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Growing Blackberries & Raspberries

  • January 9, 2022
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Question: I would like to plant some blackberry and raspberry bushes on my property. Can I plant them together in the same row? What type of soil and fertilizer do they need? Blackberries and raspberries are some of the favorite berries…

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Recycling Christmas Trees

  • December 22, 2021
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Question: How do I recycle Christmas trees and other holiday greens? What other types of recycling should I be thinking about during this season? The holiday season is all about abundance and the joy of giving, but it also generates…

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Understanding Male Hybrid Asparagus Plants

  • December 7, 2021
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My asparagus plants were planted five years ago, but the spears grow only to the size of a pencil. It’s a male hybrid that doesn’t have seed. Why are the spears so small and how do I ensure an abundant…

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Plant Patents on Knock Out Roses

  • November 23, 2021
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Question: I would like to propagate some of my Knock Out patented roses to share with friends. Is this legal, and if so, what’s the best way to do it? Most species of roses require significant time and effort to…

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Repotting Houseplants

  • November 9, 2021
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Question: How can I tell if my houseplant needs to be repotted? What symptoms do I look for? How should I repot my houseplant? When the weather turns colder and outside garden cleanup is completed, many gardeners focus their attention…

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Researching Gardening Questions

  • October 27, 2021
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Question: I want to do research on problems I’ve encountered in my yard and garden. Web searches can be overwhelming. How can I find answers to my gardening questions more easily? Gardeners are always brimming with questions about their home…

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Understanding Integrated Pest Management

  • October 15, 2021
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Question: I have heard the term “Integrated Pest Management” and think it probably involves environmentally safer methods than treating with chemicals. Does it mean that I have to eliminate all pesticides and other chemical treatments? What is IPM? Let’s start…

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Diagnosing Disease in Viburnums

  • September 28, 2021
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Question: I have 15-year-old viburnum that is showing signs of decline, and 80% of the plant looks like it’s dead or dying. What could be happening? When and how should I prune it? Many gardeners choose viburnums for their attractive…

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Choosing Cover Crops

  • September 14, 2021
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Question: What is the purpose of using a cover crop? Some cover crops are planted at different times of the year. How do I choose the right one for the time of year and when do I plant it? What…

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Benefits of Green Roofs

  • September 1, 2021
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Question: I am building a new home and am interested in having a “green roof.” What are the main benefits of green roofs? Can you recommend some good resources to learn more? First let’s look at some basic information on…

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  • Home
    • All Timely Topics
    • Ask a Master Gardener
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Our Vision, Mission, & Values
    • Projects
    • Community Partners
  • Events
  • Gardening Resources
    • Native Plants
    • Conservation Landscaping
      • Healthy Landscapes
      • Healthy Virginia Lawns
    • Horticultural Help Desks
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Monthly Gardening Tips
    • VCE Publications & Other Resources
    • Be a Steward of the Environment
  • Monthly Newsletter
  • Share Your Harvest
    • Find a Donation Site
    • Interactive Map of Donation Sites
    • Resources for Growing & Donating Your Harvest
    • Report Your Donations
  • Get Involved
    • Become an Extension Master Gardener
  • Donate
    • Consignment Donations
    • Brent & Becky’s Blooming Bucks
  • Contact
  • Members Only

The Garden Shed Newsletter

April 2025-Vol.11,No.4

Va. bluebell photo by Cathy Caldwell

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