Horticulture: Growing Alexander County
Horticulture (hor·ti·cul·ture): The science of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other ornamental plants.
How is this different from Botany? > While Botany is the pure science studying all phases of plant life and growth, Horticulture is the applied science of cultivating plants for food, comfort, and beauty.
Meet Your Agent!
Cari Rosenbalm Consumer & Commercial Horticulture Agent
828-632-4451
About Me:
I am a native of the Oak Hill community in Caldwell County (right down the road). My journey into horticulture began in the greenhouses of South Caldwell High School, where my agriculture classes and FFA program sparked a lifelong passion for plant science. I am also a proud NC State University alumna (Go Pack!!) with a B.S. in Agricultural Science and minors in both Horticulture and Crop Science.
As your agent, I’m here to bridge the gap between science-based research and your backyard or farm. Whether I’m helping a commercial grower navigate issues or a homeowner design a pollinator-friendly backyard, I love finding solutions that help you succeed. While I enjoy all things green, I have a soft spot for landscape design and gardening for pollinators using native plants!
When I’m not at the Extension office, I’m busy at home managing my own "funny farm"—which includes my husband, two Heelers, two cats, and a growing flock of chickens and goats!
"Whether you are troubleshooting a home lawn issue, managing a commercial operation, or just looking to support our local pollinators, I am dedicated to being a resource for you. If I can assist with your landscape, farm, or garden, please give me a call or stop by the office—I look forward to working together to help Alexander County grow!"
Topics I Cover.....(are this many)
Select a category below to find specific resources, applications, and expert guidance.
Taylorsville Community Gardens
Digging in together to feed our neighbors.
- Garden Rules & Application
- Garden Gallery: Photos from the 2026 Season
- Impact: [4] Pounds of produce donated to date!
Alexander County Farmers Markets
Support local, eat fresh.
Market Days, Times, and Locations:
Saturdays - 9am - 1pm - Taylorsville (Alexander County Services Building - 151 W Main Ave)
Thursdays - 4pm - 7pm - Bethlehem (Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church - 9379 NC-127)
Stay Updated: [Follow us on Facebook] for weekly availability and photos!
Pesticide Applicators
What is a Certified Pesticide Applicator?
- A pesticide license is required for commercial applicators applying any type of pesticide for compensation, public operators working for a state or local government who apply pesticides in their course of work, dealers selling restricted use pesticides, or pest control consultants making recommendations for pesticide treatment of pest problems. These licenses must be renewed annually.
- Pesticide certification is required for farmers (private applicators) wishing to apply restricted use pesticides to an agricultural commodity. Private applicator certifications must be renewed every 3 years.
- Certification FAQ: What Kind of License Do I Need?
- Types of Licenses
- Getting Licensed: How Do I Get My License?
- Education: Upcoming Pesticide Schools & Upcoming Re-Certification Classes.
- Credit Check: Link to check your current NCDA&CS credits.
Home Horticulture
- Lawn Care
- Carolina Lawns
- Landscape Maintenance Calendars
- Soil Testing
- Grub control
- Plant Maintenance
- How to Prune a Tree or Shrub
- When to Prune? - Pruning Calendar for Alexander County
- Food Production
- Blueberries
- Tree Fruit - Comprehensive Resources
- Blackberries for the Home Garden
- Native Plant Resources
- Pond Management Guide
Commercial Horticulture
- Local Farms: A directory of Alexander County producers.
- Certifications: How to become GAP Certified or a Certified Farm.
Soil Testing, Insect & Weed ID
Plant Sales
- Small Fruit Plant Sale - Order forms are released after Thanksgiving each year! We work with reputable nurseries to supply you with small fruit and tree fruit plants (including: strawberries, blackberries, muscadines, blueberries, etc.). Profits from this sale go to help all of our county programming including our 4H, Family Consumer Sciences, Livestock, and of course, Horticulture programs.
- Native Plant Sale - Order forms are released in August each year! We work with our friends at Carolina Native Nursery, to bring you a wide and beautiful selection of native plants that help you bring diversity back to your landscape - which in return, brings you a diversity of pollinators! Profits from this sale benefit the Horticulture programs here in Alexander County - including our Community Garden, 4H Garden Club, & our EMGV’s.
Quick Links & Contact
- Check out our Website Homepage!
- Office Location: 151 W Main Ave., Taylorsville, NC 28681
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM