We are now accepting applications for the 2023 Portsmouth Master Gardener class. This daytime class will begin on February 2 and run until April 27, 2023. Learn more about the program and apply here.
Become a Portsmouth Master Gardener in 2023
Category Archives: Education
Garden Talk: Climate Disruption – How Do Plants Respond as Extremes Become the Norm?
Join us for our September garden talk as ISA board-certified arborist Bobby Nance discusses how changes in the temperature and moisture of the environment affect plants and the pests that interact with them. Bring a lunch and a friend.
Monday, September 13, 2021,
12 noon – 1 pm
Portsmouth Public Library, Churchland
4934 High Street, Portsmouth VA 23704
Watch the Video: https://video.vt.edu/media/PMG+library+Talk+Climate+disruption+9+13+21/1_563djsb4
PMGs and VCE agent provide after-school vegetable gardening program at two local schools
In 2019, we started an 8-week after-school gardening club at Churchland Intermediate and Primary schools with Ms. Vicki Tiller Sanchez, the school liaison. Students had to have a parent attend to help with the program.
Students built several raised beds and then then planted vegetables in the gardens. We later harvested the produce, including carrots, onions and lettuce. Students shared some among the club members and sold the rest on Parents Night to put money back into the program to pay for supplies.
The program was so successful, we started again in early March of 2020. Unfortunately, we had to stop because of the pandemic. However, we have started again with another 8-week session during the summer of 2021.
This program is available to other Portsmouth schools for grades K-8. If you are interested in starting a school vegetable gardening program, please contact Horticultural Extension Agent Cyndi Wyskiewicz at (757) 393-5314 or via email at Cyndiw@vt.edu.
Monthly Garden Talk: What’s bugging you in the garden?
July 2021
Bring a brown bag lunch and learn while you eat! What are those spots on my tomatoes? Can’t figure out what is eating your cucumbers? What is that weed? This talk will focus on how to identify garden pests and diseases and the best methods to control them naturally.
Bring samples of problem from your garden for evaluation. Place plant specimens in a zipper-lock bag and insects in a small jar containing rubbing alcohol.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021,
12 noon – 1 pm
Portsmouth Public Library, Churchland
4934 High Street, Portsmouth VA 23704
Monthly Garden Talk: Hydrangeas – More Than Just Mopheads
June 2021
Get to know the many different types of hydrangeas that can be grown in this area. This lecture will discuss culture, care, flowering habits and the answer to that never-ending question – When do I prune my hydrangeas?Find out at our next monthly lecture.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
6:30-7:30 pm
Please click the image below to view lecture.
