By Danelle Cutting

Rowan Cooperative Extension

With fairs and pesticide classes coming up, it has been very crazy in the office. This week has been filled with questions. But as always, if you have a question, send it in. More than likely, there is someone else with the same question.

Question: I am a local farmer, and I need my X credits for my license. Are you going to have an X class?

Answer: For most readers, this question probably doesn’t make sense, but for farmers, landscapers and commercial pesticide people, this is very important. September is a vital time. Many have to get all of their pesticide credits in before the end of the month or they have to take the dreaded exam again. I have already completed the V class, so if you need those, we need to find you another county. So, back to the main question: Yes, I am having an X pesticide class, along with the subclasses L, N, O and D. It will be on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 3-5 p.m. Make sure to bring your license with you so you can get proper credit.

Question: I want to have the best lawn around. What can I do to make sure my grass is nice and green?

Answer: Here is my question with a question answer again. Have you completed a soil sample? I also need to know when you want your lawn green because there are essentially two categories of lawn grasses — a warm season grass or a cool season grass. For our area, I usually lean towards a warm season grass, but the upfront cost can scare a homeowner. However, once established, maintenance is minimal, and the grass usually stays green longer (late spring to late fall, depending on temperatures). Cool season lawns, like fescue, will usually die out or go dormant during the summer but will be lush and green earlier and later in the year. If a client wants a beautiful, weed-free lawn year-round, I would almost suggest Astro Turf. Hopefully, you laughed like I did when I wrote that. But if you would like more information on growing a beautiful lawn in our area, check out our beautiful publication, Carolina Lawns, by visiting: http://www.turfgrass.ncsu.edu/Articles/Bruneau_A/2008/Carolina_Lawns.pdf or stop by the office to pick up a copy.

Question: Is the Salisbury Farmers’ Market still open, and will they have crafts and activities like they did last year?

Answer: Yes, the Salisbury Farmers’ Market is still open! Their hours change for fall, and they are now only open Saturdays from 9 to 12 p.m. until Dec. 19. I was able to attend one of their board meetings, and they have some exciting plans for fall and winter. As things progress, I will write about the upcoming activities this year. If you are interested in selling your arts and crafts, they are actually seeking craft vendors who make handmade items. Details are on their website, under the vendor rules http://salisburyfarmersmarket.com/.

If you have questions concerning your lawn, garden, farmers’ market, or pesticide license, call your local agent, Danelle Cutting, at 704-216-8970.