In this Issue:
- January is National Radon Action Month
- 2019 UGA Extension Plant Sale
- American Diabetes Association Alert Day and National Nutrition Month
- Protecting the Home Landscape from Cold Damage
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Greetings!
Winter is here and we welcome you to the UGA Extension Gwinnett quarterly newsletter.
Articles are written by our extension agents to heighten awareness of winter activities in Gwinnett.
We hope that you enjoy reading this e-publication. Please help spread the word about everything we have to offer here at
UGA Extension Gwinnett.
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January is National Radon Action Month
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that the Surgeon General lists as the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States for non-smokers. The naturally occurring, radioactive element moves through the ground to the surface, and can easily enter homes and buildings
There is no way to detect the amount of radon present without using a radon testing kit.
Kits can be purchased for $10 (includes test instructions, analysis, and results) at the Gwinnett County Extension Office, 750 South Perry Street in Lawrenceville, or online from the University of Georgia’s radon program’s website at
www.UGAradon.org
for $13.
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UGA Extension Gwinnett
2019 Annual Plant Sale
Now is the time to place your order for the 2019 Annual UGA Extension Plant Sale.
We are offering a multitude of plants at affordable prices. Several varieties of blueberries are available. They are easy to grow, require minimal care and have few pests. However, you need to purchase two varieties of blueberries to get cross-pollination for the fruit to form. Figs are also easy to grow and only one variety is needed to produce fruit.
Though the Asian azaleas are the most familiar to most, many native azaleas thrive in our area. Through our plant sale, we are offering the varieties ‘Admiral Semmes’, which has bright yellow flowers, and ‘Tallulah Sunrise’, with orange to yellow blossoms. Ferns thrive in shady areas and are resistant to deer browsing. If you like ferns, we have an autumn fern, which has coppery-red color in spring, turning green in the summer and golden brown in the fall.
The ‘Frost proof’ gardenia has evergreen foliage, fragrant white flowers, and tolerates extreme cold. The ‘"Yuletide" sasanqua camellia blooms in the fall and has crimson blossoms. The tea olive is a large-growing shrub and has evergreen foliage with small white fragrant flowers that attract butterflies. If you are interested in low-growing perennials, heucheras or coral bells do well in the shade. UGA Extension Gwinnett is offering the variety "Amber Lady," which has brightly colored leaves and white flowers that appear in mid-spring.
Order forms with information on the Plant Sale may be obtained by visiting :
www.ugaextension.org/gwinnett
or by calling 678.377.4010 to request a form be mailed to you.
Please see the "Events and Classes" section of this newsletter for class information on how to grow and care for the plants sold at our plant sale.
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Diabetes Alert Day and
National Nutrition Month
align for public health
With Diabetes Alert Day set for
March 26
th,
and the month of March dedicated as National Nutrition Month, it makes good sense for both nutrition awareness campaigns to be highlighted at the same time.
One in three Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations. Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthy, losing weight, and becoming physically active.
National Diabetes Alert Day is designed to encourage people to
take a test
to determine their risk for Type 2 diabetes and start your journey to a healthier lifestyle. For more information about reducing risk of diabetes through diet, visit the click on the National Nutrition Month
web page
by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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How to protect landscaping from hard freezes
Many hardy landscape plants can still be harmed by abnormally frigid temperatures that sometimes occur.
One of the best strategies is to select plants adapted to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b. Most outdoor plants sold from local garden centers and nurseries are able to withstand the cold weather spells in our zone.
During severe freezes, cover tender plants with old quilts, blankets, or sheets to reduce the likelihood of damage. This technique may not be practical for all plants. It may be necessary to use sticks or poles to prop up blankets, quilts or other heavy covering to prevent branches or limbs from breaking. Plastic can be used as a nighttime cover, too, but be sure to take it off when the sun comes out to prevent heat damage to your plants.
Plants that are not tolerant of freezing temperatures, such as tomatoes, peppers, and many herbaceous flowering plants, should be planted only after the average frost free date, which is April 15 in Zone 7b.
