Virginia Cooperative Extension

06/04/2026

Despite recent rainfall, DEQ and the Drought Monitoring Task Force are continuing the existing drought advisory. Read more in our press release below 👇

06/03/2026

Did you know June is ? 🐝🦋🦇

Extension is celebrating with events across the state, check out our list to find one near you! ➡️ https://go.vt.edu/upYMr

06/01/2026

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/

05/28/2026

With drought conditions impacting Virginia and much of the country, Virginia Cooperative Extension expert and consumer horticulture specialist Ed Olsen has practical tips for helping plants survive in your garden. Learn how to support your plants while avoiding common mistakes ➡️ https://go.vt.edu/upFNP

05/19/2026

For more than 33 years, Jon Vest has helped connect Southwest Virginia communities with practical, research-based solutions through Virginia Cooperative Extension. 🌱

As a senior agriculture and natural resources agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension - Floyd County, Jon works with producers, landowners, families, and communities to support sustainable agriculture, natural resource conservation, and rural resilience.

From preserving Virginia’s heirloom apple varieties to helping communities recover after Hurricane Helene, Jon’s work is rooted in relationships, trust, and service. He believes Extension’s greatest strength is meeting people where they are, “Extension is important because it connects people with unbiased, research-based help so they can make better decisions for their families, farms, businesses, and future.”

Read more about Jon here ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x2DfU

05/14/2026

Virginia Cooperative Extension was proud to support the Intro to Managed Grazing Workshop at Honaker House Farm in Draper this past Saturday alongside Graze 300 Virginia!

The workshop brought together Extension agents from Wythe, Pulaski, Giles, Craig, Allegheny, Floyd, and Montgomery to share practical rotational grazing strategies and drought management resources with producers. By connecting producers with Extension educators, specialists, and community partners, Virginia Cooperative Extension helps provide research-based knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities to support farms and agricultural communities across the state.

Thank you to our partners and program participants who made this workshop such a success!

05/12/2026

05/08/2026

Congratulations to Chrysanthi Euripides on being elected as the National High School Division DECA Inc. President for 2026–2027! 🎉

Her leadership, innovation, and commitment to empowering members have already made an impact across Virginia, and now she’ll represent DECA students nationwide.

We're also recognizing Virginia State Advisor Shannon Tual and the Virginia DECA community for continuing to facilitate opportunities like this through Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Read more about Chrysanthi's DECA journey here ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x2jhV

05/01/2026

Happy May! 🌸

Vegetable season is in full swing now! Be sure to keep an eye on your local weather for late freezes or wintry weather conditions to protect your garden.

Direct Sowing:

Zone 6A: Brush and Pole Beans, Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Cucumbers, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Musk Melons, Bulbing Onions, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Watermelon

Zone 6B: Brush, Lima, and Pole Beans, Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Cucumbers, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Musk Melons, Bulbing Onions, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Watermelon

Zone 7A: Brush, Lima, and Pole Beans, Beets, Swiss Chard, Cucumbers, Collards, Kale, Lettuce, Musk Melons, Bulbing Onions, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Watermelon

Zones 7B & 8A: Brush, Lima, and Pole Beans, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Musk Melons, Okra, Mustard, Bulbing Onions, Southern Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Watermelon

Zone 8B Recommendations are available at the link below!

Transplanting:

Zones 6A & 6B: Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cabbage, Eggplant, Leeks, Head Lettuce, Peppers

Zone 7A: Broccoli, Cabbage, Eggplant, Head Lettuce, Peppers, Tomatoes

Zones 7B & 8A: Tomatoes, Eggplant, Leeks, Head Lettuce, Peppers

Zone 8B Recommendations are available at the link below!

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/

04/30/2026

Karen Munden has spent more than two decades serving Virginia Cooperative Extension - Virginia Beach as a Family and Consumer Sciences agent.

Through hands-on financial education programs, she helps people build practical skills they can use every day, from budgeting and saving to making confident financial decisions.

Karen’s work has helped students, families, and adults across her community gain tools for long-term success, and in some cases, completely change their financial futures.

Read more about Karen’s journey and impact ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x24R5