This write-up is starting with a shout-out to the two Master Gardeners who conducted the mini session titled Seed Starting at the Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area (MGACRA) Seed Swap held on February 1, 2025. Attending the mini session inspired the following experiment being conducted by the Hanover County Master Gardeners. It’s ...
Land Care Stewards (LCS) are Master Gardeners who have completed an additional 20-hour training. The training focuses on strategies for sustainable and environmentally sound use of resources in the landscape. Some of these strategies include: Waterwise landscaping Yard waste (leaves, etc.) Composting and management Sustainable plant choices Firewise landscaping These strategies help citizens to reduce and …
Did you know that you can regrow fruits and vegetables from the parts of the plants that you discard? Here are some ways that you can try regrowing new fruits and vegetables at home at any time of the year! Lettuce and celery. Use the bottom portion of the lettuce or celery that is cut …
Boxwood shrubs are a classic, beautiful choice for home landscapes — but they’re under threat from a serious fungal disease called boxwood blight. First identified in Virginia in 2011, this disease spreads quickly and can cause defoliation and plant decline. If you have boxwood in your yard, here’s a simple guide to help you identify …
Plants and pollinators have coevolved for over 100 million years, forming a complex and mutually beneficial relationship. Entomophilous flowers, which rely on insects for pollination, have developed remarkable adaptations to attract and guide pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and even birds. These adaptations ensure the survival of flowering plants and contribute to ecosystems’ …
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a versatile and flavorful plant that’s surprisingly easy to grow, even outside of its native tropical climate. While it thrives in warm, humid environments, with the right care, you can successfully cultivate fresh ginger in Virginia. Whether you’re looking to spice up your cooking or enjoy its health benefits, growing your …
Benefits of a Kitchen Garden A kitchen garden offers more than just fresh food—it provides a range of benefits that can enhance your lifestyle. Growing your own produce ensures access to fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs, enhancing the flavor and quality of your meals. It can also lead to significant cost savings by reducing grocery …
Introduction Understanding plant nutrition is key to fostering robust growth and productivity. Whether you’re a gardener, farmer, or plant enthusiast, recognizing the essential nutrients plants need and how they obtain them can significantly enhance plant health. This article explores the vital macronutrients and micronutrients necessary for plant development, their sources, and strategies to maintain a …
Composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. It’s an easy, eco-friendly way to reduce waste and improve garden health. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for better composting techniques, this guide will walk you through the basics of getting started. Step 1: Gather Your Composting Materials A successful compost …
Composting is an excellent way to recycle organic waste and enrich your garden soil. A three-bin compost system allows for efficient decomposition by providing designated spaces for different stages of the composting process. This guide will show you how to construct a simple, cost-effective three-bin system using wooden pallets. Materials Needed 7 wooden pallets (similar …
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