Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners Association

06/19/2026

The Class of 2026 is already well into exploring their modules and attending labs. For their first lab they participated in Water Quality and Conservation which was led by RAMGA’s own Water Stewards, Billy Grose and Julie Baty. The purpose of this training was to learn about Virginia’s water resources and how to protect them

Also, part of the lab was a hands-on demonstration of the construction of a water barrel for garden irrigation purposes.

06/18/2026

A dedicated team continues to w**d, plant, and w**d some more. At the Garden, a recent project is the installation of stakes to prepare for the planting of Juliet tomatoes. On a recent busy and HOT Monday morning, the team planted 108 California Wonder peppers and 100 Juliet tomato plants. And they are just getting started. Jim Kvach is on hand to offer instruction on proper hole depth and soil arrangement with water moats. A rabbit has found entry into the garden and is wreaking havoc, much to the frustration of the gardeners. Stay tuned for more about the adventures of the Giving Garen rabbit, named Thumper.

06/17/2026

Liz Murphy completed her 50 volunteer hours requirement to become a certified Rockbridge Area Master Gardener Volunteer. Liz is pictured with the Jackson House Historical Garden RAMGA team. Congratulations, Liz!

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

What a beautiful sight! Through our Giving Back Grant Program, RAMGA recently supported the Glorify Glasgow project through the Local History Center in Glasgow. 50 children contributed to building a pollinator habitat in Glasgow. Thanks to our Master Gardener Volunteers for helping out. Read more in The News-Gazette!

Rockbridge Regional Libraries

The News-Gazette | A weekly, family-owned newspaper serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County Virginia since 1801.

06/09/2026

Legena Malan (left) and Alyce Navesky have completed their 50 volunteer hours requirement to become a certified Rockbridge Area Master Gardener Volunteer. Congratulations!

06/02/2026

June is here, and with it an abundance of plants for your vegetable garden!

Check out our recommendations for planting in your hardiness zone.

Direct Sowing:
Zones 6A, 7B, and 8A: Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Lima Beans, Cucumbers, Muskmelons, Okra, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Watermelon

Zones 6B and 7A: Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Lima Beans, Cucumbers, Muskmelons, Okra, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Watermelon

Zone 8B Direct Sowing Recommendations are available in the linked publication.

Transplanting:
Zone 6A: Tomatoes, Eggplant, Leeks, Peppers

Zones 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8A: Tomatoes, Eggplant, Peppers

Zone 8B Transplanting Recommendations are available in the linked publication.

You can prepare for the entire planting season by visiting https://brnw.ch/plantguide - including recommendations for Zone 8B. To determine your USDA zone, you can enter your zip code here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

05/27/2026

The newest RAMGA project, Buena Vista Community Garden, is underway! Members of the garden team constructed and assembled two raised garden beds, a galvanized garden bed, and grow bags within the community garden. The Hugelkultur method was used to fill all the beds. Basically, they layered sticks/branches, leaves, then topsoil so the organic matter will provide nutrients as it decomposes. The team meets every Tuesday to plant, maintain, and harvest vegetables that will be donated to the Bridge to Hope Food Pantry. RAMGA will be advertising its presence to the community and assisting others with gardening issues. This will be a demonstration garden so signs will be posted explaining gardening practices and plant information.

05/27/2026

We're delighted to see this pollinator project happening as a result of our Giving Back Grant Program!

The Local History Center of the Rockbridge Regional Library System is presenting Glorify Glasgow: Let’s Grow and Protect!

This community service-based project for local children includes two days of activities provided by the Local History Center. Glorify Glasgow will begin on June 4 at 1 PM. We will be planting shrubs and flowers around the flagpole at Glasgow Town Hall to create a pollinator habitat.

Be sure to join us to grow and protect!

05/27/2026

Check out the progress at this new project!