Bell’s Seed Store in Fayetteville Offering Free Spring Growing Seminar

It's almost time for gardening season, and if you're looking for a little help with spring growing, we've got just the tip for you.

In all honesty, about the only thing growing in my yard right now are weeds. But, I am promising myself that I am going to eliminate those weeds this year and have a better crop and a healthier crop of grass than last year. How you might ask. It is all about education.

I plan to start by attending a free seminar this Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. The title of the presentation is "Are You Ready for Spring?" Now, the young man that will be teaching this FREE event is known around town as "The Bloomin' Idiot." "The Bloomin' Idiot" Jeff Thompson is the manager of Bell's Seed Store in downtown Fayetteville. Take it from me, if you have any question about your yard, your landscaping or the garden, chances are Jeff can and will answer that question.

I would recommend to arrive at Bell's Seed Store no later that 9:30 a.m. just to be sure that you get a seat. If it rains, Bell's has an indoor area for the event.  Bell's is located across from the Cumberland County Courthouse at 230 East Russell Street in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. Bell's Seed Store has been serving Fayetteville's lawn and garden needs for over 100 years.

It is not required, but you may register for the 10:00 a.m. spring growing seminar by calling 910-483-8400 or you can sign up by email at bellseedstore@embarqmail.com.

Be sure to take your notepad and writing instrument with you. Trust me, you will want to take notes.

For more information, click here.

After the one hour seminar, Jeff will take questions from the audience.

One other thing. If you or if you know someone that is looking for a job, Bell's Seed Store is hiring. They are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

Apply in person at Bell's Seed Store, 230 East Russell Street, Fayetteville, NC.
Across from the Courthouse Downtown.
NO Phone Calls please.

I hope to see you Saturday morning for all the spring growing tips.

For the first time in nearly seven years, a total solar eclipse is once again coming through North America! The eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, which gives North Carolina residents time to prepare for the festivities. Many viewing parties are scheduled throughout the state on the day of the celestial phenomenon, so let's take a look at these places you can enjoy the solar eclipse in North Carolina.

For those who don't know, a solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. According to NASA this year's total solar eclipse will be the last one to go through the United States until 2044. While North Carolina won't be in the "path of totality" (any location where the moon completely covers the face of the sun), the Tar Heel state will still be able to enjoy a breathtaking partial eclipse around 2:00 that afternoon.

In an interview with Public Radio East, Dr. Patrick Treuthardt of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences explained what NC sky-watchers could expect to see on April 8. "The moon is going to obscure about 75% of the disk of the sun, so it's going to look like a large bite has been taken out of the sun by the moon."

Dr. Treuthardt also stressed the importance of proper safety precautions for the eclipse, urging everyone to come equipped with special eclipse-friendly eyewear. It's very dangerous to look at the sun for an extended period of time because it can burn your retina," he said, "so you do want to be careful and you do want to make sure that these eclipse glasses that you get are good."

NASA is also urging people to be safe and responsible while viewing the eclipse. Reminder: eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses. You can find safe and effective solar viewers and filters here.

As expected, many locations throughout North Carolina are holding safe solar eclipse viewing parties that day. Here are a few that you and the family can go to safely enjoy one of nature's most thrilling spectacles:

https://www.uncfsu.edu/about-fsu/community/planetarium

FSU will have several telescopes available to view the eclipse from 2:00 - 4:30, including their brand new 70 mm solar H-alpha telescope! This free event is for the entire community. There will be a limited number of Eclipse Glasses for sale during the event.

NC State is holding a viewing party at the Witherspoon Student Center in Raleigh on April 8. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided if you don't have your own pair. This event is free and open to the public.

Discovery Place Science in Charlotte NC is celebrating the solar eclipse for an entire week before it actually passes through. The week of workshops and fun activities will start April 1 and end on the 8th with a viewing atop the museum's parking deck. The museum will also feature a live stream of the eclipse's totality in their IMAX theatre.

https://www.wake.gov/events/solar-eclipse-viewing-party-april-8th-2024-0230pm

All ages, adults and youth, are invited to join the Wake County government April 8 at the Duraleigh Road Community Library. There will be eclipse trivia, eclipse fun, and a viewing of the rare event! Eclipse glasses will be provided. Registration is requested.

The North Carolina Science Festival is holding a statewide Star Party across many counties throughout the Tar Heel state. These events will run between April 5-8, with many educational opportunities for those who wish to learn more about the cosmos. Click here to find a Star Party close to you.