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Gwinnett's 4-H
Robotics Team
competes in state
Gwinnett's 4-H Robotics team designed a remote-power robot for the 2018 Georgia Best Robotics Team state competition October 20 at Forsyth Central High School.
The team learned about engineering, critical thinking, marketing, public speaking, and creative expression.
The five-month project was shepherded by Marilin Griffy, an AmeriCorps Service Member working on her second year of service with UGA Extension Gwinnett's 4-H Youth Development Program.
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Congratulations Tim Daly, Recipient of the
2018 Georgia Urban
Agriculture
Education Award!
UGA Extension Gwinnett Agent Tim Daly received the 2018 Georgia Urban Agriculture Education Award for his Green Industry Professionals programs.
The Georgia Association of County Agriculture Agents presents the award to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agent who has developed and implemented the most innovative and successful educational and applied research programs to support the professionals in Georgia’s urban agriculture industry.
Daly provides classes for lawn care professionals, pesticide companies, nurseries, arborists, and landscapers to prepare them for the Georgia Department of Agriculture certification licensing examination.
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Gwinnett's school gardeners grow centerpieces for Golden Radish Award ceremony
The Gwinnett County Public Schools' Farm to School program won gold honors for 2018 from Georgia Organics, a nonprofit
dedicated to promoting sustainable foods and local farms in Georgia, at its annual Golden Radish Award ceremony.
To help highlight the program, the organization turned
to students at Lawrenceville Elementary School and Radloff Middle School for their annual Golden Radish Farm to School Awards luncheon.
The student gardeners grew more than 100 Red Russian, Lacinato, and Curly Leaf kale plants for 70 decorative centerpieces for the event.
Kim Fritz, agricultural and natural resources program assistant with UGA Extension in Gwinnett County helped organize the kale-growing effort.
The GCPS Farm to School program was established to help provide healthy and nutritious food to school children while also providing local farmers with consistent and dependable outlets for their products.
The program also teaches children about what is produced locally throughout the year and taste some of the best quality produce locally offered.
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All about Probiotics
Monday, January 7
10:30am – 11:30am
Bethesda Park Senior Recreation Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.
Understand probiotics, including how they affect health, how to consume them, and their growing popularity. Cost: $2 at the door. Registration required by January 2.
Click here
to register online with Code BEP12691. Ages 50+
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Winter Ornamental Plants | FREE
Thursday, January 10
Noon – 1:00pm
Gwinnett County Annex
2nd Floor Conference Room 750 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville.
Break up all those greens and browns in your landscape! Discover how to add a fresh pop of color and interest that benefits your home's curb appeal. Registration required by January 9.
Click here
to register online with Code ANX14500.
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Liquid Meal Benefits
Monday, January 14
10:30am – 11:30am
Bethesda Park Senior Recreation Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville
Learn about the various liquid products and their ingredients, and how to make the best choices for your healthy eating style and budget. Cost: $2 at the door. Registration required by January 9.
Click here
to register online with Code BEP12692. Ages 50+
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Wednesday, January 16
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Hamilton Mill Branch Library,
3690 Braselton Hwy, Dacula
Wednesday, January 23
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Collins Hill Branch Library,
455 Camp Perrin Road, Lawrenceville
It's odorless, colorless, and tasteless, yet it's a leading cause of lung cancer deaths in nonsmoking Americans,. Understand how you can protect yourself and your family from radon, a radioactive gas found in soil under homes. For more information, call 770.978.5154.
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Tea Time
.
$2
Monday, January 28
10:30am – 11:30am
Bethesda Park Senior Recreation Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road,
Lawrenceville
Take time out of your day to discover all the tea varieties and how they can improve your health. Registration required by January 24.
Click here
to register online with Code BEP12695. Ages 50+
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Vines & Groundcovers
Free . Tuesday, January 29
Noon – 1:00pm
Government Annex Conference Room (2nd Floor), 750 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville
Save time and energy spent maintaining and mowing your lawn by incorporating versatile vines and groundcover plants. These appealing alternatives can also retain moisture, prevent weeds, and control soil erosion. Registration required by January 28.
Click here
to register online with Code ANX14501.
