We often get asked what our favorite variety of tomato is! Here’s each of the Gary’s answers to that question! Gary Sr. Favorite: “Celebrity! A nice sized 8 oz. tomato that keeps well and has a good taste. Great for both canning and fresh eating!” Gary Jr. (Nelson) Favorite: “Cherokee Purple! A great heirloom tomato with the best flavor! The…
We hear so much about problems people have with deer. The last few years, deer have started eating plants they’ve never touched before… It’s not uncommon to hear of 10-15 deer roaming through neighborhoods in the central Virginia area. Deer often take the blame for damage done by other animals such as rabbits, squirrels, and ground hogs. Damage down close to the…
SPRING THOUGHTS By: Gary Garner Sr. Spring is now here. If you are an avid gardener, then you are ready to get outside and start digging and planting. Doesn’t it feel good to get your hands dirty? Many of us have taken advantage of the early warm days to deal with some of our outdoor tasks. We have…
Vegetable Gardening 101 By: Gary Garner Sr. It’s that time of the year and anyone that gardens even a little has the itch to get outside and starting to play in the soil and get something in the ground. The ones of us that have gardened most, if not all our lives, know the basics…
This information will be applicable to most if not all fruiting trees. If you want information on a particular type of fruit let us know and we will be happy to provide more info. While the information should be appropriate for most fruit trees, this article will use apple trees for examples. Root importance, fruiting time, and pollination requirements are…
Small Space Endless opportunity! Most people know that a container garden can yield a plentiful harvest of vegetables but often overlook or forget about fruits…! Fruits can successfully be grown in containers! First and foremost, it’s important to note that fruits prefer full sun. Here’s a quick list of the best fruits to grow in containers: Strawberries Blueberries Blackberries /…
USDA Hardness Zone Updates In November 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone map! Central Virginia remains firmly in zone 7 Much of the area shifted to the slightly warmer zone 7b (5° to 10° F) Small pockets remain in 7a (0° to 5° F) What this means for Central Virginia’s Gardeners: All…
People often overlook Cyclamen and go straight for the holiday hallmark of Poinsettias. Cyclamen make for great gifts, beautiful centerpieces, and a great holiday flower when space is limited. With proper care Cyclamen often continue to bloom on into late February and early March! While many people treat Cyclamen as a temporary short-lived houseplant, they are reasonably easy to grow.…
A Holiday Hallmark What’s left to discover about Poinsettias? Well, for starters, Poinsettias are not poisonous, are available in colors besides red, and the finest are found in garden centers. Ironic, perhaps, that a plant with legendary, child-centered origins is often seen as one dangerous to children. According to the Poisondex TM Information Service, a 50-pound child could eat 500…
You have picked out the perfect Christmas Tree. Now what do you do to ensure a safe, fresh and attractive tree throughout the holiday season? If you are not going to take it inside immediately, store it outside in a cool, shady place sheltered from drying winds. If possible, remove about a one-inch section from the butt of the tree…
