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 …
So you want to start a garden? Congratulations! What a joy! The good news is that you’re about to start a process that connects you to your neighbors, good teachers, wonderful peers, and to some of the Earth’s plants, bugs and microorganisms. The bad news is that you are jumping into a sea of information …
By addressing these tasks in December, you’ll ensure that your garden remains protected during the winter months and be well-prepared for the gardening season ahead. Flower Beds, Trees, and Shrubs: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to insulate roots against freezing temperatures. This is especially important for newly …
Grafting, a fundamental technique in gardening, unites the fates of two plants. This process involves merging the upper part of one plant, known as the scion, with the lower portion of another, called the understock. Essentially, the scion becomes the upper structure of the resulting plant, while the understock transforms into either the root system …
These are some of the house plants our master gardeners grow and love. Read about their characteristics and care to find the right plant for your home. Arrowhead Plant House Plant – 6-12 inches Arrowhead vine is named for its heart-shape foliage. Every few weeks, this tropical plant unfurls medium green leaves splashed with white, ...
At Virginia Cooperative Extension, we are big into details: plants, bugs, and especially dirt (we call it soil out of respect). We want to know why it does what it does, what we can do with it, and how the data proves its capabilities. One of the services the Hanover Extension office offers the public …
As we age, many of us find ourselves seeking new hobbies that provide both enjoyment and purpose. Gardening is an excellent activity that can offer numerous benefits, including increased physical activity, improved mental health, and a sense of accomplishment. However, as we get older, gardening can become more challenging, requiring modifications and adaptations to ensure …