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March Garden Chores

March Garden Chores for Zone 7b

March is the time to get those seeds started.  The days will start getting longer, and your house plants will begin to wake up from their winter nap. Flower Beds, Trees and Shrubs Plant bulbs for spring and summer flowers such as dahlia, canna, and gloriosa. Amend beds with organic matter and provide stakes for …

Gardening Basics

Gardening Basics October 21, 2025Think about ‘Leafing’ your Lawn Unraked this FallApril 6, 2025What We Learned: Reusing Plastic Jugs for Seed StartingFebruary 12, 2025Basic Plant Nutrition: Understanding Essential NutrientsOctober 13, 2023Month-by-Month Gardening ChoresOctober 12, 2023Tips for Starting Your Own GardenOctober 12, 2023Methods for Tree GraftingOctober 12, 2023Why a garden journal may become one of your favorite garden ...

Native Plants

Native plants What’s All the Buzz About Natives? I had never considered the important role that native plants play in our surroundings.  However, in preparation for a Master Gardener presentation, I quickly discovered my ignorance regarding this fundamental aspect of gardening. In fact, I learned that by incorporating native plants you can reduce your time and effort ...

How to Manage your Landscape Using Fewer Pesticides

managing your landscape with fewer pesticides Here you will find practical, science-based strategies to help you cultivate a thriving garden while minimizing pest problems and supporting beneficial wildlife. You’ll learn how to assess your soil, choose the right plants for your space, and create growing conditions that naturally discourage pests. We offer tips for improving plant health, encouraging pollinators and predatory ...

February Garden Chores

February is all about prepping for spring.  Now is the time to finalize your garden plans. If you haven’t had your soil tested in the last 3-5 years, stop by the VCE offices to pick up the soil test kit. Flower Beds, Trees and Shrubs Temperatures can drop to freezing this month; annuals that can …

January Garden Chores

January is all about planning what you want to grow this year. Contact seed companies to receive the new catalog or look at your favorite online sites. It is good to start ordering or purchasing seeds as many seed companies will sell out fast. If you haven’t had your soil tested in the last 3-5 …

Horticultural Learning Center

Hanover Virginia Horticultural Learning Center Come visit our Horticultural Learning Center   The garden is a space to learn about growing various plants that thrive in Hanover County through sustainable methods. We aim to demonstrate research-based gardening practices that can be incorporated into your home setting. Exciting News for 2025! We’re thrilled to announce that Waterwise Gardening will be a ...

Butterfly Garden

Hanover Master Garden Butterfly Garden Invitation to Visit the Butterfly Garden at Pole Green Park Come explore the diverse collection of pollinator-friendly native plants at the Butterfly Garden in Pole Green Park.  Each plant is meticulously labeled with comprehensive growing information, providing the knowledge needed to cultivate your pollinator garden. Furthermore, our helpful resources and experienced Master Gardeners are just ...

Historic Scotchtown Gardens

Historic Garden at Scotchtown Want to learn more about historic gardens that thrive in Hanover County? Check out our demonstration gardens at Scotchtown. Patrick Henry resided at Scotchtown from 1771 to 1778, during his most influential time in revolutionary history including when wrote his famous “Liberty of Death” speech and became Virginia’s Governor. It is the only original standing ...

Native Plant Garden

Hanover Master Garden Native Plant garden Visit the Extension Office Demonstration Garden The garden at the Extension Office was created by the Hanover Master Gardeners using native plants leftover from a horticulture display at the Virginia State Fair several years ago along with a few packages of zinnia and cosmos seeds, with the idea of planting and thinking this will be ...