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Virginia Tech Gardening and Cooperative Extension Publications



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There are many ways you can get Virginia Cooperative Extension publications free of charge. These materials are published for general public use and may be reprinted with a citation. These materials are available for free. Authors may purchase copies to distribute. If you are a faculty or staff member who would like to order printed copies for distribution you can do so from the VCE Storefront. All Virginia Cooperative Extension publications may be downloaded for free from the VCE site.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service (VCES) focuses on agriculture, agribusiness, home economics, community resource development, and 4-H Clubs. As part of a joint federal, state, and local program, Extension aims to make the most of knowledge produced by land-grant universities and is a good way to get that information into the hands of citizens. Exemplifying an extension program is Virginia's Agricultural Experiment Station.


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Insect Identification services - Virginia Cooperative Extension provides a Plant Disease Clinic for the identification of insects and other pathogens. The clinic can diagnose various environmental and plant problems. It can identify weeds, mushrooms, and any other type of plant. They can even analyse digital photographs of plants or insects for identification. Cooperative Extension has many publications. This means that you will likely be able to locate the one that meets your needs.


Choosing the right planting date is another important component to vegetable gardening. Since vegetables vary so widely in their preferred growing conditions and tolerance of extreme temperatures, selecting the right planting date is vital to a successful crop. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones is a guide to help you choose the best dates for your location. The publication provides specific guidance regarding spacing and seeding. It also lists the maximum number of plants per 10-foot row. This information is crucial for a successful garden.

You can grow apples in your home garden. This can make it a fun experience. 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.


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Virginia's diverse topography and vast area allow for various varieties of fruit. On an average 13,774 acres, the state's apple crop is grown. Peaches are grown on an average of 175 acres per year. Virginia, however, has 99 acres of sweet and tart cherry and peach orchards. Their annual peach and apple crop is the sixth largest in the country and the state's peach production is estimated at $35 million.


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FAQ

Can I grow vegetables indoors

Yes, it is possible for vegetables to be grown inside during winter months. You will need to get a grow light or greenhouse. You should check the laws in your area before you purchase a greenhouse.


What kind of lighting works best for growing plants indoors?

Because they emit less heat then incandescent lamps, floralescent lights can be used indoors to grow plants. They can also provide steady lighting without flickering and dimming. Both regular and compact fluorescent fluorescent bulbs are available. CFLs use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.


What vegetables do you recommend growing together?

The combination of tomatoes and peppers is great because they love the same temperatures and soil conditions. They work well together as tomatoes need heat to ripen and peppers need lower temperatures for optimal flavor. If you want to try growing them together, start seeds indoors about six weeks before planting them. Once the weather gets warmer, transplant your pepper and tomato plants outdoors.


What is the difference between aquaponic gardening or hydroponic?

Hydroponic gardening relies on nutrient rich water rather than soil to provide nutrients for plants. Aquaponics is a system that combines fish tanks and plants to create an ecosystem that is self-sufficient. It's like having a farm right in your backyard.



Statistics

  • 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)
  • Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com
  • Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate! - ufseeds.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)



External Links

planthardiness.ars.usda.gov


bonnieplants.com




How To

2023 Planting Calendar: When To Plant Vegetables

Planting vegetables at a soil temperature between 50 and 70 degrees F is the best time. You should not wait too long to plant vegetables. This will cause stress and reduce yields.

It takes about four weeks for seeds t to germinate. Six hours of direct sunlight is required each day for seedlings to emerge once they have emerged. Additional water should be provided for five inches each week.

Vegetable crops grow best during the summer months. There are exceptions. To take one example, tomatoes can be grown all year.

You will need to protect your plants against frost if you live in colder climates. Cover the plants with row cover fabric, plastic mulch, or straw bales.

You can also get heat mats that keep your ground warm. These mats are placed under the plants and covered with soil.

Keep weeds under control by using a weeding tool or hoe. Cutting weeds at their base is a great way to get rid.

For healthy root systems, compost can be added to the planting hole. Compost is a good way to retain water and provide nutrients.

Maintain soil moisture, but do not let it become saturated. Water the soil deeply once per week.

Soak the roots in water until they are completely hydrated. Allow the excess water to drain into the soil.

Avoid overwatering. Overwatering encourages disease and fungus growth.

Fertilize late in the season. Fertilizing early in the season can lead to poor fruit production and stunting. Wait until your plants start producing flowers.

Removing any damaged crops after harvest is a good idea. You can risk rotting if you harvest too quickly.

Harvest when the fruits have reached their peak. Remove the stems and store the fruits in a cool place.

The harvested vegetables should be kept in the refrigerator immediately.

In summary, growing your own food is easy! It's easy and fun. You'll enjoy delicious, healthy foods.

Growing your own food is simple. You simply need patience, knowledge and planning.




 



Virginia Tech Gardening and Cooperative Extension Publications