Gardening Basics
Starting Your own Garden can be Fun and Easy Keeping a Gardening Journal Month by Month Gardening Chores Three Methods of Tree Grafting
Author archives
Native Plants
Spotted Lanternfly Identification and Reporting in Virginia
Pollinators
Native Bee Presentation – Mason and Leafcutter – Native bees serve an important role as pollinators. Learn more about two of Virginia’s native bees – the Mason and Leaf Cutter bees. Resources for Native Bees – Learn more about native bees in our area. Bee Loss in Virginia – There was a 60% loss of bee population …
Pests and Diseases
Spotted Lanternfly Identification and Reporting in Virginia Squash the Squash Bugs – best ways to deal with this pest Cross Striped Cabbageworm – dealing with this garden pest Relationship between Plants and Pollinators – Plants have a unique relationship with the insects that pollinate them. Tick Identification – Learn more about how to identify ticks and what diseases they …
Kitchen Gardening
Farmers Market Handout – Selecting and storing farmer’s market bargains Herb Hints – tips for growing, harvesting, storing, and using herbs Easy Orchard – Many of the typical fruits are difficult to grow in our region. Here are some alternatives you might like to try. Options for Extending the Growing Season – Links to articles about cold …
Soil and Compost
Understanding Your Soil Sample Report – help with interpreting the results How to Make a Worm Bin – Grow red wigglers who will turn your garbage into great fertalizer for your plants. Three Bin Composting System – Make a three bin system using pallets. How to Get Started in Composting – Learn how to set up a composting …
February Garden Chores
Flower Beds, Trees and Shrubs Temperatures can drop to freezing this month; annuals that can take the chill include pansies, viola, and dianthus. Clean your annual and perennial flower beds. Add compost to the soil and add more mulch to the beds. Bulbs can still be planted. Fertilize, water well, and apply mulch for protection. …
January Garden Chores
Test your garden soil for its pH levels. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for a soil test kit. Then, apply lime, sulfur, and fertilizer according to the soil test results. Spread manure or compost over the garden and plow it under if you did not do so in the fall. Plant hardy vegetables and …
Horticultural Learning Center
Hanover County gardeners will soon have a Horticultural Learning Center. It will be a space for public education, demonstrating research-based gardening practices which can be incorporated into the home setting. Hanover Master Gardeners will manage the garden, consisting of multiple raised beds constructed through different methods and materials and featuring perennial, annual, native plants and ...