Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners

10/21/2026

ORCHID CARE

Moth Orchids, known as Phalaenopsis Orchids,are a very popular, easy to grow tropical houseplant.
They are the kind on display in most stores. Their care is advertised as Easy Peasy. But I don't think so. Not in my house. So if you need a refresh on basic orchid care like I did, please check out the following link.

Care of Phalaenopsis Orchids (Moth Orchids) | University of Maryland Extension https://extension.umd.edu/resource/care-phalaenopsis-orchids-moth-orchids

10/07/2026

Please note the registration deadline (10/29)!

10/07/2026

09/25/2026

MIDSUMMER-CARE of my IRISES

It is almost the end of the summer and my irises have finished blooming in May, it seems to be such a long time ago.
Now what? Do I hope they will look Good again next year? Or do I do some garden chores to make them look Great again next year?
Checkout the following links for tips and tricks to improve the bloom of this gorgeous perennial, which happens to be my favorite.

https://guernsey.osu.edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers/news-guernsey-county-master-gardeners/midsummer-care

https://www.schreinersgardens.com
How do I care for my Iris Beds?

09/02/2026

Hello fellow gardeners!👩‍🌾

The Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners are celebrating 25 years! 🥳

Please join our open house and program from 4 PM to 7 PM on September 17th in Farmville.

See our attached flier for more details on our planned festivities, including how to become a Master Gardener!

We hope you will join us and bring a friend, too!

~Heart of VA Master Gardeners

08/03/2026

Have you got plans for your garden this month? August is a busy time for planting! 🌞🌱

Direct Sowing:

Zones 6A & 6B: Beets, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach, Turnips

Zone 7A: Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 7B: Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Rutabaga, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 8A: Bush Beans, Beets, Carrots, Collards, Kale, Cucumber, Eggplant, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Okra, Peppers, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

Transplanting:

Zones 6A & 6B: Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce

Zone 7A: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce

Zones 7B & 8A: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce, Tomatoes

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

You can prepare for the entire planting season by visiting https://brnw.ch/plantguide
To determine your USDA zone, you can enter your zip code here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

07/09/2026

Howdy from Farmville!

I just finished speaking to the Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners group.

I covered Virginia weather vs climate, weather modification also some lowlights of my storm chasing bloopers.

Now off to work to track a few storms today!

- George

07/03/2026

While many gardens are in full swing by July, it's not too late to get more plants in the ground! 🥒🥕

Direct Sowing:

Zone 6A: Lima Beans, Bush Beans, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cucumbers, Okra, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Sweet Corn

Zone 6B: Lima Beans, Bush Beans, Carrots, Cucumbers, Okra, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Sweet Corn

Zone 7A: Lima Beans, Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Cucumbers, Okra, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Watermelon

Zones 7B & 8A: Lima Beans, Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Cucumbers, Muskmelons, Okra, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Watermelon

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

Transplanting:

Zone 6A: Cauliflower, Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes

Zones 6B & 7A: Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes

Zones 7B & 8A: Eggplant, Peppers, Pumpkins, Tomatoes

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

You can prepare for the entire planting season by visiting https://brnw.ch/plantguide
To determine your USDA zone, you can enter your zip code here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

06/18/2026

Mark your calendars (July 9th)!
George Flickinger will be presenting “How Weather impacts your garden”!
☀️🌤️🌧️⛈️⚡️🌪️💨🌈🌥️⛈️