NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Wake County

08/21/2026

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝. This is your chance to be a citizen scientist and help gather data by observing pollinators in action. You will be contributing valuable information on communities of insects and helping to build a Southeast-wide data set with other states! It doesn’t matter if it is cloudy outside, just note that on your census sheet. All data is good data!

You can count pollinators in your own garden or a local park. For instructions and counting information/sheets, click on the link in the Comments section below. Copy or take a screen shot of the following:
• Insect Counting and Identification Guide
• How to Count
• Counting Sheet

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Fill out the Counting Sheet by putting a tally mark next to the type of insect you see each time it lands on the plant, even if you think it is the same insect. When you are finished, point your phone to the QR Code in the upper right corner of your counting sheet. Enter your counts beginning August 21. We hope you will let us know what pollinators you see and how many. Have fun!

08/19/2026

Don't forget about our Pollinator Field Day this Friday at the Raleigh Farmer's Market (1201 Agriculture Street, Raleigh 27603) from 9:00 - 12:00! There are so many things to do!

✔️ Participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census.
✔️ Catch insects with nets and identify them.
✔️ Talk to experts from different pollinator conservation organizations.
✔️ Make seed bombs.
✔️ Make a butterfly life cycle craft.
✔️ Do a scavenger hunt and win a prize.
✔️ Take home a free native plant!

We'll also have three talks by local experts:
✔️ 9:30 - learn about container gardening for pollinators.
✔️ 10:30 - learn about backyard gardening for pollinators.
✔️ 11:30 - learn about habitat certification programs through the NC Wildlife Federation.

We'll be right next to Super Sod - look for our tents. The field awaits!

08/14/2026

08/12/2026

Many thanks to the Wake County Master Gardener volunteers for their hard work maintaining the park's Piedmont Prairie Garden! These volunteers come out several times a month to w**d, prune, plant and maintain this garden.

Because of their work, this garden features a variety of native plants that support birds, butterflies, insects and other native wildlife.

08/10/2026

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐬!

Are you curious what an annual ‘pollinator count’ is all about? Do we really count bugs? Pollinators are not just any bug – they are insects that move pollen from flower to flower. The pollen is moved so plants can reproduce, and insects will gather pollen to feed their families.

On 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟏𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟐 we hope you will join the 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐬 and step outside to observe pollinators in action. By counting insects visiting flowering plants in gardens, parks, and green spaces, you become a community scientist and will be contributing valuable information on communities of insects. You will help build a southeast-wide data set with other states!

You will look for and count: 𝐁𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐬, 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐬, 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐬, 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐬, 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐬, 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 – and the plants they visit. You will be helping to collect data about the number and variety of pollinators and the flowers that attract them.

For instructions and counting information/sheets, click on the links in the Comments section below. Download, copy or take a screen shot of the following:

• Insect Counting and Identification Guide
• How to Count
• Counting Sheet

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Fill out the Counting Sheet by putting a tally mark next to the type of insect you see each time it lands on the plant, even if you think it is the same insect. When you are finished, point your phone to the QR Code in the upper right corner of your counting sheet or go to the URL listed. Enter your counts beginning August 21. We hope you will let us know what pollinators you see and how many. Have fun!

08/10/2026

Mosquitoes are the worst aren't they? We all want to get rid of them, but spraying your yard may not be the solution. Check out these two NCSU Extension articles for more info!

https://lee.ces.ncsu.edu/news/dont-want-mosquitos-this-summer-dont-spray-your-yard/
https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/mosquito-control-around-homes-and-in-communities/

08/07/2026

𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐮𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥!

Saturday, Aug. 15 10am – 1pm
Walnut Creek Wetland Center
950 Peterson Street, Raleigh, NC 27610

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥!

Learn about local environmental groups in our area while participating in the fun activities they offer, visit local food trucks, and of course, slide in a giant mud pit!

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 will be available to answer gardening questions, and provide informational handouts and soil test kits.