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Cocinando para toda la Vida
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GRATIS
miércoles, 30 de enero
10:00am – 1:00pm
Hopkins Elementary School,
1315 Dickens Road NW, Lilburn
Reduzca su riesgo de desarrollar cáncer al enfocarse en la prevención y los hábitos alimenticios saludables. Aprenda sobre las pruebas de detección del cáncer de mama y cervical, reciba información sobre nutrición y disfrute de una demostración de cocina en vivo. Para participantes sin seguro médico. Para registrarse, llame a Ingrid Abarca al 770.381.4274.
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Proper Pruning | FREE
Tuesday, February 5
Noon
–
1:00pm
Government Annex
2nd Floor Conference Room
750 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville
UGA Extension Gwinnett Agent Timothy Daly will cover proper pruning techniques to keep your landscape plants healthy and attractive. Registration required by February 4.
Click here
to register online with Code ANX14502.
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Soil Preparation | FREE Wednesday, February 6
6:30pm
–
7:30pm
OneStop Centerville,
3025 Bethany Church Road,
Snellville
One of the most important components of growing plants is the quality of the soil. Proper pH, fertility and drainage are a must to ensure healthy productive plants. Soil testing, proper preparation for planting, and other important topics will be discussed.
Click here
to register online with Code OSC14500 by February 5th.
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Trees & Shrubs | FREE Wednesday, February 20
6:30pm
–
7:30pm
OneStop Centerville,
3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville.
Many species of trees and shrubs can be grown in our area. By planting correctly and in the right site, you can have attractive plants that will enhance the quality of your home landscape.
Click here
to register online with Code OSC14501 by February 19.
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Love Your Ticker! Wednesday, February 27
10:00am
–
noon
Bethesda Park Senior Recreation Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.
Get your heart pumping in celebration of American Heart Month! Participate in an assortment of heart healthy activities. Get active with a Just You Move Production fitness activity that welcomes all abilities. Enjoy nutritious food samples. Join a heart healthy presentation. Cost $6 per person. Registration required by February 21.
Click here
to register online with Code BEP12909.
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Homeowner Fruit Trees | FREE
Wednesday, February 27
6:30pm
–
7:30pm
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Government Annex
2nd Floor Conference Room
750 South Perry Street,
Lawrenceville
Got Fruit? Find out if your ground has the proper growing conditions for your desired fruit tree and understand how to maintain it so it produces abundant yields. Gwinnett County Extension Agent Timothy Daly will discuss the best fruit trees for homeowners and ways to keep them productive. Registration required by February 25.
Click here
to register online with Code ANX14503.
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Native Plant Gardening Free .Tuesday, March 5
Noon
–
1:00pm
Government Annex Conference Room (2nd Floor), 750 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville
.
Many plants that are native to our area are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. Gwinnett County Extension Agent Timothy Daly will discuss native plants and how to grow them in the home landscape. Registration is required by March 4.
Click here
to register online with Code ANX14504.
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Vegetable Gardening . Free Monday, March 18
Noon
–
1:00pm
Government Annex Conference Room (2nd Floor), 750 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville
.
Timothy Daly, Gwinnett County Extension Agent will discuss the many vegetables that can be grown in our area and how to care for them to produce a bountiful harvest. Registration is required by March 15.
Click here
to register online with Code ANX14505.
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Spring Vegetables Gardening | FREE
Wednesday, March 20
6:30pm
–
7:30pm
OneStop Centerville,
3025 Bethany Church Road,
Snellville
Fresh vegetables harvested out of your garden are tasty and healthy. Learn about the many types of vegetables that can be grown in our area for a bountiful harvest.
Click here
to register online with Code OSC14502 by March 19.
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North Atlanta Home Show
February 8
–
10 at the Infinite Energy Center
Come out and visit us at the North Atlanta Home Show.
UGA Extension Gwinnett will have a booth with staff and Master Gardener Extension Volunteers eager to answer your lawn and gardening questions.
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UGA Extension Gwinnett offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. An equal opportunity/affirmative action organization committed to a diverse workforce.
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