Extension and 4-H host fruit plant sale

Like fruit? Why not grow your own?

As springlike weather teases us into the mood for springtime and gardening, make sure your garden plans include fruits and berries.

The Watauga County 4-H is conducting its annual fruit plant sale. The sale includes berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries, and fruit trees, including apple and pear trees.

“We provide not only a source of the plants, but also resources to help you care for your plants,” a 4-H leader said. “Since 4-H is a part of the Cooperative Extension, we provide educational materials on the growing and care of the plants and extension agents and master gardeners are available to answer questions.”

The fruit plant sale order form is available at the extension office at 971 W. King St. Those interested may also call (828) 264-3061 or downloaded a form from http://watauga4h.blogspot.com/2012/01/4-h-fruit-plant-sale.html.

Orders are due by Friday, March 30. The plants will arrive and can be picked up from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, April 20; and fromn 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 21.

See the following blog for ideas on ways to have fun with fruits and berries: http://tinyurl.com/fruitfun.

Varieties offered this year include seascape and Chandler strawberries; bluecrop, blueray, Jersey, blue chip and Duke blueberries; Caroline and Josephine raspberries; Chester and Ouachita blackberries; Catawba and Concord grapes; gala, Virginia beauty and yellow transparent apples; D’Anjou and Bartlett pears; Damson and Mount Royal plums; and rhubarb.