May You Inch Your Way into Growing Chatham

(Updated: May 5, 2026, 9:48 a.m.)
A Multiflora rose plant with clusters of small white flowers featuring yellow centers. A green inchworm is arched along a leaf, and a spider is resting on one of the white petals. Multiflora rose is an invasive species in North Carolina.

May has a way of nudging us back outside. The days grow longer, the weather warms, and it finally feels right to swap long pants for shorts and head into the garden. It’s the season of planting, growing, and looking ahead to fresh foods right from our own backyards.

If you’re ready to dig in, the Growing an Herb Garden Extension Master Gardener Workshop is a great place to start. May also kicks off tours of the Pollinator Paradise Garden, showcasing how small spaces can support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. And as summer nears, now’s the time to get kids ready for 4-H camp.

This time of year can also bring financial stress as many households look for ways to stretch their budgets.

Deeper Dive: Financial Series 2026
Explore helpful resources and sessions, including:

  • Spending plans and budgets that work for you
  • Saving for stability and future goals
  • A deeper dive into taxes
  • Recordings and resources from 2026 Balancing Life sessions

Looking back, a major 1936 drought highlighted in The Chatham Record reminds us of agriculture’s resilience. Looking ahead, Small Farms Day at NC A&T State University offers opportunities to learn and connect.

From gardens to workshops and beyond, May is full of ways to get involved. Step outside and enjoy the season.

Visit this month’s Growing Chatham Newsletter to learn more!