Hanover Master Gardener Association
Due to the Coronavirus our public events have been postponed or cancelled. Check back here for updates before planning to attend.
Our Home Gardening Series was presented by ZOOM this year. Previous presentations can be found here.
Educational Opportunity – More information here about the annual Winter Symposium at Lewis Ginter.
How to Get in Touch With Us
Hanover Master Gardeners serve as a resource for horticultural education for the community. During these times of “Social/Physical Distancing” we are not able to support our usual roving help desk at community events and other public places. However, we are still available by voice mail (804-752-4310), and email (hanover.master.gardener@gmail.com) to answer your questions. See below for tips for those who might be interested in a home garden. Think about Victory Gardens which were popular during WWII. Gardens were planted the front yards, back yards or any place that had enough sunshine. These gardens promoted the home production of vegetables as well as flowers. In addition to providing food these gardens were a morale booster for many who could put their time and muscle power to good use. Exercise is suggested as one of the necessary parts of keeping yourself healthy and helping to stop the spread of Covid-19. Master Gardeners know that getting outside and digging in the dirt also helps our “emotional health”. This is the perfect time of years to be doing this.
Here are two articles with ideas for home gardens. Veggie Calendar Container Veggies
Check out this link for Building an Inexpensive Hydroponics/Aeroponics System. https://youtu.be/_ewOsgoGQL4
We have posted new articles written by our members. Topics include starting a garden, relationship between pollinators and flowers, some other just feel good stories. Check out our “Want to Learn More Section”.
How You Can Help Others
With so many people out of work or on reduced pay we are encouraging all who have their own gardens to plant a little extra that can be donated to an area food bank. Here is one resource to find a place to donate.
https://feedmore.org/give/giving-food/ “If your donation is perishable, please contact us to schedule a time to make your donation.”
Here are two links having to do with food preservation. https://www.hort.vt.edu/
Grant Money Available
In addition, we have grant money available for organizations that might be willing to set up community garden areas for the public. Horticultural Grants Program – Grants of up to $500 are available on a competitive basis throughout the year. Paper Form On-Line Form
Hanover Master Gardener Association proudly contributes to the productions and distribution of a booklet of Native Plants for Virginia’s Capital Region. You can obtain a copy in the following ways:
https://www.plantvirginianatives.org/plant-rva-natives – to download for free
https://www.plantvirginianatives.org/plant-rva-natives – to order a hard copy for $3.25 shipping
Hard copies are available at the Extension Office at 13015 Taylor Complex Lane, Ashland 23005. Although the door is locked there is a box outside of the door with copies available 24/7.
Hanover Master Gardener Ed Wall along with Nikki-Dee Ray served as judges for the best tomatoes entered into the State Fair. Links to TV coverage: https://youtu.be/C-GXeHGblXY and https://youtu.be/iC8u90Vx2eo.
Hanover Master Gardener Association has just awarded grant money to The Arc of Hanover.
The Arc works with children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. This challenged group is particularly vulnerable to deficiencies in all nutritional categories. Often they don’t know about healthy foods such as vegetables and where they come from and what they taste like.
As part of the ALLY (A Life Like Yours) endeavor The Arc will build raised beds that will be wheelchair accessible outside of their offices. This will provide members with an opportunity to plant, grow and harvest vegetables. In addition there will be some nutritious cooking classes available.
Hanover Master Gardeners Association has awarded a grant of $500 towards materials and supplies to create the raised beds.
For more information about The Arc: https://www.thearcofhanover.org/
Horticultural Grants Program – Grants of up to $500 are available on a competitive basis throughout the year. Paper Form On-Line Form
Think about us when you are doing your cyber shopping. Smile.amazon.com allows you to choose a non-profit to which Amazon will make a small donation each time you make a purchase. There is no additional charge to you. Hanover Master Gardeners Association is set up as one of the choices for charitable contributions. If you don’t already have a charity selected please consider us. You can bookmark the login once you have selected your choice for the donations. Thanks and happy shopping.
Research Help Requested – One of our Master Gardeners is putting together a list of plants that are favored by our native bees. It just takes a little observation on your part. For details see Plants That Attract Native Bees. See more about mason bees and leaf cutter bees in our Want to Learn More section.
Did you know… Master Gardeners are available to speak on a variety of topics to civic and professional groups. Contact us at 804-752-4310 or hanover.master.gardener@gmail.com
Help keep our area free from invasive pests. Check here to see the latest pests alerts.
Learn more about who we are and what services we offer. About Us
Why Should You Use Native Plants – Native plants are important for several reasons. Read more to find out why you should consider them for your next plant purchases.
Information about the plants you purchased at out plant sale. From Our Garden to Yours
Check out our exercises to prepare those muscles that have been unused since gardening last fall. Getting Ready for Gardening Season
Teacher Resources from State Fair Activities.
For your gardening questions you can contact us at 804-752-4310 or hanover.master.gardener@gmail.com.
Send your comments about the website to HMGAwebsite@gmail.com