The client called to ask why his potatoes (Irish) planted in mid-April already had vines dying in mid-July. He felt this was too soon. He did not know the variety of potato. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION Because most potato varieties … [Read more...]
Tomato Diseases & Disorders
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) can be grown on almost any moderately well-drained soil type. A good supply of organic matter can increase yield and reduce production problems. Tomatoes and related vegetables, such as potatoes, peppers and eggplants, … [Read more...]
DEER DETERRENTS–SCENTS
Deterrents are easy and inexpensive, and so are usually the first line of defense of gardeners against unwanted deer in their gardens. Of the various methods that surprise or offend their senses from smells, tastes, hearing, or touch, odor … [Read more...]
Septoria Leaf Spot on Tomato
Join Virginia Tech Plant Pathologist, Mary Ann Hansen, as she discusses common plant diseases in Virginia. In this video she talks about septoria leaf spot on tomato. For more information on the Virginia Tech Plant Disease Clinic: … [Read more...]
A Host of Hostas
Hostas are a go-to plant for almost any gardener dealing with shade to part-shade in the garden. The one glaring exception is that hostas are deer favorites. If you live in deer country you know that plantings featuring tulips, hosta and daylilies … [Read more...]
JAPANESE BEETLES HOW TO IDENTIFY AND GET RID OF JAPANESE BEETLES IN THE GARDEN
What are those iridescent green garden beetles eating your plants? Here are tips on how to identify and get rid of Japanese beetles. More... … [Read more...]
Tree of Heaven & Spotted Lantern Fly
If you’re hosting this incredibly common plant, you could be hosting #SpottedLanternfly before you know it. Ailanthus trees, more commonly known as tree-of-heaven, are the preferred host of everyone’s least favorite #BadBug. Learn … [Read more...]
Mulching Landscape Trees
Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to enhance landscape beauty, improve soil conditions, protect plants from foot traffic and lawn equipment, and suppress weeds. Mulches can also improve soil structure and fertility. This is … [Read more...]
Squash Bug: Management in Home Gardens
Squash bug (Anasa tristis) can be the most destructive insect pest of winter squash and pumpkins. Feeding damage results in wilting of vines, often with plants being prematurely killed. Problems are most common in the warmer areas of the state and … [Read more...]
Who Are We? What Do Master Gardeners Do?
Master Gardeners are active in every state and are from all walks of life. In Bedford County, we volunteer on behalf of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). Our group is called "BAMGA", which stands for Bedford Area Master Gardeners … [Read more...]