http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/category/gardening-the-environment.html en Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.html http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ANR/ANR-66/ANR-66.html Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:51:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ANR/ANR-66/ANR-66.html Environmental Quality Farm Business Mgmt. & Planning Gardening & The Environment Turf http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/PPWS/PPWS-15/PPWS-15.html Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:47:00 -0500 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/PPWS/PPWS-15/PPWS-15.html Garden & Landscape Design Garden Plant Diseases Garden Insects / Pests Gardening & The Environment Trees, Shrubs, & Groundcovers Lawns Videos http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/PPWS/PPWS-14/PPWS-14.html Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:47:00 -0500 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/PPWS/PPWS-14/PPWS-14.html Garden & Landscape Design Garden Plant Diseases Garden Insects / Pests Gardening & The Environment Trees, Shrubs, & Groundcovers Lawns Videos http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-018/456-018.html Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:40:00 -0500 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-018/456-018.html Agricultural Insects / Pests Beekeeping Weeds Fruits & Vegetables Garden Insects / Pests Garden Plant Diseases Gardening & The Environment Lawns Turf Home Pests Pesticide Education Alternative Agriculture http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/465/465-300/465-300.html Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:42:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/465/465-300/465-300.html Community Planning Environmental Quality Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-726/450-726.html Symptoms of Botryosphaeria cankers and dieback are most commonly seen as wilting or dieback of a branch or branches on a tree or shrub that, in other respects, appears healthy Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:16:23 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-726/450-726.html Plant Diseases Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-045/426-045.html <p>Small home pond gardens support aquatic plants and also attract a variety of wildlife. Turtles, frogs, birds, snakes, lizards, and raccoons as well as many other animals may use these ponds. Most wildlife needs water to survive and will seek out ponds for drinking, bathing, habitat, and in some cases, reproduction.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-045/426-045.html Gardening & The Environment Wildlife http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-044/426-044.html <p>Aquatic plants are essential for a healthy and environmentally balanced water garden. Whether you are installing a new water feature or renovating an existing one, proper plant selection is critical. Plants compliment water features, soften hard edges, and add color, texture, and form. They also provide shelter and food for fish and other aquatic wildlife. The following steps will help you select and purchase aquatic plants.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-044/426-044.html Gardening & The Environment Garden & Landscape Design http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-043/426-043.html <p>A rain garden is a landscaped area specially designed to collect rainfall and storm-water runoff. The plants and soil in the rain garden clean pollutants from the water as it seeps into the ground and evaporates back into the atmosphere. For a rain garden to work, plants must be selected, installed, and maintained properly.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-043/426-043.html Gardening & The Environment Garden & Landscape Design http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-725/450-725.html This fact sheet outlines general pest control tactics that can easily be implemented for home lawns and gardens, along with other information that home owners can use to make sound pest management decisions. Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-725/450-725.html Plant Diseases Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-724/426-724.html <p>For as long as trees have grown in forests, leaves and needles have fallen to the ground and formed a natural protective layer over the soil. This same protection can be given to the plants in our landscapes by mulching. <b>Mulching can make a big difference in the success of your landscape. Mulches conserve soil moisture, allowing you to water less often; keep down weeds; reduce erosion; keep plant roots cool; provide winter protection; and make your yard more attractive.</b></p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-724/426-724.html Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-723/426-723.html <p>In Virginia, we rely on reservoir systems, wells, and other sources for our freshwater. In recent years, our previously plentiful clean water supplies have been threatened not only by overuse, but also by contamination. Pollutants are carried down with water soaking through the soil to the water table. Runoff (water that does not soak into the ground) flows over the surface, often taking soil and polluting chemicals with it into lakes and streams.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-723/426-723.html Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-722/426-722.html <p>Soil erosion occurs when soil particles are carried off by water or wind and deposited somewhere else such as into a stream or at the bottom of a bay. Often soil particles are carried by runoff, water that does not soak into the ground, but flows over the surface and runs to another area - such as into stormdrains, streams, or lakes. In addition to soil sediment, runoff can wash fertilizer and other pollutants along with it. Sediment makes up most of the pollutant carried by runoff, however, and most of the phosphate and pesticides entering Virginia's waters are attached to these sod particles. Therefore, controlling erosion will make a significant contribution to the control of water pollution.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-722/426-722.html Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-716/426-716.html <p>Virginia is rapidly running out of landfill space. Fifteen to twenty percent of solid waste sent to landfills is comprised of leaves, grass clippings, and other yard wastes. Gardeners can plan their landscapes to produce less yard waste and use what is produced around their homes to enhance yards, gardens, and soil.