By selecting the contents of the raised bed, soil properties like texture, drainage, and organic matter content can be controlled. A soil and compost mix is recommended, at a ratio of 70% soil to 30% compost. Make sure that both the soil and compost … [Read more...]
Mulch – A Survey of Available Options
A gardener has many choices when it comes to mulch. This article covers the pros and cons of various types of organic, non-organic, and living mulches. Read more: … [Read more...]
How to Use Succession Planting in Your Garden
Succession planting, also known as successive planting, is a way to extend your harvest by staggering plantings of crops or planting varieties with staggered maturing dates. There are four methods of succession planting. CONTINUE SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Are There Alternatives to Glyphosate for Weed Control in Landscapes?
However, recently the toxicity and environmental safety of glyphosate has been questioned**, And, though the US Environmental Protection Agency continues to maintain that glyphosate does not pose a threat to human health or the environment when used … [Read more...]
Seed and Seedling Biology
Viable seeds are living entities. They must contain living, healthy embryonic tissue in order to germinate. Read on: … [Read more...]
What’s Poppin’ this Spring? Your Green Thumb!
Bedford County Master Gardener, Phyllis Turner, was recently interviewed on WSET's TV feature, Living in the Heart of Virginia! Phyllis spoke about how to become a Master Gardener, the upcoming BAMGA plant sale, and Library Workshops that are in … [Read more...]
Give Me All Your Cuttings
I may tell myself that I chat up my neighbors out of a post-quarantine craving for connection. I can pretend that I haul myself outside for a swift ten thousand steps because I’ve finally learned the value of tending myself, body and spirit. But the … [Read more...]
Spring Clean Up in the Garden
Over the past few years I have not done a fall clean-up in my garden. It’s not that I’m lazy, but that I have learned to leave flower heads as a food source for birds. Read more: … [Read more...]
Grow The Good Life
In March, the Bedford Area Master Gardeners will be presenting GROW THE GOOD LIFE, a two-part virtual, educational program. Part 1 will take place on March 5, 2022. Frank Reilly, an environmental scientist and avid Master Gardener will … [Read more...]
CARING FOR YOUR POINSETTIA YEAR ROUND
People have different opinions about the poinsettia. Some consider it a holiday plant to be enjoyed during the month of December, then discarded with the Christmas tree. Others like to nurture and coddle their plants, coaxing them into bloom season … [Read more...]