There are many tree species that can be successfully grown in Virginia, but are rarely seen in our landscapes. Although not ordinarily recommended or readily available, these trees may be useful to carry out a specific landscape theme, to substitute for an exotic type which is not locally adapted, or may be prized for unusual form, flowers, fruits, bark, or foliage.

The Virginia Pest Management Guide (PMG) series lists options for management of major pests: diseases, insects, nematodes, and weeds. These guides are produced by Virginia Cooperative Extension and each guide is revised annually. PMG recommendations are based on research conducted by the Research and Extension Division of Virginia Tech, in cooperation with other land-grant universities, the USDA, and the pest management industry.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a strategy commonly used by pest management professionals but is often not widely understood by the general public. IPM provides an important framework for making practical, effective, and environmentally sound pest management decisions. This publication will identify common myths surrounding IPM and debunk these misconceptions.

Everything that Virginia Extension Master Gadeners do involves some sort of risk. It could be risk to their own health and safety, risk to the health and safety of participants in the programs they lead, risk to property (like those new pollinator plants they are planting), risk to natural resources, or risk to the reputation of the volunteers, chapters, program, Virginia Tech, Commonwealth of Virginia, and local partners with whom they are volunteering. “Risk management” is the sum of all the strategies we use to try to reduce the likelihood that an action we take will cause harm. Risk management is the responsibility of every Virginia Extension Master Gardener (EMG). In this publication, we describe the common categories of risk EMG volunteers may encounter as part of their learning and service in the program. We give examples of specific risks in each category, and we describe recommended strategies for EMG volunteers to follow.

Very often, EMG projects and activities “spontaneously generate,” whether from a community request or from a volunteer who has an idea that meets a local need. Because the projects may or may not integrate with the planned educational programming to be implemented by EMGs, the opportunities that arise should be evaluated to see if they are appropriate Extension activities, whether they are feasible, and if there is sufficient commitment to ensure completion. New projects should be evaluated to determine how they fit into Extension program areas, such as sustainable landscape management, the unit’s Situation Analysis and the agent’s plan of work. If EMG projects and activities are planned outside of the educational program plan designed with local VCE agents and staff, then a Project Proposal and Authorization Form should be completed.

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.

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.