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 …
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 …
You’ve worked hard preparing your garden, planting seeds, pulling weeds, watering, fertilizing, and waiting. When can you finally enjoy your garden’s bounty? Each crop has its own peak ripeness and best time to be picked. Here are some general guidelines and specifics for vegetables I grow in my garden. Generally, it’s best to harvest early …
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 …
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 …
How to Choose How to Store Apples Good source of fiber and vitamin C. Contain carotenoids and flavonoids that may be good for health. Choose firm, shiny, smooth-skinned apples with intact stems. Should smell fresh, not musty. Refrigerate apples in perforated plastic bag away from foods with strong odors. Use within three weeks. Can …
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