VCE news

The current economy is sparking a renewed interest in a healthy money maker: vegetable gardening.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture says vegetables are important sources of nutrients that help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.
“Vegetable gardeners are often the most popular people in your neighborhood,“ says Lance Walheim, co-author of Vegetable Gardening. “Growing your own veggies lets you create your own salad or side dishes that taste great.“ 
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose your vegetables: What kind of veggies or salads do you like to eat? Options include: head and leaf lettuces, spinach, parsley, asparagus, peas, carrots, corn, broccoli, eggplant, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, okra, peppers, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes and celery.
Let the sun and soil be your guide: Most vegetables need 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily and well-drained soil.
Prepare the soil: Contact your local cooperative extension about soil testing and adding amendments.
Lay out planting beds: Use string to mark off the individual rows of vegetables you’ll plant. Rows that face east to west will get the best sun exposure.
Plant with the seasons: Contact us for a local planting calendar and for tips on locally adapted and pest-resistant varieties.
Use mulch: It helps keep the weeds out and is a water conservation technique. Weeds compete for nutrients and may harbor pests and diseases.
Monitor for pests: Japanese beetles, aphids and hornworms like veggies too.  Contact us to find out the best way to handle the critters that are nibbling on your garden. 
Water and fertilize: Vegetables need consistent water and nutrients.
Enjoy the bounty: Pick often and share the wealth. Many vegetables will stop producing if not harvested often.
Never think you don’t have adequate space for vegetable gardening - you can always start small by growing vegetables in raised beds or containers. A container for vegetables can be as simple as a bushel basket, ceramic pot or a planter box.
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For more information, please contact us at the Virginia Cooperative Extension - Greene County Office. 
VCE brings unbiased, research-backed knowledge into local communities to promote community development.  The direction of this development is based on the needs that Greene County citizens identify and prioritize.  Our assistance ranges from youth leadership development and animal/crop/soil and farm business management to home gardening, entrepreneurship, community planning, food and nutrition, parenting and childcare.  And much more!!
Our office is located at 10013 Spotswood Trail in Stanardsville.  In the same building as the Sheriff’s office and Social Services.  Cathryn Kloetzli , 434.985.5236, http://offices.ext.vt.edu/greene/