Top Ten Gardening Tips
1. Take the guesswork out of gardening and have your soil
tested. It is a free service provided by the N.C.
Department of Agriculture. Soil sample boxes and
instructions are available at the Agriculture Building.
2. Our last average frost date is April 11; our average
first frost in the fall is Oct. 24.
3. The soil in Alamance County is primarily clay. It is
poorly drained and acidic. To improve the soils, add lime
and organic matter. Do not add sand to clay.
4. Select least toxic pesticides to protect yourself and
the environment. Look for ones that are labeled 'Caution.'
5. We live in the USDA Plant Hardiness zone 7. Plants grown
here must tolerate low temperatures from zero to 10
degrees. Select plants accordingly.
6. The preferred grass for home lawns with shade is a blend
of turf-type fescues and bluegrass. September through
October is the best time to seed, followed by February and
March as second best.
7. For sunny sites, select a cultivar of Bermuda grass, sow
from April through July. Sprigging can be done during the
same period.
8. Some of our native trees such as river birch, maple,
ash, and weeping willow should not be planted near (within
30 feet) of buildings, drives, walks, patios, and septic
tank lines due to excessive root growth.
9. Vegetables and herbs can be grown year round in your
garden. Follow planting guides for the piedmont of North
Carolina.
10. Use the Cooperative Extension Service agents and Master
Gardeners to help you with all your gardening questions and
problems. Call them at 570-6740 or visit their
website. Their office is located in the
Agriculture Building at 209 N. Graham Hopedale Rd. in
Burlington.
