Virginia Cooperative Extension - Chesterfield

11/03/2023

Hot off the press! Read the November Edition of Extension Connections, our monthly newsletter. In it you will find upcoming classes, youth camps, highlights and more. https://conta.cc/3u6kgaN

10/21/2023

When we think about pollinators we often think first of the honeybee. However, there are many other types of bees and insects (and non-insects!) which are essential to the pollination process. In this presentation Chesterfield Master Gardener Robin Hulbert will teach about a variety of pollinators and specific ways in which you can attract and support them in your landscape.

For more information contact Chesterfield Cooperative Extension at [email protected]_ or 804 751 4401

Saturday, October 28, 1-2:30 p.m.

Central Library Meeting Room, 9501 Lori Rd.

Free. but registration required for attendance.

To register visit Cooperative Extension | Chesterfield County, VA

10/20/2023

Learn from experienced Chesterfield Master Gardener Charlie Morgan how to select the best garden tools for you. Learn how to safely sharpen and maintain them to make your garden tasks easier for years to come.

For more information contact Chesterfield Cooperative Extension at [email protected]_ or 804 751 4401

Saturday, November 11, 10-11:30 a.m.

Central Library Meeting Room, 9501 Lori Rd.

Free, but registration required for attendance.

Register at: https://www.chesterfield.gov/447/Events-Programs-and-Workshops

10/19/2023

It's pumpkin time! Please join us for our 2023 Pumpkin Carving Contest! 🎃 Enter the contest by messaging us a photo of your Jack-O-Lantern on Facebook or Instagram! We will be choosing four winners to showcase on social media.

*Deadline to enter is Sunday, October 29 at 8pm. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 31 at 3pm.

10/18/2023

Last Week to sign up for Composting Made Easy! Hurry before all of the spots are filled!

Joint Chesterfield Master Gardener and Master Composter for an informative discussion of home composting!

FREE GeoBin® to start composting right away provided to all attendees.
Registration $35. Space is limited, payment required to reserve spot. To register
for this event please follow the link https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/chesterfieldparksrec/activity/search?onlineSiteId=7&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&viewMode=list

And if you have any question please contact our office at 804-751-4401 or email us at [email protected]

10/17/2023

A great workshop to plan for the future of your woodland. There will be a mini one right here in Richmond. Reserve your spot now!

If you have woodland, you have a legacy worth passing on.
Passing your land and stewardship values from one generation to the next takes information and work. Generation NEXT is an award-winning educational program that will get you started on the right path.

Generation NEXT Legacy Planning Workshop
• November 9
• 6 - 9:00 PM
• Virginia Tech Richmond Center, 2810 N Parham Rd STE 300, Richmond.
• $40/couple

Learn about the legal, financial, and conservation tools available to help you pass your land and your legacy on to the next generation while keeping it intact, in forest, and in family ownership.

To view agenda or register online: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/generationnext/home/workshops

Contact Neil Clark, [email protected], 757-653-2572 for more information.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation District Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program Southampton County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension

10/14/2023

Learn how you can economically change your landscape by selectively adding new trees and transplanting existing shrubs and perennials. Chesterfield Master Gardener Charlie Morgan guides you on how to relocate what you already have in your garden following best landscaping principles and horticultural practices.

For more information contact Chesterfield Cooperative Extension at [email protected]_ or 804 751 4401

Saturday, October 21, 1-2:30 p.m.

Central Library Meeting Room, 9501 Lori Rd.

Free, but registration required for attendance.

Register at: Cooperative Extension | Chesterfield County, VA

10/12/2023

As predicted this camp is selling out quickly!

Do you have a "Swifty" at home? We are thrilled to offer our very first "Swifty Sleepover Camp" at Jamestown 4-H! Saturday, December 16-17th, 2023! Ages 8-14. Please log into your CampMinder account to register before spaces are filled!

https://jamestown.campintouch.com/v2/login/login.aspx

If you don’t have an account, you can create one here:
https://jamestown.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/camper/App

Saturday, December 16th-17th. Ages 8-14.

Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and your favorite jammies!

Swifty's will enjoy Friendship Bracelet Making and Sharing, Sing-A-Long Lyric Party, Trivia, Swifty Crafts, Cupcake Decorating, and Dance Party!

Dinner and grab-and-go Breakfast are Included!

10/01/2023

***Rain or shine***Join us October 7 from 10-11 a.m. for our last First Saturday of the season. We will be focusing on fall bulbs and perennial division. Fall is the time for planting and dividing many plants. Come learn what you can do in your own garden.

