2016 Almanac Gardener Series | UNC-TV

Lucy Bradley and Gina Fernandez takes viewers through the steps to growing raspberries on small and large trellises. They also share the best locations in landscapes to start growing raspberry plants.

What are some of the new varieties of grasses that will be available in the future to grow in NC? Bill Lord visits the NCSU Turf Grass Research Center to interview Grady Miller who shares a variety of new grasses that will be available to grow in lawns throughout the state.

Mike Gray and guests shares a fun approach to getting kids to help plant seeds in gardens. They show gardeners how to get kids using a seeding square that helps place seed in the ground at the right distance and depth. Mike and the guests also answers viewers gardening questions.

Jeana Myers and Mark Weathington, Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum, gives viewers a tour of the arboretum’s beautiful flowerbeds. They also give insights on which flowers can withstand the hot summer temperature.

If you’re having trouble starting your grass trimmer, Bill Lord gets answers from Steve Rose, the Manager of Equipment Repairs at Stone Bros. & Byrd, to why most trimmers have trouble starting. Steve also recommends ways to store trimmers during the winter season.

What is the best way to catch an irritating bug? Mike Gray and the horticultural guests suggests the use of a sticky trap to get rid of the bugs. They also demonstrates ways to use the trap to catch a variety of annoying bugs. Mike and the panel answers questions from viewers.

Jeana Myers invites Bill Satterwhite, aka the Blue Bird Man of Wake County, to her backyard and explains how to care for baby Blue Birds. Bill shares information that dispels old myths on caring for Blue Birds.

Lucy Bradley visits with Chris Gunter, Extension Specialist at NCSU, to checkout the latest research on growing healthier tomatoes. Lucy and Chris also share tips to growing tomatoes on trellises.

Mike Gray and the panel of agents gives tips on growing lemongrass and using the plant as a culinary herb. Lemongrass can be dried and powered or used fresh in teas, soups, curries and food. Mike and the panel answers questions from viewers.

Bill Lords visits the NC State Fair to get the scoop on who won the contest for growing the largest watermelon. Bill interviews HC Williams of Bailey NC, the winner of the watermelon contest, to uncover his secrets to growing the largest watermelon.