Colbert County-Alabama Extension

06/18/2026

Japanese Beetles again!

Learn to identify them now so you're ready if they show up in your yard!
//www.aces.edu/go/6480

It's time to watch out for Japanese Beetles!

These metallic green-and-copper pests can feed on more than 400 species of broad-leaved plants, damaging leaves, flowers, and overripe fruit. While adults typically emerge in late May to early June, their activity is most intense during a 4- to 6-week period beginning in late June.

If you spot Japanese beetles, act early. During the first few days of emergence, handpick them or knock them into a bucket of soapy water in the early morning when they are less active.

Remember, both the adult beetles and their grubs can cause damage to your landscape and garden.

Learn to identify them now so you're ready if they show up in your yard! https://www.aces.edu/go/6480

06/18/2026

Join Alabama Extension's next Smart Yards Webinar as Home Horticulture Agent Makahla Holloway shares everything you need to know about growing, caring for and using pumpkins in Pumpkins 101: Growing, Caring, and Creative Uses.

Register to receive the Zoom link and mark your calendars for upcoming dates: https://www.aces.edu/go/2414.

The Smart Yards Webinar Series is hosted by Alabama Extension's Home Horticulture team on the fourth Wednesday of each month and covers a variety of topics, including gardening, fruits and vegetables, lawn care, wildlife, home pests and more.

06/16/2026

We have a FEW spots open for our 4-H workshops. Register by calling Colbert County 4-H at 256-386-8571

LITTLE FARMERS DAY WORKSHOP on June 25th at the Sheffield Public Library from 9am-12pm, ages 5-8.

MOZZARELLA MASTERY WORKSHOP on July 8th at the Tuscumbia Methodist Church with two classes. 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm, ages 9-18.

All other workshops are full.

🍀4-H WORKSHOP UPDATE🍀

06/16/2026

Yummy yummy, good for my tummy!

June is Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, and we're celebrating with the Alabama Extension Homegrown Fruit & Vegetable Photo Contest!
Got a bumper crop of tomatoes? A giant squash? A funny-looking carrot? Show us what you're growing!

Submit your best homegrown fruit or vegetable photo in the comments for a chance to win Alabama Extension goodies and, of course, ultimate bragging rights.
Contest Rules:
• Photo must be taken in Alabama.
• Produce must be homegrown.
• Like and share this post.
• Submit your photo in the comments under this original post.
• Two winners will be selected:
Judges' Choice for the most unusual fruit or vegetable
People's Choice based on the most likes on a photo

Entries must be submitted by noon on June 18. Winners will be announced at 4:00 p.m. on June 18.

Happy growing, and we can't wait to see what's coming out of your garden!

06/15/2026

We had a great time at Sledgefest this past weekend! The Colbert County 4-H 4‑H booth was set up next to the Leighton Public Library garden, and youth loved checking out the raised beds and making their own garden‑in‑a‑glove to take home.
Hands‑on learning is the best kind of learning.

Alabama 4-H

06/15/2026

High tunnels can help growers extend the growing season, improve crop quality and increase profitability—but success starts with the right management practices. Holt works with producers across Alabama to develop strategies for fertilizer management, irrigation, pest exclusion, disease prevention and crop selection to help maximize production under cover.
Whether you're considering a high tunnel or looking to improve an existing operation, Alabama Extension provides research-based recommendations to help growers stay productive and profitable.

Meet Holt Akers-Campbell, Commercial Horticulture Agent with Alabama Extension at Auburn University.

Learn more about high tunnel production and connect with your local Extension office at aces.edu.

Meet Holt Akers-Campbell, Commercial Horticulture Agent with Alabama Extension at Auburn University.

High tunnels can help growers extend the growing season, improve crop quality and increase profitability—but success starts with the right management practices. Holt works with producers across Alabama to develop strategies for fertilizer management, irrigation, pest exclusion, disease prevention and crop selection to help maximize production under cover.

Whether you're considering a high tunnel or looking to improve an existing operation, Alabama Extension provides research-based recommendations to help growers stay productive and profitable.

Learn more about high tunnel production and connect with your local Extension office at aces.edu.

06/15/2026

Home production of shiitake (she-TAH-kee) mushrooms can be a rewarding and delicious hobby. These flavorful mushrooms are packed with nutrients, low in calories, and can be enjoyed fresh or dried for later use.
Growing shiitake mushrooms is easier than you might think. Alabama Extension experts walk you through every step of the process, from selecting and inoculating logs to maintaining them and harvesting your own mushrooms at home.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or looking for a new project, shiitake mushroom cultivation is a fun way to expand your gardening skills and enjoy a homegrown harvest.

Learn how to get started: https://www.aces.edu/go/6374

06/15/2026

Congratulations to Ali Gotcher, Regional Extension Agent, on this incredible accomplishment! Your hard work, dedication, and outstanding performance are truly commendable. Wishing you continued success in all that you do for Colbert County and surrounding counties.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿

𝑨𝒍𝒊 𝑮𝒐𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓

Ali covers seven counties in the Northwest Region as a member of the Animal Science & Forages Team. She began her Extension career in March of 2023 and is housed in the Lauderdale County office. Prior to Extension, Ali was Director of Education and Outreach for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. As one of the longest-tenured agents on the team, Ali leads the successful Women in Ag program and is co-coordinator for the Beef Quality Assurance program, the largest in the nation. She is a graduate of the elite ALFA Leaders program, a top ten finalist in the American Farm Bureau “Excellence in Ag” competition and the state winner in 2024. In just a brief time span, Ali moved and got married, started a new job, had a child, and took on significant leadership roles. She serves as a District Director and values collaboration that leads to trust and further engagement with her colleagues and clients.

06/15/2026

Thank you, Ali Gotcher, Regional Extension Agent, for your participation during the North Alabama Cattlemen's Conference.