Students awarded scholarship
Lynn Hill, field representative of Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society Lodge 1353, recently presented scholarship awards to three area students, Cody Dean Drake, Garrett Blake Holland and Allen Manual Gonzalez.
Woodmen of the World lodges present a variety of awards and pins to recognize and honor members, as well as individuals in their communities who have excelled or served with distinction.
For more information, call 252-268-1537.
Gardening Guru: Win a blue ribbon at the fair
With county and state fair season right around the corner, it’s time to get your best entries ready. Remember, you are not competing against professionals but others like yourself who enjoy growing beautiful plants and flowers, and tasty fruits and vegetables.
The judges are looking for the best overall appearance. Read carefully the entry materials at lenoircountyfair.org, and pick up a helpful brochure at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension office. Double check the list of entries to make sure your fruits and vegetables are exhibited in each class. These may vary from one fair to another, and failure to follow rules and display properly may mean disqualification.
Judges are looking for high quality, superior condition and uniformity.
Quality is one of the most important but difficult characteristics to describe. It means the vegetable is at its best and in prime eating condition. In some vegetables, prime-eating condition may be at a fairly young stage, such as in summer squash, beets or green beans. In tomato, watermelon or eggplant, it may mean fully developed, at the peak of maturity. The inherent quality of a vegetable includes color, shape, texture, taste and size. Quality also measures the ability of the person who has grown the vegetable for display. It may include maturity – not overripe, shriveled, wilted, misshapen, rough or under ripe.
Condition is a measure of how the crop has been handled, with importance given to cleanliness. Some root crops – like onions, potatoes and beets – may be difficult to clean. Washing is not necessary, but using a soft brush or cloth can remove soil. Vegetables should be free from blemishes – including insect damage, mechanical injury, disease damage or preparation as in trimming or washing.
Uniformity is an obvious characteristic. It is more difficult to grow a large number of vegetables that look just alike. A prize-winning entry is uniform in shape, size, color and ripeness. A frequent mistake is to use large-sized vegetables when medium to slightly above medium is desirable.
Horticultural judges offer the following hints.
Plants are judged on overall presentation. Use clean and attractive pots, not broken or cracked, and remove yellowed, brown or dying leaves. Make sure plants are moist when entered. Handle carefully to avoid signs of damage or distress. Inspect carefully for insects. Do not enter plants with insect or disease problems. Do not use leaf shine products.
For cut stems, remove all foliage that will be under water. Cut stems just before blooms begin to open. Make smooth, angular cuts with a clean sharp knife or shears. Keep flowers out of sunlight and away from heat and drafts. To maximize vase life, clean and disinfect containers.
Experiment with cut flower entries before the fair. Coordinate the container with the cut flower, considering container shape, size, color and material to create an overall prize winning presentation. Drink cans and bottles are not the best selection. Experiment with a floral preservative.
Remember, specimens are judged on total appearance. Planning ahead should help improve your chances of bringing home a blue ribbon.
Peg Godwin is horticulture agent, Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Center. Reach her at Peg_Godwin@ncsu.edu or 252-527-2191.