NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, Chatham County

09/19/2026

REMINDER:
The deadline for drop off of soil samples and completed submission forms to the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center for sample delivery by the Chatham County Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Volunteers to the testing lab during the free testing period this year is Sunday, November 22. You can drop off your soil samples/forms in the plastic box on top of the red cart under the awning at the west side of the Chatham County Center at 1192 Hwy 64 West Business in Pittsboro. When dropping off samples, please ensure that soil samples are accompanied by a hard copy of the soil submission form (even if the sample was entered online on the PALS website), the submission form is filled in completely, and soil sample boxes are correctly labeled and filled to the red line on the box. Please note that after the 2026 free soil testing period ends, the cost per soil sample will increase to $5 per sample.

Chatham EMG Volunteers are available to assist you with questions about soil testing and soil test reports at the Chatham Ask a Master Gardener Plant Clinic at the Chatham County Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-4 PM and on Friday mornings from 9 AM-12 noon. You can also send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voice message at 919-542-8206 and we will get in touch with you during Plant Clinic hours.

09/18/2026

Help track fall armyworm activity across North Carolina

Fall armyworm outbreaks can develop quickly and knowing when and where activity is occurring can help turfgrass professionals stay ahead of the problem.

Whether you're managing a golf course, athletic field, lawn, sod farm, or other turf, your observations can help build a real-time picture of fall armyworm activity.

Help track fall armyworm activity across North Carolina Fall armyworm outbreaks can develop quickly and knowing when and where activity is occurring can help turfgrass professionals stay ahead of the…

09/18/2026

On Friday September 18 folks will have a rare opportunity to come to Pittsboro and buy native plants from our three Chatham County native plant nurseries!

On Friday September 18 folks will have a rare opportunity to come to Pittsboro and buy native plants from our three Chatham County native plant nurseries!This sale is hosted by the N.C. Cooperative…

09/17/2026

With a goal of maximizing our harvest, we continuously experiment with new vegetable varieties. High priority are hardy “cut and come again” veggies we can harvest over a longer period. Here are some “favorite fall and winter greens” that have worked for us along with some personal favorites and a few recommendations from Durham County Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

Discover top fall and winter vegetables for your garden in Durham. Learn how to maximize your harvest with expert tips and recommendations.

09/17/2026

Fall is the best time for renovation and seeding of cool-season lawns. We entered September with above-normal temperatures and very dry across most of the state. Typically, September is a month that our state’s temperatures change towards a more fall-weather pattern. For example, the normal high/low temperatures for the first day of September in Raleigh are 85/67 degrees. The normal high/low temperatures for the last day of September are 77/58 degrees. At some point in October, we expect the temperatures to get too cool for optimum germination of cool-season turfgrasses. The normal high/low for Raleigh for the first and last days of October are 76/58 and 67/46 degrees, respectively.

seeding cool-season turfgrasses

09/17/2026

Let’s dive deeper into the wonderful world of seed saving! After a follow-up presentation on the why and how of seed saving, participants will get hands-on experience saving seeds. We will practice wet-fermentation, winnowing, threshing, and screening methods.

Calendar of events for Chatham County Public Libraries

09/16/2026

When it comes to growing a garden, abundant sunshine is typically a key ingredient. But let’s face it, there are always areas of the yard that receive minimal sunlight throughout the day.

Thankfully, the Plantae kingdom includes more than 250,000 species, providing a bountiful variety of mosses, ferns, conifers, flowering plants and others. Among them, thousands can thrive in low-light locations, offering attractive options for bringing those shade-covered corners to life.

There's always a part of the yard that doesn't receive direct sunlight throughout the day. Discover several shade-loving plants that will add beauty and interest to your home landscape.

09/16/2026

Are you ready for severe weather?

September is National Preparedness Month, and with hurricane season peaking, now is the time to make sure you and your family are protected! Join NC Cooperative Extension for a FREE Virtual Workshop on September 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET.

Are you ready for severe weather?September is National Preparedness Month, and with hurricane season peaking, now is the time to make sure you and your family are protected! Join NC Cooperative…