NC State Extension

06/20/2026

06/19/2026

Millipedes, cockroaches and ants, oh my! 🐛🪳🐜 Little entomologists in training got to get hands-on with creepy crawlies at NC State's first-ever Urban Pest Field Day.

Hosted by NC State’s Structural Pest Extension, Research and Training (SPERT) facility, the free event introduced families to common structural pests while also highlighting the professionals who protect health and safety in homes and facilities across North Carolina.

The field day was organized by Chris Hayes, NC State Extension structural pest management specialist, who hopes to grow the event into an annual cornerstone outreach program called Pest Fest, reaching up to 1,000 people within five years. He has already scheduled next year's event for June 5.

Read more about the inaugural Urban Pest Field Day in our comments.

06/11/2026

Please join us in celebrating the Eastern 4-H Center and Summer Camp for 25 years of excellence! 🎉

For a quarter of a century the Eastern 4-H Center, located in Tyrrell County, has helped young people discover their passions, learn important life skills and build confidence through hands-on outdoor experiences.

“We wanted to build a top quality center where young people could experience the best we have to offer,” said Mike Davis, Extension’s 4-H state program leader at the time of the center's inception. “They could go to a retreat-type center on the coast to have a pristine experience and enjoy nature. A team of people found this site on the Albemarle Sound, a beautiful site and a safe environment where kids could do water sports and enjoy the flora and fauna around there.”

Read about the center and how it has helped fulfill North Carolina 4-H's mission of youth development, leadership and responsibility: http://ncst.at/QNax50ZaHU2

06/10/2026

Mosquitoes: the ultimate backyard buzzkill. 🦟 While we all want a bite-free summer, our pollinators shouldn't have to pay the price!

In this episode of Homegrown, our Extension expert shares how you can protect your yard from mosquitoes without harming pollinators.

06/03/2026

Ready to become a plant parent, but don't know where to start? 🤔🪴 This one's for you.

In this episode of Homegrown, our Extension expert breaks down how to choose the right houseplants (and keep them alive, too).

06/01/2026

Ready for a hands-on look into the world of creepy crawlies? 🐜 Bring your family to the inaugural Urban Pest Field Day!

The Structural Pest Extension, Research and Training Program will be hosting activities like the Find a Pest Scavenger Hunt, the Critter Craft Art Room and the Arthropod Zoo where children can see live critters.

📅 Date: June 6
⏰ Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
📍 Location: 4000 Chi Road, Raleigh, NC

Learn more and register: http://ncst.at/IiO250Z6qsm

05/28/2026

What do the State Farmers Market and the Wolfpack have in common? More than you might think.

As part of NC State’s land-grant mission, NC State Extension helps North Carolina farmers produce thriving crops, local products and flavorful treats found throughout the State Farmers Market.

📍The State Farmers Market, located on 75 acres near NC State’s campus.

05/27/2026

No yard? No problem. 🪴 Container gardening can yield big harvests, and our Extension expert has you covered with the tips you need to get started.

From drainage to pot sizing, learn how your vegetables, herbs and ornamentals can thrive all season long in containers.

05/22/2026

Did you know that interacting with plants can actually calm your nervous system? 🪴😌 Our experts at NC State Extension are helping North Carolinians do just that through our therapeutic horticulture programming.

From tabletop sunflower seed planting to plant identification strolls, the different kinds of programs offered across the state are helping people across all ages and ability levels enhance their well-being.

"In a nutshell, it is facilitating a people-plant connection in a therapeutic setting so participants can move toward their wellness goals by being more connected to plants and nature," said Amy Bruzzichesi, NC State Extension's statewide program manager for therapeutic horticulture.

Learn how our Extension experts are bringing these programs to life across the state at the link in our comments.

05/20/2026

Did you know that there are more than 10,000 tomato varieties? 🍅 If you’re new to growing tomatoes, picking the right variety is the first step to success.

From compact bush types to apartment-friendly dwarf varieties, we’ve got your tomato breakdown right here in this episode of Homegrown.