30 pm at the WIlkes County Agricultural Center located at 416 Executive Dr., Wilkesboro, 28697. Dr. Jim Hamilton will provide an overview of ginseng production and field demonstrations on how to successfully plant and cultivate wild-simulated ginseng.

Topics covered include: · • Ginseng background and suitable forest site selection · • Soil fertility needs and companion planting strategies · • Site preparation and planting methods · • Common production issues: pests, deer, and poaching · • Market considerations and best practices

Cost: • Workshop attendance is free • Books and seed will be available for purchase on-site (cash only) Registration: Space is limited. Please click here to register. If you have any questions, please call or email Matthew Clay at 336-651-7333, mhclay@ncsu.edu. Note: Seed quantities and books will be limited and offered first-come, first-served at the workshop.

On August 2nd, Wilkes County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers hosted the annual Tomato Tasting at the Wilkes County Farmers Market. With 18 varieties of tomatoes entered from many farms and home gardeners, the tasting gave community members a chance to sample and vote on their favorite varieties. This event continues to highlight the diversity of locally grown produce and supports our region’s farmers and gardeners.

This year’s tasting was supported by eight Wilkes County Master Gardener Volunteers who helped set up, prep tomatoes, interact with visitors, and answer questions. Volunteers also shared recipes, information on tomato varieties, and tips for growing healthy tomato plants at home.

Farms and growers that entered tomatoes included: Fresh Start Farm, Gypsy Ridge Honey, Leaning Oak Farm, 336 Farm, Huie Farm, and New Castle Farm. In addition to the public entries, NCSU research trial tomatoes grown at New Castle Farm in Clingman and Leaning Oak Farm in Windy Gap were also part of the tasting. These research tomatoes are part of an ongoing collaboration with NC State tomato breeder Reza Shekasteband and Horticululture agent Matthew Clay.

Fifty-one total votes were cast, and the winning varieties were: · 1st Place – Sun Sugar, grown by Reggie Osborne, Fresh Start Farm Manager (10 votes) · 2nd Place – Sweet Million, grown by Gerry Smith, Home Gardener & Toni Day, Wilkes County Master Gardener (7 votes) · 3rd Place – German Queen, grown by Jack and Sandra Hunter, Home Gardeners (6 votes)

We appreciate everyone who participated and helped make the 2025 Tomato Tasting a success. This event continues to grow each year and provides a unique opportunity for the public to taste different varieties, connect with local growers, and learn more about what it takes to grow a great tomato in Wilkes County.

What an incredible summer it was for the Wilkes County 4-H! The Summer Adventures 2025 program was a resounding success, offering 21 days of diverse and engaging activities that left the 4-H participants with new skills, knowledge, and memories. The adventures were designed to connect kids with their local community and environment, providing hands-on learning experiences that went far beyond the classroom with the foundations of 4-H to “Make the Best Better”.

Throughout the program, participants explored the world around them. They received valuable pollinator education and learned about agriculture by visiting local farms. A highlight was the collaboration with Soil and Water, where kids gained an understanding of local streams and the effects of rainwater. They also spent a day with Ranger Grace, learning about the importance of local wildlife to Wilkes County's ecosystem. We also had an adventurous week at BJP Camp in Reidsville, NC!

The adventures extended into the great outdoors with Nathan Gatlin, our local Forestry agent, who taught backpacking skills and led hiking trips, including Rendevouz Mountain and Stone Mountain Park. The group also visited a sawmill to see firsthand how local timber is processed. For those interested in the natural world, a trip to a local exotic pet store provided hands-on experiences with fascinating creatures like snakes, birds, and tortoises!

Learning and 4-H fun were also intertwined with cultural experiences. The group traveled to Virginia for a special behind-the-scenes adventure at the Barter Theatre. Several days were dedicated to watching movies and cultural cooking, each paired with a unique learning lesson. The adventures also had a delicious side: participants visited local farms to pick fresh blackberries and used their harvest to create yummy cupcakes and frosting! The group also ventured to the Catawba Science Center for a full day of science exploration, and another day was dedicated to the knowledge and crafts surrounding monarch butterflies and lavender.

The program concluded with a fantastic celebration at Cub Creek Park. A celebratory BBQ was followed by a spirited water gun paint fight, which created unique tie-dye shirts for everyone to take home as a souvenir of their amazing summer.

The Wilkes County 4-H is already planning more exciting events! All kids aged 5 to 18 are welcome to join. To sign up for upcoming activities and to learn more, visit nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/4honline/ or find more Wilkes County 4-H information at https://wilkes.ces.ncsu.edu/.

Wilkes and Caldwell Counties are partnering with the University of Tennessee and North Carolina State University to conduct a burcucumber trial. The Wilkes County plot is located on Cranberry Farm, while the Caldwell County plot is on Barlow Farm. Burcucumber is an aggressive annual vine in the gourd family that produces sprawling, fast-growing vines, broad leaves, and spiny, bur-like seed pods. It can quickly overtake corn and other crops, climbing and shading plants, which leads to reduced yields. Researchers are visiting each location at certain intervals to count burcucumber plants and evaluate herbicide applications to determine their effectiveness in managing this invasive weed.

Burcucumber vine above

This aerial view captures the Wilkes County burcucumber trial in action. The orange box highlights the research plot, and right in the middle of the star, you can catch a glimpse of one of our researchers in a white shirt, hard at work in the field.

Progressive corn farmers in Wilkes County are beginning to use advanced tools like tissue sampling and drones to boost crop performance. By collecting tissue samples from their corn, these farmers can determine nutrient levels and identify what the plants need for maximum yield. If certain nutrients are lacking, they can be applied directly to the crop—and since the corn is often too tall for traditional equipment, drones are used to make precise applications. This innovative approach allows forward-thinking farmers to save time, protect their crop, and work toward achieving the best possible harvest. Below is an actual video of a drone application taking place in Wilkes County.

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences-Reporting Tool for the Spotted Lanternfly

Are you raising a backyard flock? This survey is for you! Since March 2024, 70 cases of avian influenza A(H5) (H5 bird flu) have occurred in humans in the United States, mostly among workers exposed to infected dairy cows and commercial poultry farms. However, cases have also occurred among people exposed to birds kept in non-commercial, backyard flocks. CDC is interested in learning more about backyard flock owners and their flocks. The anonymous survey asks about: Characteristics of backyard flock owners, their families, and their flocks. Knowledge of H5 bird flu and signs and symptoms of H5 bird flu in birds and humans. Perceived risk of and concern about H5 bird flu to their backyard flock and themselves/families. Attitudes towards reporting sick or dead birds and protective measures like vaccination of their flock. Practices they use to protect their flock and themselves from H5 bird flu. CDC will use the survey results to improve H5 bird flu prevention activities.

URL link to the survey: https://redcap.link/backyardflock

Curious about agriculture in Wilkes County? Check out this infographic with key data from the 2022 USDA Agricultural Census! You can find more helpful infographics with 2022 census data for all NC counties here: https://localfood.ces.ncsu.edu/local-food-agriculture-policy

This September, learn how to clean your home the green way! This class is part of our monthly virtual Extension at Home series, which is totally FREE! Can’t make it at that time? No problem – register to receive a recording of the class straight to your email. Register at go.ncsu.edu/greenclean today!

Information about the fair exhibit hall: https://wilkes.ces.ncsu.edu/2025/07/2025-wilkes-county-agricultural-fair/ Information about the the carnival portion of the fair can be found here: https://wilkesfair.com/

NCDA&CS opens application period for grant to support value-added processing of ag commodities: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/09/03/ncdacs-opens-application-period-grant-support-value-added-processing-ag-commodities