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Asian Needle Ants in North Carolina

Look closer…

That ant on your sidewalk might not be one you want to ignore. Invasive, stinging Asian needle ants are turning up in yards across North Carolina – here's what you need to know.

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Guidance for Green Thumbs

Rejoice, fellow gardeners, for spring is nearly here! Feeling fresh as a daisy? Ready to stop smelling the roses and grow them? Tired of beating around the bush? Time for us to nip the puns in the bud? Dive in with our spring gardening starter series!

Discover plants that will thrive and add beauty to your shade garden!

Selecting Shade Plants to Help Your Garden Shine

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. 
A hand holding a blooming rose still attached to the bush.

The Promise of a Rose Garden

With proper planning, even novice gardeners can produce beautiful blossoms. Tune in for expert advice that’ll have your garden coming up roses in no time! 
Bright pink downy phlox flowers in a field

How to Grow Downy Phlox in My Garden

Downy phlox is a native plant to North Carolina and the eastern United States. It’s also one of Mark Weathington’s favorite spring perennials, having won him over with its show-stealing spread of flowers and perfume-like fragrance. 

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Learn and Explore

Discover the latest findings for the kitchen, garden and farm right here. We’ll share tasty, nutritious recipes and safe food prep tips; show you what’s in season and how it’s grown; and help you learn where your food comes from and what it takes to feed North Carolina.

IN THE GARDEN

From growing your own produce to composting your kitchen scraps, we’ll take you through the finer points of putting your green thumb to good use. Go ahead, get your hands dirty.

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Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis)

Asian Needle Ants in North Carolina: What to Know

Asian needle ants are spreading across North Carolina – and their sting is worse than you think. Learn how to spot them, why they’re a bigger deal than other ants, and how to manage them. 
Discover plants that will thrive and add beauty to your shade garden!

Selecting Shade Plants to Help Your Garden Shine

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. 
A hand holding a blooming rose still attached to the bush.

The Promise of a Rose Garden

With proper planning, even novice gardeners can produce beautiful blossoms. Tune in for expert advice that’ll have your garden coming up roses in no time! 

IN THE KITCHEN

Join us in the kitchen as we share nutritious recipes, expert cooking advice and food preservation tips to help you make the most of all our state offers.  

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Countertop with bowls of fresh fruits and vegetables, like bananas, blueberries and broccoli, with hands holding a tomato in the background.

Demystifying Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Myths

Are vegetables less healthy when cooked? Are fresh fruits healthier than frozen fruits? What happens to plants’ nutritional value as they’re prepared for meals or storage? Let’s find out! 
An air fryer on a kitchen counter with someone in the background preparing food to cook.

Air Fryers 101: Fried Foods Without All the Grease

Whether you’re just now unboxing that air fryer from last Christmas or you’re looking to take your air frying game to a new level, we’ll help you make the most of your air fryer! 

Food Safety Tips for Home Meal Delivery Kits

As home meal delivery options become available for more food products in more places, all with a quick click, how do you know if your food is safe to eat? 

ON THE FARM

We have a rich agricultural history in North Carolina. Journey with us across the state to discover how farmers produce many of our favorite foods and everyday products that we depend on.

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Honey bees building a comb for their hive.

Promoting a Honey Bee Haven in North Carolina

Discover more about the bustling and beautiful lives of bees, how NC State is helping to promote and protect these essential pollinators, and what you can do to help! 
A smoker grill adorned with the NC State Wolfpack mascot.

Cooking Up Community: North Carolina Barbecue

North Carolina is passionate about its pork barbecue. Take a deep dive into the tradition, culture and community that make North Carolina barbecue special. 
Discover North Carolina eggs and how NC State Extension helps to grow the poultry industry and ensure quality eggs for all.

North Carolina Eggs

Discover how eggs are produced, the types of poultry farming systems in our state, and how NC State Extension helps grow the industry and ensure that quality eggs are available for you!