The Venus Flytrap: A North Carolina Native

A Venus flytrap plant with an insect crawling across the opening.

Published on Sep 2, 2022

The Venus Flytrap: A North Carolina Native

It sounds like something out of science fiction, but the Venus flytrap is real. And not just real, but native to North Carolina. Discover how this fascinating flora snares its prey and other facts!

A large tractor pulling out from the farm onto a local road.

Published on Aug 26, 2022

Share the Road with Farmers

As North Carolina continues to grow and our cities expand into rural areas, drivers are likely to encounter farm equipment. Learn how to drive safely around farm equipment, and why sharing the road benefits you as much as the farmer.

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

Published on Jul 27, 2022

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!

A joro spider waiting in the center of its web.

Published on Jun 30, 2022

One Giant Leap: Joro Spiders in North Carolina

Like thunderstorms beckoning the arrival of cold fronts, the internet is saturated with misleading headlines announcing the arrival of a giant, hand-sized spider in North Carolina. But who said bigger was badder?

Close-up of the underside of a spider crawling on a thread of its web.

Published on Jun 18, 2022

The Amazing Spiders of North Carolina

Occasionally frightening, always fascinating, most spiders are of the friendly neighborhood variety. Take a closer look and discover one of nature's most unique and beneficial animals.

A row of flower pots hanging from the ceiling of a commercial greenhouse operated by Rockwell Farms, with hundreds of colorful flowers arranged in columns on the ground, all waiting to be transported and sold at local retailers across North Carolina.

Published on Jun 1, 2022

Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue… Farmers Grow Flowers Too!

Have you ever wondered where all of the beautiful plants and flowers we purchase come from? Go behind-the-scenes and explore the roots of one of the largest ornamentals industries in the nation.

Chickens running through a backyard when let out of their coop.

Published on Apr 10, 2022

Starting a Backyard Chicken Flock

Whether you're in it for the eggs, companionship or wanting to try something new, a backyard chicken flock can be a uniquely rewarding experience. It also poses its own unique challenges.

Hemp plants grown at NC State University's Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, N.C.

Published on Feb 26, 2022

A Budding Industry: North Carolina Hemp

Discover how hemp has taken root in North Carolina, its future as a viable crop for growers, and what that means for consumers across the state and beyond.

An air fryer on a kitchen counter with someone in the background preparing food to cook.

Published on Feb 19, 2022

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!

Published on Feb 10, 2022

Tips for Tidying Your Garden in Winter

Spending a little time tending your tools and your beds at the end of the fall garden season will help you be ready for early spring planting without the burden of carryover clean-up chores.

Homegrown