Onslow Cooperative Extension schedules March 7 ‘Bucket Brigade’ patio-garden event and weekly spring classes

Jessica Gardner of the Onslow County Cooperative Extension outlined spring programs aimed at helping residents grow food and learn nutrition and gardening skills.

“Bucket Brigade is a patio garden—a container garden,” Gardner said, describing a kit of soil, plant starts and fertilizer residents take home. The event is a partnership with the Salvation Army and will include a community resource fair where organizations set up tables and a mini class on plant care.

Gardner said the Bucket Brigade will be held at the Farmers Market Building on Richlands Highway, beginning at 9 a.m. and running to noon or until supplies run out; last year buckets ran out quickly. She encouraged attendees to arrive early; lunch will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Beyond Bucket Brigade, Gardner described weekly offerings across March: a container-blueberry class, composting classes, a phytochemical-focused nutrition session and family activities. She said the extension will provide a helpline and follow-up support for new gardeners and pointed listeners to Onslow.ces.ncsu.edu and the office’s social channels for event calendars and details.

The segment was informational and did not announce new funding or formal county actions.