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-716/426-716.html Gardening & The Environment Garden & Landscape Design http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-713/426-713.html <div xmlns:o="urn:www.microsoft.com/office" xmlns:st1="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags" xmlns:st2="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags2" xmlns:w="urn:www.microsoft.com/word" xmlns:x="urn:www.microsoft.com/excel">Water-wise landscape design and management focus on working with nature and natural forces (such as rainfall) to create an aesthetically pleasing, livable landscape, while using less water from the local supply. <p>Minimizing the need for watering in your landscape requires careful observation, planning, and common sense. Several principles for water-wise landscaping include choosing the best design and plants, preparing soils, and watering properly for efficient water use.</p></div> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-713/426-713.html Gardening & The Environment Garden & Landscape Design http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-712/426-712.html <p>Winter winds increase the rate of air exchange between the interior and exterior of a house, lowering the house’s interior temperature and thereby increasing the heating demand. In a windy site, a windbreak planting (also called a shelterbelt) can account for up to a 50-percent wind reduction and up to a 25-percent reduction in heating fuel consumption. A windbreak is a single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs in a linear configuration.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-712/426-712.html Gardening & The Environment Garden & Landscape Design Energy http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-711/426-711.html <div xmlns:o="urn:www.microsoft.com/office" xmlns:st1="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags" xmlns:st2="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags2" xmlns:w="urn:www.microsoft.com/word" xmlns:x="urn:www.microsoft.com/excel">Caring for the garden soil should be as important to home gardeners as it is to farmers. Improving the soil structure is one of the most important aspects of soil care, and adding organic matter is the most effective way to accomplish this. Organic matter also helps maintain the pH balance of the soil and adds nutrients.</div> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-711/426-711.html Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-710/426-710.html <div xmlns:o="urn:www.microsoft.com/office" xmlns:st1="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags" xmlns:st2="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags2" xmlns:w="urn:www.microsoft.com/word" xmlns:x="urn:www.microsoft.com/excel"><p>Proper use of pesticides is essential for your safety and for that of the environment. Pesticides must be used correctly to be effective.</p><p>Review the product label before each use. Be sure you have all the materials necessary for a safe and proper application. Check precautions label sites (e.g., types of plants or areas) and timing requirements such as days to harvest, temperature, and wind speed restrictions. Be sure you can indeed use this pesticide when and where you intend to!</p></div> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-710/426-710.html Gardening & The Environment Garden Insects / Pests http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-707/426-707.html <p>Research has shown that consumers find reading and understanding the label to be the most difficult aspect of applying pesticides safely. However, it is essential that you understand the label information before you begin work. The label printed on or attached to a container of pesticide tells you how to use it correctly and warns of any environmental or health safety measures to take.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-707/426-707.html Gardening & The Environment Garden Insects / Pests http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-706/426-706.html <div xmlns:o="urn:www.microsoft.com/office" xmlns:st1="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags" xmlns:st2="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags2" xmlns:w="urn:www.microsoft.com/word" xmlns:x="urn:www.microsoft.com/excel">Healthy plants are less susceptible to attack by pests, and good cultural practices can reduce pest outbreaks. <h3>Do you really need a pesticide?</h3>Before you purchase any pesticide, you should answer some important questions. <ul><li>Is the damage actually caused by a pest? Could it be due to the weather or a cultural practice, such as overor underwatering, improper fertilization, or herbicide damage?</li><li>If it is a pest, what kind is it?</li><li>Are there nonchemical ways to control it? Is the damage severe enough to warrant chemical control?</li><li>Is pesticide use cost-effective? Or would the chemical treatment cost more than the plant is worth?</li><li>Can the pest be controlled by a chemical at this stage of its life cycle, or would application at a different time be more effective?</li><li>Do you have the equipment and skill to use the proper pesticide correctly?</li></ul></div> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-706/426-706.html Gardening & The Environment Garden Insects / Pests http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-705/426-705.html <div xmlns:o="urn:www.microsoft.com/office" xmlns:st1="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags" xmlns:st2="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags2" xmlns:w="urn:www.microsoft.com/word" xmlns:x="urn:www.microsoft.com/excel"><b>Storage Tips</b><br />The proper storage of pesticides, both synthetic and botanical, in and around the home is important for many reasons, including protecting human health, preserving the environment, and maintaining chemical effectiveness. One way to minimize storage problems is through good planning. <p>Buy only the amount of pesticide that you need for a specific job or for the current growing season. The smaller-volume containers, even if more expensive ounce for ounce, may in fact be the "best buy" in the long run by eliminating waste and the need for storage space. If you need to store pesticides on your property, follow these guidelines - for safety's sake!</p></div> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-705/426-705.html Gardening & The Environment Garden Insects / Pests http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-704/426-704.html <p>Compost is produced when organic matter, such as garden and lawn waste, is broken down by bacteria and fungi.</p><p>When added to soil it improves soil structure; sandy soils will hold water better while clays will drain faster. Compost also promotes a biologically healthy soil by providing food for earthworms, soil insects, and beneficial microorganisms.