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...]
June Gardening Tips
With the start of June we now welcome summer and our gardens are now in full swing. With summer we have to keep our gardens watered regularly and keep an eye out for insect and disease problems. Below are gardening tips to help your garden grow … [Read more...]
Birth of an Assassin!
The wheel bug, Arilus cristatus, is North Carolina’s largest assassin bug. It gets its name from the prominent spiny “wheel” found on the thorax. Both nymphs and adults are generalist predators that feed on a variety of insects including aphids, … [Read more...]
Asian Giant Hornet
Hello, everyone, I’d like to say a few words about another invasive insect that has been in the news lately, and is generating questions (I promised myself I would not say generating a lot of buzz, and I’m going to hold to that!). This is … [Read more...]
Weigela
Many varieties of flowering shrubs paint the landscapes of Central Virginia with splashes of color in springtime. Just the mention of forsythias, azaleas, and lilacs bring to mind a variety of vibrant blooms. One shrub that may not be as … [Read more...]
Pruning Flowering Shrubs
The correct time to prune your flowering shrubs depends on when they flower. A rough rule of thumb is to prune spring-blooming shrubs soon after they finish flowering because most bloom on old wood, while those that bloom in summer and fall usually … [Read more...]
Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is the perfect “fix” for the gardener with cabin fever and a need to get their hands in the soil or simply a desire to get a head start on spring. Despite the frigid temperatures, March is the time to make a seed-planting … [Read more...]
The Ageless Gardener
“A little studied negligence is becoming to a garden” — Eleanor Perenyi in “Garden Thoughts” (1981)For the past several years some authors of garden books have honed in on writing what can best be described as adaptive gardening or gardening for a … [Read more...]
ISI Tomatoes
Though paper garden catalogs are not as plentiful as in years past, many of you are finding that your mailboxes contain these dream packets. If not, a quick internet search will yield a plethora of seed companies to peruse. Ask anyone who … [Read more...]
Wildflower of the Year 2020 Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
Wild Geranium is an excellent garden plant, fitting well with mixed perennials in light shade or naturalistic woodland settings. CONTINUE SOURCE: https://vnps.org/2020-wildflower-of-the-year-wild-geranium-geranium-maculatum/ … [Read more...]