
There are many ways to obtain free copies of Virginia Cooperative Extension publications. These publications are free for the general public and can be reproduced with a citation. They are provided free of charge. Authors may purchase 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), is focused on agriculture, agribusinesses, home economics and community resource development. Extension is part a federal, state, or local program. It helps citizens get the knowledge they need. An example of an extension program is the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station.

Insect Identification Services – The Virginia Cooperative Extension offers a Plant Disease Clinic that can identify and treat pathogens. The clinic can diagnose a variety environmental issues and plants. It can detect weeds, mushrooms and other plant types. They can even analyse digital photographs of plants or insects for identification. There are many publications published by the Cooperative Extension. You will be able find the one that suits your needs.
A key aspect of vegetable gardening involves choosing the right time to plant. 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 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. It is important to learn about the specific needs of each tree before you start planting apples in your backyard garden. Good soil drainage will prevent disease and increase the quality your crop. Virginia Cooperative Extension has many educational and technical resources available to gardeners and farmers. Many online resources are available to home gardeners as well as publications.

Virginia's high topography allows for different types of fruit to thrive. The state's apples are grown on an average of 13,774 acres. Peaches are grown on an annual average of 175 acres. Virginia, however, has 99 acres of sweet and tart cherry and peach orchards. Their peach and apple crops are the sixth largest in the nation. The state's total peach production is $35 million.
FAQ
Can I grow veggies indoors?
Yes, you can grow vegetables indoors during winter. You will need to buy a greenhouse and grow lights. Before you do this, make sure to verify the local laws.
How big is a vegetable gardening space?
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.
What vegetables can you grow together?
Growing tomatoes and peppers together is excellent because they both like similar temperatures and soil conditions. They are a good match since peppers need colder temperatures to produce their best flavor. You can try planting them together by starting seeds indoors six weeks before transplanting them outdoors. When the weather is warm, transplant the pepper and tomato plants outside.
How do I know what type of soil I have?
It is easy to tell the difference by the color of your dirt. The soil color will tell you if it contains more organic matter than the lighter ones. Soil tests are another option. These tests are used to determine the quantity of nutrients in soil.
Which seeds should you start indoors?
A tomato seed makes the best seed for indoor planting. Tomatoes grow quickly and bear good fruit all year. When growing tomatoes in pots, be careful when transplanting them into the ground. Planting too soon can cause soil to dry out and root rot. Plant diseases like bacterial disease can quickly kill plants.
What time should I plant herbs in my garden?
The ideal time to plant herbs is springtime, when the soil temperature is 55°F. The best results are achieved when they are in full sunshine. To grow basil indoors you need to place the seedlings inside pots that have been filled with potting soil. Once they start sprouting leaves, keep them out from direct sunlight. Once the plants begin to grow properly, you should move them into bright indirect lights. After about three weeks, transplant them to individual containers and continue to water them regularly.
Do I need special equipment to grow vegetables in my garden?
Not really. All you need are a trowel or shovel and a watering can.
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)
- It will likely be ready if a seedling has between 3 and 4 true leaves. (gilmour.com)
- Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com
- 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.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 ways to grow basil indoors.
-
Be careful about where you place it. Basil is an annually-living plant. It will not survive beyond one season if the location is not right. It likes full sun but can tolerate partial shade. If you plan to grow it outside, make sure there is good air circulation.
-
Plant the seeds. Basil seeds should be planted at least two weeks before the last frost date. In small pots with potting mixture, sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep. The pots should be covered with clear plastic wrap. Germination can take up to ten days. After the pots have germinated, place them in a sunny area where temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
When the seedlings reach maturity, you can transplant them. The plastic wrap should be removed and the seedlings transplanted into larger containers. To drain excess moisture, fill each container with potting mixture. As needed, add more potting mixture. Place the containers in indirect or sunny light. Mist the plants regularly to keep them from wilting.
-
Once the danger of frost is over, cover the plants with a thick mulch layer. This will protect them from cold weather and reduce water loss.
-
You should water your plants often. Basil needs to be hydrated regularly to ensure its survival. To check how much water your plants need, you can use a rain gauge. Use a timer to automatically turn off irrigation during dry spells.
-
Make sure to pick basil right when it is at its peak. Pick leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth.
-
Use paper towels to dry leaves. Store dried leaves in glass jars or bags in the refrigerator.