09/28/2023

Only 2 spaces left! Jams and jellies make great gifts for the holidays. Learn the science behind making jams, jellies, preserves and more! In this workshop Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Sierra Seekford will provide you with hands on experience in processing the fruit and using canning equipment.

For more information contact Chesterfield Cooperative Extension at [email protected]_ or 804 751 4401

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Thursday, October 26 4-8 p.m.

Central Library Meeting Room 9501 Lori Rd.

$10 per person/ Space limited

To register visit Cooperative Extension | Chesterfield County, VA

09/27/2023

Fall is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs in your yard or container. This presentation shines a light on how to select, plant, and care for bulbs now to produce megawatt blooms in the spring. Chesterfield Master Gardener Lela Martin will also include a demo of the efficient lasagna-planting technique.

For more information contact Chesterfield Cooperative Extension at [email protected]_ or 804 751 4401

Wednesday October 4, 10-11:30 a.m.

North Courthouse Library, 325 Courthouse Rd.

Free, but registration required for attendance.

Register at: Cooperative Extension | Chesterfield County, VA

09/26/2023

Growing your own fruit in your backyard can be very rewarding. You can grow that heirloom variety that is hard to find, make jams and jellies, or enjoy the freshest fruit around. Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Sierra Seekford will teach about the best fruits to grow in this area including fruit trees, brambles, vines and more!

For more information contact Chesterfield Cooperative Extension at [email protected]_ or 804 751 4401

Tuesday, October 3, 6-8 p.m.

Central Library Meeting Room, 9501 Lori Rd.

Free, but registration required for attendance.

Register at: Cooperative Extension | Chesterfield County, VA

09/25/2023

**Rescheduled*** This past weekend our Sustainable Gardening class was cancelled due to the severe weather. We have rescheduled this class to this coming Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10-11:30 a.m. If you have already registered, you do not need to do anything but show up. If you would like to sign up, visit https://www.chesterfield.gov/447/Events-Programs-and-Workshops

09/22/2023

Be careful this weekend! High rainfalls with a flood watch are in the forecast starting this afternoon. Exercise caution on roads and in areas that are prone to flooding. Have an emergency kit ready to go.

09/06/2023

09/05/2023

Do you have questions about bees and beekeeping? Enjoy a great introduction to these small but mighty keystones in plant pollination from Extension Master Gardener and experienced Beekeeper Rick McCormick.

For more information contact Chesterfield Cooperative Extension at [email protected] or 804 751 4401.

Saturday September 9, 10-11:30 a.m.

Central Library Meeting Room, 9501 Lori Rd.

Free, but registration required for attendance.

Register at: https://www.chesterfield.gov/429/Cooperative-Extension

08/31/2023

It is a beautiful night at the Chesterfield County Fair Association. Come out and see the youth arts and crafts projects.

08/30/2023

Would you like to add some hens to your flock or start one? This year our 4-H members participated in animal projects by raising their own chickens. These chickens will be silent auctioned off at the Chesterfield County Fair Association. Stop by the 4-H poultry tent to place your bid. All proceeds return to the 4-H members that raised the chickens.

08/28/2023

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is conducting a needs assessment survey to better understand the needs and priorities of the communities it serves in Chesterfield County. The survey is open to all residents, whether or not they have used Extension’s services. The survey results will help VCE plan and prioritize programs and activities to meet the needs of the people in our localities. The survey is confidential and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Please complete the survey by August 31.

“We encourage all residents to participate in this survey as it will help us identify the most pressing needs in our communities,” said Karen Poff, Senior Extension Agent. “Your feedback is important to us and will help us make informed decisions about how we allocate our resources.”

English Version: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eu1ulnZvyql8zEW

Version en Español: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ero3r94u94wKQBM

08/27/2023

We have some new arrivals at the Chesterfield County Fair Association! Come and visit the 4-H poultry tent.

08/25/2023

Come and visit the Feathers and Feet 4H Club at the Chesterfield County Fair Association. We will be here all week.

08/21/2023

Today is well water kit distribution day. If you have not registered yet, there are still a few spaces left. Register online by the end of tonight. You can pick up your kit this afternoon until 4:30 p.m. or Aug. 22 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. https://tinyurl.com/VCE-Chesterfield-VAHWQP

08/16/2023

Test your well water for 14 different contaminants such as E.coli, lead and copper. The cost is $65 per sample kit. Pre-register before August 21, space is limited!

Contact: Sierra Seekford at [email protected] or 804-751-4401. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/VCE-Chesterfield-VAHWQP.

08/11/2023

Do you have a well or spring? What's in YOUR water?

Did you know that private water supplies like wells and springs are unregulated? It is the responsibility of the homeowner to regularly test water quality, maintain the water system, and address any problems.

