Dinwiddie Cooperative Extension

08/06/2026

Have you got plans for your garden this month? August is a busy time for planting! 🌞🌱

Direct Sowing:

Zones 6A & 6B: Beets, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach, Turnips

Zone 7A: Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 7B: Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Rutabaga, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 8A: Bush Beans, Beets, Carrots, Collards, Kale, Cucumber, Eggplant, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Okra, Peppers, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

Transplanting:

Zones 6A & 6B: Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce

Zone 7A: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce

Zones 7B & 8A: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce, Tomatoes

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

You can prepare for the entire planting season by visiting https://brnw.ch/plantguide
To determine your USDA zone, you can enter your zip code here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

07/09/2026

Managing a chronic health condition like heart disease, diabetes and arthritis can be challenging, but new resources are available to help with the journey.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is offering a free six-week virtual Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) designed to help participants learn practical strategies. Topics covered will include managing symptoms, improving communication with health care providers, setting realistic goals, and making informed health decisions. A free CDSMP workbook is also included with registration and will be mailed to participants to keep.

Participants should have internet and connectivity to join sessions by Zoom, are required to attend at least four of the six sessions and must maintain confidentiality.
Past participants in CDSMP report physical and mental growth as a result of the sessions and an overall emphasis on positivity. “I can live a life of wellness by using wonderful coping skills I learned in this workshop,” according to one CDSMP graduate.
Sessions begin on Thursday, August 6, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30am, and continue weekly at the same time each Thursday through September 10.
To learn more about these sessions and to sign up go to tinyurl.com/VCECDSMP2026 or contact Jessica Jones at [email protected] or Aisha Salazar at [email protected]
To learn more about CDSMP, visit, https://selfmanagementresource.com

07/02/2026

Small Farm Program at VSU College of Agriculture

43560 Project Garden Tour
Come join us at the VSU Randolph Farm 43560 garden project demonstration plot where you will learn from the experts on how to gross $43,560.00 on a 1 acre garden plot. This tour will include visiting the current crops being grown and the planned cool season fall crops that will be planted for fall/winter harvest.

43560 project garden tour Friday, July 10, 2026 • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM VSU Randolph Farm 4415 River Road Petersburg, Virginia, 23803

07/02/2026

Small Farm Program at VSU College of Agriculture

Strawberry Production for Small Farmers

This workshop will cover the basics of Strawberry production for growers who are interested in growing strawberries on their farm or urban gardens. The workshop will cover the steps that growers should take for site selection as well as steps to prepare their soil, source plugs and transplants, understand planting dates, and growing methods.

Register:

Strawberry Production for Small Farmers Thursday, July 9, 2026 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM VSU Randolph Farm 4415 River Road Petersburg, Virginia, 23803

07/02/2026

Small Farm Program at VSU College of Agriculture

Raising Chickens on Your Farm

This presentation will cover successfully raising chickens for profit on your farm. It will take farmers through a step-by step process to through the end product of egg laying production. This class will cover the different breeds as well as which breeds are best for obtaining the value-added results you want for your individual markets.

Register:

Raising Chickens on your Farm Thursday, July 9, 2026 • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM VSU Randolph Farm 4415 River Road Petersburg, VA, 23803

07/02/2026

Small Farm Program with VSU College of Agriculture

Nutrient Management
With Virginia's variable weather, July is a great time to consider how your nutrient management practices can effect your crops and the environment. In this workshop, we will discuss how management of Nitrogen and Phosphorus differ, and how to do so effectively for the best plant growth while still being mindful of the environment around us.

Register:

Nutrient Management for Small Farmers Thursday, July 2, 2026 • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 20712 4th Ave Ettrick, VA 23806

07/02/2026

Small Farm Program with VSU College of Agriculture

Pine View Greenhouses in Jarratt, Virginia, is a family owned and operated business known for its wide variety of locally grown plants, including flowers, hanging baskets and vegetables, with seasonal offerings like strawberries. they provide a range of products from tropicals and shrubs, and are praised for their quality products and customer service with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce.

Pine View Greenhouses Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 11510 Lebanon Church Road Jarratt, VA, 23867

06/24/2026

We wanted to take a moment to introduce our “new” ANR Extension Agent, Hannah Bishop. Hear from her below:

I’m excited to share that I have officially transitioned into the role of Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension in Dinwiddie!

Many of you may know me from my years working with 4-H, but agriculture has always been an important part of my story. I hold a degree in Agricultural Science with concentrations in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics, and I’m excited for the opportunity to put that background to work within our community.

I’m proud to call Dinwiddie home, where my husband and I are raising our two daughters. When I’m not at work, you’ll likely find me in the garden, trying a new recipe in the kitchen, or spending time with family and friends. I’m a life long learner and always up for trying new things.

After wrapping up another wonderful week of 4-H Camp, I’m officially settling into this new role. While my focus will now be on agriculture and natural resources programming, I’ll continue supporting our 4-H program throughout the transition period to help ensure a smooth handoff and continued success for our youth programs. The relationships I’ve built through 4-H over the past 11.5 years have given me a deep appreciation for this community and the people who make it special, and I’m excited to continue serving many of those same families in a new way.

As I step into this role, I know there is a lot to learn. I certainly won’t have all the answers on day one, but I’m eager to learn from the farmers, producers, landowners, and community members who know this area so well. I’m committed to listening, asking questions, building relationships, and helping connect people with the resources and research-based information they need.

If you see me out and about, please don’t be a stranger, and say hello! I’d love if you could stop by the Extension office, give me a call, or send me an email. I’ll be reaching out over the next few months to various community members and producers. I’d love the opportunity to learn more about your operation, your interests, and the opportunities and challenges you see facing agriculture and natural resources in our community and how you feel the Extension Office can best serve this community.

I’m grateful for the warm welcome I’ve already received and excited to begin this new chapter. I look forward to meeting new people, learning from this community, and serving Dinwiddie in this role.

Hannah can be reached at [email protected] or 804-469-4514.

06/02/2026

Calling all farmers 🌱🚜 This one is for YOU. Click the link to register.

https://www.ext.vsu.edu/events/06-26-vsu-coa-small-farmer-focused-field-day

If you’re looking for practical information you can take back and apply on your farm, make plans to join us at Farmer Field Day at VSU Randolph Farm. This hands on, farmer focused experience is designed for growers ready to learn, ask questions, see techniques in action, and connect with other producers doing the work every day.

From greenhouse production and high tunnel crops to livestock and conservation practices, expect real conversations and real tools you can put to use.

📍 VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion
🗓️ Friday, June 26th
⏰ 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Come ready to learn, connect, and take something valuable back to your operation!

05/28/2026

Email from Virginia State University College of Agriculture We would love for you to attend! View as Webpage Register Now for This Event! (Click Event Title for More Info) VSU COA Farmer- Focused Fiel