VPM
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VPM
Get a close-up view of the microbial life inside of plants and soil at a Cooperative Extension laboratory. Visit a colonial style garden to learn about flowers and herbs grown to make colorful dyes for fabric.
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VPM/VPMDiscover popular houseplant varieties and learn about their care. Visit a garden featuring unique herbs and discuss their uses beyond the kitchen. -
I am looking forward to consistently warmer weather so we can plant our heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, cucumbers and melons. However, what I am not excited about are the increased number of pests and diseases that come along with the warm weather.
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We all know the heat is coming; it’s only a few weeks away. Rather than react, I act now by taking a few simple steps to keep the landscape green, growing and resilient.
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Tim Wright/VPMExplore state and national champion trees at Richmond’s historic Maymont park. Tour Dragon Run on the Middle Peninsula to learn about bald cypress and the old growth forest network.
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PhotoJuthamat - stock.adobe.com/376424661Is your soil ready for your plants? This is a great question and most of us might just look at the soil to say yes — it looks loamy and has that black, rich color, or no — it looks like red Virginia clay to me! There is so much more to soil than meets the eye, and I want to introduce the best way to know more about what is in your dirt: the soil test.
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I garden with deer, where more than a dozen think my gardens are their personal restaurant to browse through. I have gardened with deer for many years, and through research backed by expensive trial and error on my part, I now only buy plants with specific traits.
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As gardeners, during the winter months we start missing our time in the garden. We spend so much time in our gardens during the warm season, that when we are forced to slow down due to frozen ground or uncomfortable cold, we can start feeling depressed and eager to get back to playing in the soil.
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A common question fellow gardeners ask me is about what my favorite plants are. While I have a few favorites, I really do like almost all plants so trying to choose just a few is difficult.
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I have always enjoyed going into my backyard and harvesting veggies for a meal, but I find it even more exciting during winter. I often continue growing into the winter by protecting my fall garden beds that get the most sunlight during winter.
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When I sit in my sunniest room, flipping through the various catalogs stacked at my feet, I know I need to be very careful with the plant choices I make. My years of experience have taught me that these choices will have an impact on my garden — and on my time — until the end of the season.
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Water is one of the building-blocks of life, it nourishes us, our gardens and our world. Explore methods used to conserve water and control runoff. From rain gardens that beautify our landscapes yet replenish the underground water supply to flood control structures that protect communities, learn how to steward our most important natural resource. -
Summer is officially here, bringing a new season of gardening! Peggy shares how to harvest spring crops, remove bolted vegetables, fertilize plants, and more.
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Gardeners in June can focus on weeding, watering, and watching for pests, but it's not too late to sow vegetables and flowers yet!
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A bountiful harvest is just one of the rewards of gardening! Explore the work of community gardens that are inspiring new growers, promoting healthy eating, and advocating for food equity - not to mention growing tons of produce to share with neighbors.
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Create a landscape that is both functional and beautiful as you learn how to achieve the goals for your outdoor space! From the sketchpad to plant selection take a closer look at the art and science of landscape architecture. Meet design professionals, explore their approaches for a variety of growing conditions, and learn why success in the garden begins with planning.
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May is officially gardening season! The soil will be warm enough to finally plant summer vegetables and get a head start on weeding. Peggy also shares advice on mulching and managing pests.
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Learn about signs of spring and preparations for the growing season. Visit a garden pro to talk about plant care and pruning. Plus, explore the science of phenology, to plan your garden and ensure it grows in harmony with the rhythms of the season.
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Most of Virginia still hasn't reached its final frost date yet, but there's still plenty to do in the garden!
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With spring so near, it's time to get back in the garden! This month is perfect for sowing cool season vegetables, pruning, and dividing. Peggy also shares her record keeping method for her home garden.
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It's time to prune outside, and give your houseplants more TLC before spring.
