The growing season is winding down, but NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers are still available to answer questions about lawns, vegetables, flowers, trees, and ornamental plants; disease, insect, weed, or wildlife problems; soils (including soil test results) and fertilizers; freeze and frost damage; and cultural and chemical solutions to pest problems. 

Question: I have been having issues with constipation and my doctor told me to get more fiber in my diet.  What foods have fiber and how much should I get? 

It’s the time of year in the Southeast when our backyard gardens may be full of zucchinis and of course, you can always purchase fresh zucchini at your local Ingles Market. 

Pizza often has a bad reputation and is considered unhealthy, but if you think about it, it’s just bread with sauce, cheese, and toppings – kind of like an open-faced sandwich! As is the case with many things, if you eat pizza in large quantities, and if your toppings are higher in calories then your pizza night may not be the best choice. 

As both kids and parents head into summer vacation, thinking about having easy and inexpensive snacks available becomes more important: 

1. Get an Ingles Advantage card. This helps you save every time you buy groceries. You’ll also have fuel points loaded to your card from your grocery trip and by filling prescriptions at your Ingles Pharmacy and this saves when fueling up at Ingles Fuel Centers. 

The 22nd annual Strawberry Jam festival will be held May 18-19 at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. 

If you need a reminder of the sweet soul of humanity, visit your local farmers market on a Saturday morning.

Question:  Should I buy my fruits and vegetables based on the “Dirty Dozen” list? 

Celebrate CSA Month by lining up your source for fresh fruits and vegetables this growing season, with a CSA Fair planned for 4-5:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the YWCA of Asheville.