Question: Red imported fire ants (RIFA) have been reported in southeastern Virginia and some Virginia cities and counties have been placed under quarantine. Are these ants spreading to other areas in the State, including Albemarle County? What do we need…
Q: I am planning to install a raised bed vegetable garden irrigation system. What are some things I should be considering? By Kathryn Schick, Piedmont Master Gardener Intern Irrigation systems can be a game-changer for home gardeners looking to maximize…
Question: I’ve contracted to have a new home built and groundbreaking starts soon. What measures should be taken prior to and during construction to preserve and protect the topsoil and native plants on my site? By Carla Throckmorton, Piedmont Master…
Question: How can I eradicate my golden bamboo patch? By Camille Keely, Piedmont Master Gardener Intern Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), also known as fishpole or running bamboo, is one of the most common types of non-native bamboo in Virginia. Originating…
By Bev Tavener, Piedmont Master Gardener Intern Question: My lawn area is generally pretty lush, but under my big oak, the grass is not growing well. I have fertilized the area with no improvement. What should I try doing? The…
By Carla Throckmorton, Piedmont Master Gardener Intern Question: I have been told to avoid the use of “neonicotinoids”. How can I tell if my rose care product has this pesticide? How long does the effect last if the plant was…
Question: I don’t have a green thumb. What easy care houseplants can you recommend? I’d like to have some showy ones. How do I keep them healthy? By Emily Douglas and Marilyn Keller, Piedmont Master Gardener Interns Raising and caring…
Question: Whenever it rains, water pools in low spots in my yard. How can I fix the problem myself inexpensively and not have runoff possibly pollute local streams? Water that pools in yards can be a problem for many reasons….
Question: I have Nandina in several of my garden beds. Is it an invasive plant and if it is, how do I control it? What are some alternative plants with berries? Nandina domestica, also called heavenly or sacred bamboo, was…
Question: How do I choose the right rain gauge so I know when my garden and landscape need water? Climate change is bringing us periods of drought and periods of more excessive rainfalls as well as higher temperatures. Heat stress…