Amelia

Hey gardeners! Did you know that plants can get sick, just like people? Today we’re going to talk about plant diseases! Plant diseases can be caused by biotic factors (pathogens) and abiotic factors (anything nonliving). A pathogen is just any microorganism that can cause disease, like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. […]

Hey gardeners! Spring planted bulbs, also known as summer bulbs or tender bulbs, can add a beautiful pop of color to your garden. Unlike spring blooming bulbs, which are typically planted the previous fall, summer bulbs should be planted in late spring/early summer, after the last frost date—around here (zone […]

Row covers at our Urban Farm! Hey gardeners! Some years, spring never quite gets here. Luckily, that doesn’t mean you have to put your big garden plans on hold. Today, we’re going to talk about season extension! In any given year, the gardening season is limited on both ends by […]

Hey gardeners! For many, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of insects in a garden is pests. Whether that’s caterpillars on your tomatoes or flea beetles in your cabbages, they can be a real pain to deal with. Still, it’s important to remember not all insects […]

Hey gardeners! As anyone who’s ever tried to garden outside knows, weeds can be a real pain. They take space and nutrients away from the things we actually want to plant, and they grow like… well, weeds. Dealing with them can feel like a full-time job. It’s tempting to opt […]

Seeds, seeds, and more seeds. Isn’t it amazing that delicious and nutritious vegetables can start with a single, tiny seed? Knowing what to do with seeds and where to put them can be confusing, but we have some information to help! Check out the links below for information on these […]

Photo on the left: Blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) (Photo Credits – USDA Agricultural Research Service) Photo on the right: Native bee “house” filled with nesting tubes made from natural reeds. Photo by Tim McCy for Virginia Tech What’s the “buzz” on mason bees? These precious pollinators come early to […]

Adding a burst of color and vibrancy to your garden is as simple as planting bulbs. These easy-to-grow plants provide stunning displays of flowers year after year. There are various types of bulbs suitable for our growing zone, including native bulbs, bulbs that act as pest deterrents, and bulbs that […]

There are so many factors that are affecting our ability to produce food. One large factor is the decline in pollinators due to things like habitat loss, and pesticide use. If we can increase the available food sources for pollinators in our community, we can help ensure that our gardens […]

Starting your own seedlings this year? The thought can be intimidating for beginner growers, but there are many benefits: you can buy varieties that you may not find in stores, and you can worry less about bringing diseases from nurseries into your garden. If you are starting seeds, there are […]