Photo credit: Raleigh Parks and Recreation

08/02/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬

Most people put the “vine-ripened” tomato on a pedestal as the perfect tomato. However, you don’t need to leave your tomatoes on the vine until they are sporting their final ripe color.

Tomatoes are technically ripe at the “𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞.” In the breaker stage, color will be visible at the blossom-end of the tomato. At this point the tomato receives no additional nutrients from the plant; the tomato is cut off from the plant. They will develop full flavor indoors without risking cracking or pest damage. To harvest, gently twist or cut the stem, keep them at room temperature, and avoid refrigerating them to preserve their taste.

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞:

• The tomato already has its vine-ripened flavor
• The tomato is exposed to the elements for less time, which allows them to avoid sunscald and cracking from excess moisture.
• The tomato is less exposed to insect damage and disease.
• Birds and other critters are less likely to get to the tomatoes before you do!

08/01/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭

𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐬

• Do not prune heavily in dry, hot weather as it encourages growth which will stress the plant.
• Watch for fall webworms. Poke a hole in the nest to allow birds to enter and eat the larvae.

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬/𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬/𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬

• Divide bearded iris mid to late summer to allow roots ample time to grow before winter. Divide and replant daylilies if they have not been divided in the last 4 years. When replanting, cover tubers with 1” of soil.
• Leave seed heads on black-eyed Susan and coneflower for the birds. Remove spent bloom stalks on daylily and hosta.
• Be on the lookout for powdery mildew.
• Stop fertilizing plants so they can harden off before winter.
• Continue to deadhead annuals to encourage formation of more flower buds. Cut back plants that have become too tall or spindly to force new growth.
• Seeds of biennials such as Canterbury bell, sweet William, foxglove, hollyhock and stock may be direct sown now.

𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬

• Fall cool weather crop planting begins. Sow seeds such as carrots, radish, and spinach. Wait until cooler weather in September and October to plant purchased plants to prevent bolting.
• Continue harvesting warm season crops. Some vegetables, particularly tomatoes, slow production in August due to heat.
• Pay close attention to watering because of high temperatures and lack of rain. Continue deep, even watering.
• Monitor for cabbage loopers. Handpick small caterpillars, spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or insecticidal soap.

𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐧𝐬

• For warm-season lawns, Water 1” early morning each week. fertilize early in the month and mow weekly to 1”-2”. Do not fertilize centipede grass. For cool-season lawns, continue June guidelines.
• Monitor for large patch, brown patch, leaf spot, dollar spot and fairy rings. Treat with proper water management, thatch control and fungicide if needed. Watch for grubs. August thru October is the best time to apply chemical controls for grubs.
• Get a soil test now to prepare for fescue rejuvenation in September. It is helpful to get a soil test 2-3 years in a row, and then every 3 years to guide fertilizer applications.

For more tips and helpful information, check out 𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡, available for purchase at 𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬.𝐨𝐫𝐠 and local nurseries.

07/21/2026

𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 / 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Apex Nature Park, 2600 Evans Rd
Friday, July 24th, 6pm – 10pm

𝐀𝐩𝐞𝐱 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬, 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 is hosting an evening of discovery at the 𝐀𝐩𝐞𝐱 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞. This will be a celebration of local biodiversity, beginning with an interactive session from 𝟔 𝐭𝐨 𝟖 𝐩.𝐦. Attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments while connecting with local vendors. You can also collect native seeds and learn practical, hands-on strategies to cultivate pollinator-friendly habitats within your own backyard. 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝟖𝐩𝐦 to answer your gardening questions, handout soil test kits and helpful publications.

𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 follows from 𝟖 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟎 𝐩.𝐦. with guided live observations and engaging activities, that offer a deeper appreciation for the complex ecosystems that thrive after dark. This community event is completely free to attend, and no prior registration is required for participation. We encourage you to bring your family and friends for a night of education and wonder under the stars.

Photo credit: (Polyphemus moth): https://lee.ces.ncsu.edu/