Ed Olsen and Wendy Silverman, New River Valley Extension Master Gardener Director, discuss how Virginia Extension Master Gardeners are growing community impact by providing seeds for educational programs and nonprofits through their innovative seed bank program!

A culinary staple used raw, cooked, sautéed or roasted—garlic is easier to grow than you might think. Virginia Cooperative Extension's Ed Olsen shares expert tips for cultivating this versatile ingredient.

Growing figs in marginal hardiness zones requires special care and technique. Virginia Cooperative Extension's Ed Olsen shares expert strategies for successfully cultivating these Mediterranean favorites in challenging climates.

Get ready to level up your indoor plant game as Ed Olsen from Virginia Cooperative Extension and Will Haas from Strange's Florist and Greenhouses share expert tips on helping your houseplants thrive in From the Ground Up.

Spring planting season is upon us as Virginia Cooperative Extension expert Ed Olsen and Henrico County Public Schools Horticulture teacher Heather Veneziano deliver essential seed-starting wisdom to help gardeners kickstart their growing season with confidence.

Looking for a simple way to get a head start on your garden? Try winter seed sowing! Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist Ed Olsen and Extension Master Gardener Cathy Tignor discuss how you can use those recycled plastic beverage containers sitting in your recycling bin to start seeds! Milk jugs, iced tea containers and lemonade bottles make the perfect mini-greenhouses for this technique.

Discover how foodscaping blends beauty with functionality as Ed Olsen and Master Gardener Phaedra Hise from Virginia Cooperative Extension share expert tips for incorporating edible plants into your landscape design, creating gardens that please both the eye and the palate.

Explore the many culinary and beverage uses of the versatile ginger plant in this conversation between Ed Olsen and Dr. Sanjun Gu of Virginia Cooperative Extension, who shares expert tips on how to cultivate this prized rhizome in your own backyard garden.

The Three Sisters growing technique maximizes your garden space by planting corn, beans and squash together. Ed Olsen and Extension Master Gardener Noel Talcott with Virginia Cooperative Extension demonstrate this traditional companion planting method for efficient gardening.

Drip irrigation is more efficient and better for your garden overall, delivering water directly to plant roots while conserving resources. Ed Olsen with Virginia Cooperative Extension shares essential tips for getting started with this water-saving gardening method.

Red hibiscus, sorrel or roselle—this vibrant plant goes by many names but serves as both a beautiful garden bloom and a staple ingredient in teas and traditional dishes worldwide. Ed Olsen with Virginia Cooperative Extension explores the science and stories behind this versatile garden favorite.

Garden planting may begin in the spring, but garden planning starts in the winter. Virginia Cooperative Extension's Ed Olsen, along with Hanover Extension Master Gardener Josh Cosby, shares expert advice on how to prepare for successful spring planting in this From the Ground Up segment.

Cold weather slowing down your garden plans? Ed Olsen with Virginia Cooperative Extension and Noel Talcott, Extension Master Gardener, share a winter project: Building raised garden beds indoors so you’re ready for spring. It’s easy, affordable and a great way to stay connected to gardening during the colder months.

Spring gardening is here—but so are the pests. Ed Olsen and Alejandro Del Pozo with Virginia Cooperative Extension demonstrate how Integrated Pest Management can help you tackle insects. Learn simple steps to protect your garden and keep plants thriving, in From the Ground Up.

Not sure which pot size to use, what soil mix works best or how to choose the right fertilizer? Ed Olsen and Kris Criscione with Virginia Cooperative Extension break down the essentials of container gardening and show how to set your plants up for success.

Ever wondered how to grow your own sweet potatoes from scratch? At a giving garden in Midlothian, a garden volunteer shows how to propagate sweet potatoes using simple household methods and plant them for a successful harvest. From starting slips in water to planting them in nutrient rich soil, this step by step approach makes growing sweet potatoes accessible for any home gardener.

Want perfect pumpkins by October? At Sarah’s Pumpkin Patch in Orange County, Extension agent Sarah Sharp shares why timing is everything—planting in late June ensures pumpkins are ready just in time for fall. Learn how to choose disease resistant varieties, plant seeds the right way, and care for your pumpkins throughout the growing season. Whether you’re growing one pumpkin or a whole patch, these simple tips will help you get the best results