Learn about your water quality through affordable, confidential testing and become empowered to make decisions about system maintenance and water treatment! Register for the Chesterfield Well Water Clinic by August 21 https://tinyurl.com/VCE-Chesterfield-VAHWQP.

08/03/2023

Join the James River Soil and Water Conservation District at our annual Farmers Cookout on August 17th at Scott Memorial Park! Come learn about our conservation programs and enjoy dinner catered by Kings Korner.

07/31/2023

Are you hungry to learn how to incorporate oysters into your culinary repertoire? Satisfy your appetite and indulge in the oyster edition of Eat More Fish!

Gain the know-how to start savoring oysters at home by joining our team of Extension specialists, industry insiders, and skilled cooks in this 3-session webinar series. Register and dive into the science behind incorporating oysters into our diets while celebrating their incredible role in supporting healthy waters. Learn the essential knowledge and techniques to safely and scrumptiously prepare oysters in your own kitchen — from selecting and handling to cooking and even shucking!

Program includes three webinar sessions on Wednesdays from 10AM - 11AM.

Program dates: August 9th, August 16th, and August 23rd.

Register here:
https://bit.ly/EMOEB

06/27/2023

Come out and visit our Master Gardeners at the Central Library to learn more about indoor plants and take a plant with you.

06/17/2023

Bumblebee Jamboree is buzzing with fun activities at Maymont Farm until 2:30 p.m. today. Come on out and enjoy the beautiful day learning about pollinators.

06/17/2023

06/05/2023

4-H Homeschooling Club Butterfly release

06/03/2023

Join Chesterfield Master Gardener Jim Myracle for a photographic tour of vegetable gardens; the good, the bad and the challenging. We will focus on the most common challenges presented by insects and plant diseases throughout a growing season. Using photographs that display nature’s remedies in action, we will discuss integrated pest management, plant pruning techniques and other organic and natural methods that are literally at our fingertips.

Free-Must register to attend

To Register visit www.chesterfield.gov/extension

06/02/2023

Starting a new hive with a bee package from Tennessee.

05/31/2023

As we come into June and garden fever continues to grow here is what we can plant in June.

ZONE 7A

Beans, Bush

Beans, pole

Beans, Lima

Cucumbers

Muskmelons

Okra

Pumpkins

Southern Pea

Squash, Summer

Squash, Winter

Sweet Corn

Sweet Potato

Watermelon

eggplant*

peppers*

tomatoes*

ZONE 7B

Beans, Bush

Beans, pole

Beans, Lima

Cucumbers

Muskmelons

Okra

Pumpkins

Southern Pea

Squash, Summer

Squash, Winter

Sweet Corn

Sweet Potato

Watermelon

eggplant*

peppers*

tomatoes*

05/30/2023

What’s that SMELL? Stinkhorn mushrooms in the family Phallaceae can be found all across North America growing in mulch or other organic matter. As the fungi mature, they develop egg-like structures under the surface - each quickly growing a mushroom stalk and cap with a pungent, unpleasant odor. The smell attracts flies which then spread the spores to other locations, just like flowers use pollinators to aid their reproductive cycle. Other than manually removing the “eggs” and organic matter around them, there’s not much else that can be done if they become a nuisance. However, they won’t hurt your plants and they don’t stick around very long, so consider taking a moment to appreciate one of nature’s oddities.

05/27/2023

Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS) is an emerging invasive pest of crape myrtle in Virginia. Originally from Asia, CMBS has spread across the southeastern United States, probably through the movement of infested crape myrtles in the nursery trade. CMBS is a pinkish scale insect that produces a layer of whitish-gray waxy material that thickens as the scale matures. Heavily infested crape myrtles may have trunks and branches encrusted with layers of CMBS.

If you have any questions about CMBS and how to control them or you suspect that you might have CMBS in your landscape please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

05/26/2023

Mealybugs can literally suck the life out of your plant by piercing plant tissue and feeding on its sap. Then they excrete sticky honeydew which can leave the plant susceptible to black sooty mold. Mealybugs are common houseplant & greenhouse pests, often identified by the white, cotton-like fluff covering their bodies. They can be hard to get rid of, so it's important to thoroughly inspect new plants before bringing them home. If you do happen to spot mealybugs on your plant, isolate it from other plants and apply 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol directly to the insects with a cotton swab. The plant (and others around it) should be inspected and spot treated every few days until they stop coming back. See the links below for more info on the little buggers. And as always…if you need more advice, just give your friendly Master Gardener Help Desk a call.

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/mealybugs-indoor-plants