Carvel Research and Education Center
The Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center
The Carvel Center campus, located in Georgetown in Sussex County, fulfills the tripartite mission of our land-grant university — teaching, research and Extension outreach. The Carvel Center serves as the southern agriculture experiment station for the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and encompasses the Thurman Adams Jr. Agriculture Research Farm (347 acres) with a focus on agronomic, vegetable and horticulture crops, the Warrington Irrigation Research Farm (120 acres) in Harbeson, Lasher Laboratory for poultry diagnostics, and the Jones Hamilton Environmental Research House. Our campus is also home to Sussex County Cooperative Extension providing programing in 4-H Youth Development, Poultry, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Lawn and Garden.
With an overall staff of 50 full-time administrators, agents, faculty, and specialists, assisted by 50 to 70 seasonal part-time employees and student interns, the Carvel Center paves the way in serving the needs of the agricultural industry, youth and families, students and residents of our great state. Learn more about our history.
Our research and educational facilities
Upcoming Events
Montage of Extension Staff in Action in Delaware: youtube.com/watch?v=UHPYhBIWRj0
-
Preparations for Fall Turfgrass Establishment
July 09, 2026 | Written By: John Emerson, Turfgrass Nutrient Management AgentThe best time to establish cool-season turfgrass is unequivocally late August to mid-September. The weather and soil are still warm enough for the rapid germination of seed and rooting of sod, yet the days are increasingly shorter, nights are becoming cooler, and summer annual weed pressure is dwindling. However, some planning is required to ensure a successful grow-in. Within this article, you will find the step-by-step instructions for before, during, and after planting. -
Bite into Summer with Local Produce: 5 Fresh Delaware Picks
July 01, 2026 | Written By: Kimberly Moore, Health and Well-being Extension AgentDelaware is home to a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables each summer. Whether you love checking out the local farmers’ market or tending to your own garden, you can get produce to fit your tastes and nutritional needs. Here are 5 locally grown vegetables and fruits you can enjoy in the summer months & some recipes to help you make the most of them! -
UD Cooperative Extension blossoms with resources for Cape gardeners
June 15, 2026 | Written by Michele Walfred, Communications Specialist (ret) | Photo credit: Michele WalfredFor Jackson, a new home also meant a new garden and new questions. She turned to the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension for specific answers.
History of the Agriculture Research Center in Georgetown
A Delaware General Assembly act provided the establishment of an agricultural substation for southern Delaware. The first structure at the new "Substation" opened in 1942, which is still in use — now as storage space.
A more thorough, published history written by former Extension specialist and former Delaware Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Kee, is now available in the fall of 2019.