Safe Operation of Compact Tractors
Author: Robert "Bobby" Grisso, Extension engineer, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech; Bruce Stone, safety manager, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services, Richmond; and Glen Hetzel, retired farm safety specialist, Biological [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Composting
Composting is a degradation process brought about by bacteria and fungus organisms. Large amounts of organic kitchen, garden, lawn, and/or farm refuse can be reduced in a relatively short time to a pile of black, crumbly humus which makes an ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Planning for Summer Color
Take advantage of the time indoors during late winter to organize and plan your summer garden. Planning before you purchase is very important. For the most attractive planting, before you pick up a hoe or place a bulb or annual in the ground, ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Be On Guard Against Invasive Plants
The gardener's battle against weeds is continuous. We use many techniques to control them, yet they still invade our gardens and landscapes. Plants that become "weedy" are very good competitors, and they move in with ease from nearby vacant [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Invasive Exotic Plant Species Identification and Management
Invasive exotic species are plants that are not native to a given area and have the ability to out-compete indigenous plant species. Invasive exotics are often brought into their non-native surroundings by humans with good intentions. For ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Conserving Energy with Landscaping
Well-placed plantings can significantly alter the microclimate around a home, resulting in a more comfortable environment and significant savings in heating and cooling costs over time. Winter winds increase the rate of air exchange between the ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
The Value of Landscaping
Proper landscaping reduces nitrate leaching from the soil into the water supply. Plants also reduce surface water runoff, keeping phosphorus and other pollutants out of our waterways and preventing septic system overload. A dense cover of plants ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
The Storm-Damaged Landscape after a Disaster
Site analysis: If land forms have been altered, these need to be reshaped. Don't allow heavy equipment to move close to trunks of remaining shrubs and trees. Remember that most roots extend well beyond the outer branches; therefore, heavy ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Urban Water-Quality Management: Rain Garden Plants
Authors: Mike Andruczyk, Extension Agent, Chesapeake; Lynnette Swanson, Extension Agent, Norfolk; Laurie Fox, Horticulture Associate, Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center; Susan French, Extension Agent, Virginia Beach; Traci ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Problem-free Trees for Virginia Landscapes
Many of the tree species commonly planted in Virginia landscapes suffer from disease problems. Although some diseases can be cured, most must be controlled on a preventative basis. The best option for new plantings is to choose species that have ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Problem-free Shrubs for Virginia Landscapes
The most effective form of plant disease control in the landscape is prevention. Disease prevention can be as simple as choosing the right plant for the right place at planting time. This fact sheet was developed as a guide to shrubs that ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
The Effect of Landscape Plants on Perceived Home Value
Author: Alex X. Niemiera, Extension Horticulturist, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech The value of an attractive landscape to a home's perceived value has often been stated at 15 percent. Is this figure reliable, and what landscape ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
