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Virginia Tech Gardening and Cooperative Extension Publications



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There are many methods to obtain Virginia Cooperative Extension publications at no cost. These publications are available for public use. They can be reprinted with a citation. They are available free of cost. Authors can order copies to distribute. You can order printed copies of the VCE Storefront if you are a staff member or faculty member. All Virginia Cooperative Extension publications can be found on the VCE website for free.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Service (VCES), focuses on agriculture and agribusiness, as well as home economics, community development, and 4-H Clubs. Extension is part a federal, state, or local program. It helps citizens get the knowledge they need. Exemplifying an extension program is Virginia's Agricultural Experiment Station.


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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 identify weeds as well mushrooms. To aid in identification, they can also analyze digital photos of plants and bugs. You should find the right publication for you from the Cooperative Extension.


It is important to choose the right date for vegetable gardening. The best time to plant vegetables is crucial for a successful crop because they have different requirements and can tolerate extreme temperatures. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones helps you determine the best time to plant in your area. The publication will also provide you with specific guidelines regarding plant spacing, seeding, and the number of plants per 10-foot row. This information is vital for a successful garden.

It is possible to grow apples in your backyard. This is a great way to have fun with them. To grow apples in your garden, you must be familiar with the requirements of the trees. Well-drained soil will help to prevent disease and improve the quality of your crops. Virginia Cooperative Extension provides a variety of technical and educational resources for gardeners and farmers. There are many online resources available for home gardeners, in addition to the publications.


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Virginia's topography and its large area allows for many varieties of fruit to grow. State apples are grown on an average 13774 acres. Peaches are grown annually on an average of 175 acre. Virginia boasts a total of 99 acres for sweet and tart cherries orchards. Their peach and apple crops are the sixth largest in the nation. The state's total peach production is $35 million.


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FAQ

When to plant flowers

Planting flowers in spring is easier when the temperature is lower and the soil remains moist. If you live in a cold area, plant flowers only after the first frost. The ideal temperature for indoor gardening is 60 degrees Fahrenheit.


What seeds should be started indoors?

A tomato seed is the best for indoor gardening. Tomatoes can be grown quickly and they bear fruit all year. 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. Also, be aware of diseases such as bacterial wilt, which can kill plants quickly.


How much space does a vegetable garden require?

A good rule is that 1 square foot of soil needs 1/2 pound. For example, if you have a 10 foot by 10 foot area (3 meters by three meters), 100 pounds of seeds will be required.


Does my backyard have enough space for a garden?

If you don't already have a vegetable garden, you might wonder whether you'll have enough room for one. Yes. A vegetable garden doesn't take up much space at all. It takes just a little planning. For instance, raised beds could be constructed only 6 inches high. You could also use containers to replace raised beds. You'll still be able to get plenty of produce in any way.


Which vegetables are best to grow together?

Tomatoes and peppers can be grown together because they prefer similar soil conditions. They complement each other well since tomatoes need heat to ripen while peppers require cooler temperatures for optimal flavor. If you want to try growing them together, start seeds indoors about six weeks before planting them. Once the weather cools down, transplant the pepper or tomato plants outdoors.


Which layout is best for vegetable gardens?

The best vegetable garden layout depends on where you live. For easy harvesting, you can plant vegetables together if the area is large. If you live in a rural location, you will need to space your plants out for maximum yield.



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)
  • As the price of fruit and vegetables is expected to rise by 8% after Brexit, the idea of growing your own is now better than ever. (countryliving.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
  • It will likely be ready if a seedling has between 3 and 4 true leaves. (gilmour.com)



External Links

bonnieplants.com


thespruce.com




How To

Organic fertilizers for your garden

Organic fertilizers are made with natural substances like compost, manure, seaweed extract and blood meal. The term organic refers to the use of non-synthetic materials for their production. Synthetic fertilizers include chemicals used in industrial processes. Synthetic fertilizers are used widely in agriculture as they supply nutrients quickly and efficiently to plants without the need for laborious preparation. However, synthetic fertilizers present risks to both the environment- and human health. To produce, synthetic fertilizers require a lot of energy and water. Runoff from synthetic fertilizers can also pollute groundwater and surface water. This pollution can be harmful for both wildlife and humans.

There are several kinds of organic fertilisers:

* Manure is a product of livestock eating nitrogen-rich food (a plant nutrient). It's made of bacteria and enzymes which break down the waste to simple compounds that can be taken by plants.

* Compost is a mixture from vegetable scraps, grass clippings and decaying leaves. It is high in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as calcium, magnesium, sulfur. It is extremely porous and holds water well.

* Fish Emulsion - a liquid product derived from fish oil. It dissolves fats and oils in a similar way to soap. It contains trace elements and phosphorous as well as nitrogen and nitrogen.

* Seaweed Oil - A concentrated mixture of minerals taken from kelp, red and brown algae, as well as green algae. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, iron, and iodine.

* Guano is the excrement of seabirds and bats. It contains nitrogen and phosphorous, potassium as well sulfate, salt, chloride, carbon, sodium, magnesium and other minerals.

* Blood Meal is the meat and bones of animals that have been slaughtered. It's rich in protein and can be used to feed poultry and other animals. It also contains trace minerals, phosphorus and potassium.

Mix equal amounts of compost, manure, and/or fish oil to make organic fertilizer. Mix well. If you don’t own all three ingredients, one can be substituted for the other. For example, you could mix 1 part of the fishemulsion with 2 parts of compost if only you have access to fish emulsion.

Apply the fertilizer by spreading it evenly using a tiller or shovel. Spread about a quarter cup of the mixture per square foot of growing space. You'll need to add fertilizer every two weeks until new growth appears.




 



Virginia Tech Gardening and Cooperative Extension Publications