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Category «Articles»

Water-Wise Gardening: Design, Soil, and Maintenance Tips

Design and maintenance tips for waterwise gardening

Water-wise practices focus on managing water and plants efficiently by using plants that need less supplemental water. This approach also involves grouping plants based on their water needs to use water more effectively. Adopting water-wise practices can greatly reduce water usage, making your garden more sustainable and eco-friendly. It also lowers maintenance efforts and costs …

Mastering the Art of Watering: A Guide to Thriving Gardens

Mastering the art of watering in the garden

Mastering the Art of Watering: A Guide to Thriving Gardens Watering is a cornerstone of gardening, but it requires balance. Too little, and plants wilt from dehydration; too much, and roots drown, leading to disease.   Adequate watering isn’t just about frequency—it’s about timing, technique, and conservation. Why Smart Watering Matters Healthy plants depend on proper …

Top Plant Picks for Creating a Water-Wise Garden in Virginia

Top plant picks for a waterwise garden

Another way to be water-wise is through plant selection. Limit plants with high water needs and try alternatives like water-wise natives. Native plants have adapted to our climate, require less water, and are more resistant to pests and diseases. They also benefit native animals, including birds and pollinators. These plants not only conserve water but …

What We Learned: Reusing Plastic Jugs for Seed Starting

Seed Starting with milk jugs 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 ...

Regrowing Fruits and Vegetables from Scraps

Regrowing Fruits and Vegetables from Scraps

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 …

The Fascinating Relationship Between Plants and Pollinators

The Fascinating Relationship Between Plants and Pollinators

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’ …

Growing Ginger in Virginia: A Simple Guide

Growing Ginger in Hanover

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 …

Planning Your Kitchen Garden

Planning a kitchen garden in hanover

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 …

How to Get Started with Composting: A Simple Beginner’s Guide

Composting for beginners

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 …

How to Build a Three-Bin Compost System Using Pallets

How to build a 3 bin compost system

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 …