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-704/426-704.html Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-703/426-703.html <div xmlns:o="urn:www.microsoft.com/office" xmlns:st1="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags" xmlns:st2="urn:www.microsoft.com/smarttags2" xmlns:w="urn:www.microsoft.com/word" xmlns:x="urn:www.microsoft.com/excel"><p>Compost is one of the most valuable resources for beautifying your landscape, and it is virtually free. The leaves you rake, the grass you mow, and the branches you trim are some of the ingredients you can use to make compost. Finished compost is dark and has a pleasant smell. It is produced when organic matter — such as garden, lawn, and kitchen waste — is broken down by bacteria and fungi. </p><p>Use compost throughout your landscape: dig it into gardens and flower beds, add it to the soil when renovating your lawn, or put it through a sieve and use it in potting soil.</p></div> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-703/426-703.html Gardening & The Environment Lawns http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-615/426-615.html <p>Research has shown that consumers find reading and understanding the label to be the most difficult aspect of applying pesticides. However, an understanding of the label information is essential before work begins. The label printed on or attached to a container of pesticide tells how to use it correctly and warns of any environmental or health safety measures to take. Read the label when you purchase a pesticide and again before mixing or applying it. If you are confused about any part of the label, consult your Extension agent or a representative of the company that makes the product. Many pesticides now list a toll-free number for consumers. The label includes specific information that you should be aware of and learn to understand.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-615/426-615.html Gardening & The Environment Environmental Quality Garden Insects / Pests http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-613/426-613.html <p>Plants need 17 elements for normal growth. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are found in air and water. Nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and sulfur are found in the soil. These six elements are used in relatively large amounts by the plant and are called macronutrients. There are eight other elements that are used in much smaller amounts and are called micronutrients, or trace elements. The micronutrients, which are found in the soil, are iron, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, and chlorine. All 17 elements, both macronutrients and micronutrients, are essential for plant growth.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-613/426-613.html Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-059/426-059.html <p>The people of Virginia use nearly 400 million gallons of groundwater each day to meet industrial, agricultural, public, and private water demands. One-third of Virginia's citizens rely on groundwater as their primary source of fresh drinking water, and 80 percent of Virginians use groundwater to supply some or all of their daily water needs. Groundwater is an important resource, but it is a hidden one and, therefore, is often forgotten. In fact, until recent incidents of groundwater contamination, little attention was paid to the need to protect Virginia's groundwater.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-059/426-059.html Gardening & The Environment Environmental Quality http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-042/426-042.html <p>Water gardens require maintenance throughout the year. Preparation for the winter months is especially important for the survival of both the aquatic plants and the wildlife in and around the pond. Some plants will not tolerate winter weather and must be removed from the pond while cold-hardy plants need only to be completely immersed in the pond. Debris such as leaves and dying plants must be removed, especially if there are fi sh in the pond. Fall is the time to take action. Prepare the pond for the winter months by managing the plants, cleaning the pond, and monitoring the water conditions. If treated properly, many aquatic plants and wildlife can survive in the water garden for years.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-042/426-042.html Gardening & The Environment Tools & Techniques http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-041/426-041.html <p>A watershed is an area of land that drains to a lake, river, wetland, or other waterway. When precipitation occurs, water travels over forest, agricultural, or urban/suburban land areas before entering a waterway. Water can also travel into underground aquifers on its way to larger bodies of water. Together, land and water make up a watershed system.</p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-041/426-041.html Gardening & The Environment Natural Resources http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-040/426-040.html <p>Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)</p><p>(numerous aquatic plants)</p><p>Aphids are often called plant lice. Several species are troublesome pests on above-water leaves (a), stems, and flower buds of aquatic plants. These sucking insects distort succulent new leaves, causing them to curl, wilt, or turn yellow. Adults are 1/8 inch long and can be winged (c) or wingless (b) with soft pear-shaped bodies with two distinctive cornicles or "tailpipes" protruding from the backs of their abdomens. </p> Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-040/426-040.html Gardening & The Environment Environmental Quality Garden Insects / Pests http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/452/452-233/452-233.html This publication is designed for waste managers, community planners, recycling and environmental coordinators, and others interested in waste reduction and recycling. Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/452/452-233/452-233.html Environmental Quality Gardening & The Environment http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/452/452-231/452-231.html Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/452/452-231/452-231.html Soils Gardening & The Environment Environmental Quality http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/452/452-055/452-055.html Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/452/452-055/452-055.html Gardening & The Environment Lawns http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-080/426-080.html <p><strong>Invasive</strong> nonnative (nonindigenous) plants are the subject of a considerable amount of attention and debate. Stories about invasive plants are now common in the popular media. As purchasers of nonindigenous plants that have the potential to invade natural areas, consumers are links in the distribution chain of invasive plants. Other links are those who import, propagate, transport, and sell nonindigenous plants. Ultimately, the result is a potential impact on our natural environment.</p> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:43:23 -0400 http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-080/426-080.html Natural Resources Gardening & The Environment