Liquidambar styraciflua L. Mature Size: 60 to 90 feet in height, 2 to 3 feet in diameter The Sweetgum can be found in rich river bottoms, swamp edges, and drier uplands, providing a beautiful mix of yellow, orange, purple, and red fall colors often on the same tree. It gives out a beautiful array of …
Pinus taeda Mature Size: 90 to 100 feet in height, 2 to 3 feet in diameter The Loblolly Pine is a common southern shade tree that may be found in fields, sandy soils, or borders of swamps. This pine tree provides a habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including the pine warbler, deer, squirrels, …
As the summer sun sizzles, let’s chat about keeping those tomato plants happy and healthy. Tomatoes love a good dose of warmth, ideally basking in temps between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. But when the thermometer hits 95 or above, our tomato buddies might start feeling the heat – literally. They could stop growing, and …
Managing invasive plants in Virginia is crucial for preserving the state's native ecosystems and biodiversity. Invasive plants have the potential to outcompete native species for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to a decline in native plant populations. This disruption can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, impacting wildlife habitat, soil health, ...
Virginia Cooperative Extension – Hanover Unit is home to our Master Gardener Help Desk. Volunteers answer your gardening questions, whether it be about vegetables, turf, weeds, ornamentals, trees and shrubs, insect damage, plant disease…you name it. We provide only research-based information, and we discuss this information with the homeowner. We welcome your questions. by phone ...
As gardeners, we have the seemingly endless task of improving and maintaining the health of our soil. Composting is a commonly used strategy. But this is a labor-intensive task. The novice gardener will quickly realize it is difficult to make enough compost for even a small garden. And anyone with physical limitations may find building …
Hanover master gardener David Sumner has spent many years learning and experimenting with growing fruits in his Central Virginia garden. In this article, he shares the six easy fruits to grow and will provide delicious fruit for you and your family for years. As Master Gardeners, we are often asked for advice on how to …
So, here’s the deal: those fancy plants you see in most home gardens? They’re not doing much for our local bugs and critters. Our native insects have grown up with our native plants, and they need them to eat and live out their life cycles. And guess what? Our songbirds need those insects to survive …
Materials needed Opaque, flexible plastic bin, approximately 18 x 20 x 15 inches Shredded newspaper Water Compost or soil (a few handfuls) Drill with 1/4 inch bit Red wiggler worms that are given away by Hanover Master Gardeners or sold in bait shops or over the internet (do not use earthworms) To make bin Drill …
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