Virginia Cooperative Extension - Bath County

06/02/2026

Introduction: Virginia is embarking on a survey to help us learn more about voluntary conservation practices on Virginia farms in the Chesapeake Bay watershed…like yours! The information you provide in response to the survey will help Virginia tell the story of what farmers are doing to conserve s...

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/

05/26/2026

Buy [Virginia] Beef. Find a Virginia Verified Beef retailer near you!

Buying Virginia grown beef supports the Commonwealth’s robust agricultural industry and ensures maximum freshness, taste and nutrition. The Virginia Verified Beef label helps consumers identify local beef products from cattle that were bred, born, raised, and processed in the Commonwealth. To find Virginia Verified Beef near you, visit https://vaverifiedbeef.com/certified-retailers/

05/22/2026

Come visit the mini market at BCH's Food for Thought Health Fair event from 12pm to 4pm. Vendors and educational displays by Virginia Beef Council, VCE, Endless Holler Farm, and Apple Horse Farm. Even more folks and giveaways inside! ❤️ 🧠 🪴 👍

05/21/2026

Need some new grazing ideas or tips? Time to visit the newly updated Graze 300 Virginia website. Graze 300 VA is a Virginia Cooperative Extension initiative designed to help livestock producers achieve *more* [up to 300] days of grazing per year. By optimizing pasture management and rotational grazing systems, the program aims to minimize hay feeding and improve farm profitability. 🌿🌾🌱

Graze 300 VA is an educational initiative dedicated to helping Virginia livestock producers achieve up to 300 days of grazing each year through improved pasture management and environmental stewardship. By shifting winter feeding toward grazing and reducing reliance on costly hay, the program aims t...

05/18/2026

The Virginia Hay Clearing House is a superb resource for those in need of hay. Click here for the latest edition>>
https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/hay.pdf

The Virginia Hay Clearing House is a superb resource for those in need of hay.

*NOTE - Due to the severe drought across most of Virginia, be aware that there are shortages of hay this spring.

Click here for the latest edition>>
https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/hay.pdf

05/14/2026

Even with recent rainfall, drought conditions continue.

While many Virginia farmers saw a slight improvement in topsoil moisture earlier this week, the US Drought Monitor's latest report indicates the spring drought continues to expand.

Rainfall deficits Y-T-D range from 3-6 inches statewide.

What are you seeing on YOUR farm? Hay, corn, soybeans, pastures, etc. (List your county, please)

Date source: US Drought Monitor
Check the status of YOUR county at >>
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?VA

05/13/2026

Itching to get in the garden? Here's a short, but not exhaustive, list of Bath and Highland businesses with flower and vegetable plants.🚨 PLEASE 🚨 check each locations/event hours before arriving.
🌱Bath Co. Farm & Garden, Hot Springs 5408395174
🌱Mountain Laurel Creations, Hot Springs 5408393232🌱Rockingham Cooperative ACE Hardware - Monterey 540 468 2450
🌱Blue Ridge Greenhouses - 1534 Jackson River Rd Monterey, Closed Sundays
🌱Melissa Ailstock at Southermost Maple, Bolar, Closed Sundays
🌱Vanderpool Greenhouse - Monterey, Closed Sundays
🌱Highland FFA Greenhouse - Monterey - APPOINTMENT ONLY

🌱Plant Sale at Highland Farmers Market Pavilion, Friday, May 22
Know someone else with plants or having a plant sale? Add their contacts to the comments! Happy planting 🪴 🍅 ☀️

05/09/2026

Join us at Bath Community Hospital for the Food For Thought community health fair and mini farmers market May 22 from 12-4pm. For questions about the mini market, contact Agriculture Extension Agent Kari Sponaugle at [email protected] or 540 468 2225.

Join us Friday, May 22 for Food For Thought, a free community event focused on mental health, wellness, nutrition, and healthy living for all ages!

Event Details:
🗓 Friday, May 22
🕛 12 PM – 4 PM
📍 Bath Community Hospital – 106 Park Drive, Hot Springs, VA

Enjoy:
🍎 Free refreshments, snacks, and giveaways
🍦 Hand-dipped ice cream
🎈 Family-friendly activities
🥕 A mini farmers market featuring fresh local produce and products for purchase
💚 Community wellness resources and educational information
🧠 Opportunities to meet our Behavioral Health team and local partners

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, this event is designed to encourage healthy habits, meaningful community connections, and conversations surrounding mental wellness in a fun and welcoming environment for all ages.

Help us spread the word and invite a friend. Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there! 💚

05/01/2026

Did you know that the beef industry is Virginia’s second largest commodity with over $712 million in cash receipts in 2024? The Commonwealth's cattle producers are dedicated to raising high-quality, nutritious beef. This month, we celebrate their hard work and commitment to their cattle and land. Virginia Beef Council