Category Archives: Education

Educational outreach projects.

Spring Open Garden and Plant Sale

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Spring Open Garden & Plant Sale

Join us Saturday, May 4th, for our biggest event of the spring!
We will be open from 9 AM – 1 PM with:

  • Annuals, perennials, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs
  • Bring your wagon to carry your treasures!
  • Have ailing plants? The Plant Doctors will be on-site to answer questions.
  • Soil testing information available
  • Receive information on how to become a Master Gardener
  • Stroll through the gardens and visit our Bee and Chicken booths.

Date Saturday, May 4, 2024
Time 9AM – 1PM
Place VCE Portsmouth Office
105 Utah Street

CASH, CHECK, and CHARGE CARDS ACCEPTED

Download Flier HERE

April Garden Talk: Starting a Vegetable Garden (and Sneak Peek at our Spring Plant Sale)

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A gardening lecture on how to start a vegetable garden. Whether starting a vegetable garden from scratch or for a new season with an existing garden, we will discuss techniques to get the most from your vegetable garden. We will also give a preview of some of the unique and interesting plants that we will have available at our May open garden plant sale. You don’t want to miss it!

Photo by Greta Hoffman on Pexels.com

Date Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Place Portsmouth Public Library
Churchland Branch
4934 High Street West

Download Flier HERE

SOLD OUT! Rain Barrel Workshop (4/20/2024)

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Image Wikimedia Commons

Collecting rainwater in a barrel can save you money during the dry seasons and reduce the demand on your well or save your water bill. With a roof of 1,000 square feet, an inch of water can generate 600 gallons of water.

Rain barrels are about 41 inches high and 20 inches around. Please make arrangements to take yours home after the class.

Target ages: Adults and teens. Must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

Cost: $75

Note: Power tools will be used in this workshop. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for this workshop.

Pay by check, cash or money order payable to PMGA (Portsmouth Master Gardeners Association). We cannot take credit cards for this event. You may also drop off your registration and payment at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the address below.

Please note: Space is limited, so register now to save your spot.

Saturday, April 20, 2024
10:00-12:00 noon
Portsmouth VCE office grounds outside
105 Utah Street, Portsmouth

757-393-5314

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM HERE

March Library Lecture: Starting Plants from Seed and Seed Swap

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Learn how and when to start new vegetables and flowers from seed! We will discuss the cultural conditions necessary for starting new plants from seed and how to transplant them into the garden later. We will also offer tips and suggestions for germinating unusual or difficult seeds….and bring your extra seed packets and exchange them for new ones.

close up shot of seedlings on a seedling tray
Photo by Greta Hoffman on Pexels.com

Date Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Time 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Place Portsmouth Public Library
Churchland Branch
4934 High Street West

Download Flier HERE

February Garden Talk: Principles of Healthy Pruning

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Should I prune in the fall, or in the spring before or after shrubs flower? How much can I cut back an overgrown bush? How can I get my flowering shrub to have more flowers? These and many more questions will be answered during this lecture which will cover how and when to prune deciduous shrubs and small trees in your landscape.

BONUS: Learn how not to commit “Crepe Murder” when pruning

Presented in conjunction with the PMG Tree Stewards.

Date: February 21st, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Churchland Branch Library

gardening gloves and tools
Photo by Susana MaRo on Pexels.com

Download Flier HERE