SALISBURY — Rowan County 4-H is offering two types of muscadines through its annual spring plant sale. The two types available are Southland and Tara.
Southland muscadines are black and produce medium to large fruit. They have very good flavor and ripen mid- to late season. Plant vigor is average, and the plant is disease resistant.
Tara muscadines produce a bronze colored fruit that is large, with good flavor. It ripens early to mid-season and is slow growing, but becomes more vigorous after the first growing season. The plant is disease resistant and cold hardy.
Muscadine plants are two years old and come in one gallon containers. Southland and Tara muscadines are well adapted to the Piedmont growing conditions. The cost for muscadines is $9 each or $8 each if five or more are ordered.
You should avoid shaded areas when planting muscadines. Muscadines require full sun and a well-drained soil with a pH around 6.5. Plant 10 to 20 feet apart after the threat of frost is past in spring. Trellising can be as simple as a single wire positioned 5 to 6 feet above ground, or you can choose a more elaborate and decorative format.
Also available are strawberries (limited quantities), blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and figs. Strawberries are sold in bundles of 25 for $10, 50 for $15, and 100 for $20. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and figs are in one gallon containers and cost $9 each or $8 each if five or more of the same variety are ordered.
Whether you order strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, muscadines or figs, you will enjoy the sweet yields for many years to come. When you receive your order, you will also receive a brochure for further information on caring for your plants. To order plants, please call the Rowan County Cooperative Extension office at 704-216-8970 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline to place your order is Feb. 28. Not only will these plants beautify your landscape, your purchase helps support the Rowan County 4-H program and the youth who are striving to make the best better.

Sara Drake, extension agent, 4-H Youth Development, NC Cooperative Extension, Rowan County Center. 704-216-8970
http://rowanextension.com