There are several ways to get Virginia Cooperative Extension publications for free. These materials are freely available to the public. You can cite them. They are provided free of charge. Authors can order copies to distribute. If you are a faculty member or staff member and would like to order printed copies for distribution, you must purchase the printed version from the VCE Storefront. All Virginia Cooperative Extension publications, including the VCE website, are free to download.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Service (VCES), focuses on agriculture and agribusiness, as well as home economics, community development, and 4-H Clubs. As part of a joint federal, state, and local program, Extension aims to make the most of knowledge produced by land-grant universities and is a good way to get that information into the hands of citizens. Exemplifying the concept of extension is Virginia's Agricultural Experiment Station.
Insect Identification Service - Virginia Cooperative Extension has an Insect Disease Clinic which can help identify pests and other pathogens. The clinic is able to diagnose a variety of environmental problems and plants. It can help identify weeds and mushrooms as well as other types of plants. Digital photographs of insects and plants can be analyzed by the Cooperative Extension. Cooperative Extension has many publications. This means that you will likely be able to locate the one that meets your needs.
A key aspect of vegetable gardening involves choosing the right time to plant. Because vegetables have different tolerances to extreme temperatures and preferred growing conditions, it is important that you choose the right date for your crop. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones can help you select the best planting dates for your region. This publication also provides guidelines for plant spacing, seeding, as well as the number of plants per 10-foot line. This information will be crucial to a successful gardening venture.
It is possible to grow apples in your backyard. This is a great way to have fun with them. Knowing the needs of your trees is key to growing apples in your own garden. Good soil drainage will prevent disease and increase the quality your crop. Virginia Cooperative Extension also offers many technical and educational resources to farmers and gardeners. In addition to publications, there are also several online resources for home gardeners.
Virginia's high topography allows for different types of fruit to thrive. On average, 13,774 acres are used for apple production in Virginia. On an average, 175 acres are used for peaches each year. Virginia, however, has 99 acres of sweet and tart cherry and peach orchards. Their annual apple and peach crop is sixth in the country. State's peach production estimated at $35 Million.
FAQ
When is the best month to plant a vegetable garden in my area?
Planting vegetables in April and June is the best time. This is when the soil gets warmest, and plants tend to grow quickly. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to wait until July or August.
Which seeds can be planted indoors?
A tomato seed is the best seed to start indoors. Tomatoes produce year-round fruit and are easy to plant. It is important to be careful when planting tomatoes in containers. You should not plant tomatoes too soon. The soil can dry out, and the roots could rot. Plant diseases like bacterial disease can quickly kill plants.
Do I need to buy special equipment to grow vegetables?
Non, really. All you need is a shovel, trowel, watering can, and maybe a rake.
What size space is required for a vegetable garden?
A good rule is that 1 square foot of soil needs 1/2 pound. If you have a 10-foot by 10-foot area (3m by 3m), then 100 pounds will be needed.
Do I have enough space to plant a vegetable or fruit garden in my backyard?
If you don’t yet have a vegetable gardening, you might wonder if it will be possible. The answer is yes. A vegetable garden doesn't take up much space at all. It only takes some planning. Raised beds can be built as low as 6 inches. You could also use containers to replace raised beds. You will still have plenty of produce, regardless of which method you choose.
Statistics
- According to a survey from the National Gardening Association, upward of 18 million novice gardeners have picked up a shovel since 2020. (wsj.com)
- Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com
- Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate! - ufseeds.com
- According to the National Gardening Association, the average family with a garden spends $70 on their crops—but they grow an estimated $600 worth of veggies! - blog.nationwide.com
External Links
How To
How to grow basil
Basil is one the most versatile herbs that you can use in your home. It's great for flavoring dishes, adding flavor to soups, sauces, salads, pasta, and even desserts. Here are some tips for growing basil indoors at home.
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Choose your location carefully. Basil is an annual and will not live more than one season if it isn't in the right spot. Basil likes full sunlight but can be tolerant of partial shade. If you are growing it outside, choose a spot with good air circulation.
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Plant the seeds. Basil seeds should be planted at least two weeks before the last frost date. Place the seeds 1/2 inch deep into small pots containing potting mix. Clear plastic wrap should be used to cover the pots. Germination usually takes about ten days. Once germinated, move the pots into a shaded area where temperatures stay around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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When the seedlings reach maturity, you can transplant them. Transplant the seedlings into larger pots by removing the plastic wrap. To drain excess moisture, fill each container with potting mixture. As necessary, you can add more potting material. Place the containers in direct sunlight or in a sunny window. Mist the plants daily to prevent wilting.
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After the dangers of frost have passed, mulch the plants. This will protect the plants from freezing weather and decrease water loss.
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Water your plants frequently. Basil needs to be hydrated regularly to ensure its survival. A rain gauge can be used to measure how much water plants need. A timer can be used to shut off the irrigation system when it is dry.
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When your basil reaches its peak, pick it. To encourage bushier growth, pick the leaves often.
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Use paper towels to dry leaves. Place the leaves in glass jars, bags or in the refrigerator.