Invasive Plants -- A Horticultural Perspective
Invasive nonnative (nonindigenous) plants are the subject of a considerable amount of attention and debate. Stories about invasive plants are now common in the popular media. As purchasers of...
View ArticleClosing the Loop: Public-Private Partnerships for On-Farm Composting of Yard...
This publication is designed for waste managers, community planners, recycling and environmental coordinators, and others interested in waste reduction and recycling.
View ArticleUrban Water-Quality Management Insect Pests of Water Garden Plants
Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)(numerous aquatic plants)Aphids are often called plant lice. Several species are troublesome pests on above-water leaves (a), stems, and flower buds of aquatic plants....
View ArticleUrban Water-Quality Management - What Is a Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that drains to a lake, river, wetland, or other waterway. When precipitation occurs, water travels over forest, agricultural, or urban/suburban land areas before entering...
View ArticleUrban Water-Quality Management - Winterizing the Water Garden
Water gardens require maintenance throughout the year. Preparation for the winter months is especially important for the survival of both the aquatic plants and the wildlife in and around the pond....
View ArticleGroundwater Quality and the Use of Lawn and Garden Chemicals by Homeowners
The people of Virginia use nearly 400 million gallons of groundwater each day to meet industrial, agricultural, public, and private water demands. One-third of Virginia's citizens rely on groundwater...
View ArticleEnvironmental Horticulture: Guide to Nutrient Management
Plants need 17 elements for normal growth. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are found in air and water. Nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and sulfur are found in the soil. These six...
View ArticlePest Management for Water Quality
Research has shown that consumers find reading and understanding the label to be the most difficult aspect of applying pesticides. However, an understanding of the label information is essential before...
View ArticleMaking Compost from Yard Waste
Compost is one of the most valuable resources for beautifying your landscape, and it is virtually free. The leaves you rake, the grass you mow, and the branches you trim are some of the ingredients you...
View ArticleUsing Compost in Your Landscape
Compost is produced when organic matter, such as garden and lawn waste, is broken down by bacteria and fungi.When added to soil it improves soil structure; sandy soils will hold water better while...
View ArticleStoring Pesticides Safely
Storage TipsThe proper storage of pesticides, both synthetic and botanical, in and around the home is important for many reasons, including protecting human health, preserving the environment, and...
View ArticleChoosing Pesticides Wisely
Healthy plants are less susceptible to attack by pests, and good cultural practices can reduce pest outbreaks. Do you really need a pesticide?Before you purchase any pesticide, you should answer some...
View ArticleUnderstanding Pesticide Labels
Research has shown that consumers find reading and understanding the label to be the most difficult aspect of applying pesticides safely. However, it is essential that you understand the label...
View ArticleApplying Pesticides Safely
Proper use of pesticides is essential for your safety and for that of the environment. Pesticides must be used correctly to be effective.Review the product label before each use. Be sure you have all...
View ArticleBuilding Healthy Soil
Caring for the garden soil should be as important to home gardeners as it is to farmers. Improving the soil structure is one of the most important aspects of soil care, and adding organic matter is the...
View ArticleConserving Energy with Landscaping
Winter winds increase the rate of air exchange between the interior and exterior of a house, lowering the house’s interior temperature and thereby increasing the heating demand. In a windy site, a...
View ArticleCreating a Water-Wise Landscape
Water-wise landscape design and management focus on working with nature and natural forces (such as rainfall) to create an aesthetically pleasing, livable landscape, while using less water from the...
View ArticleLandscaping for Less in the Landfill
Virginia is rapidly running out of landfill space. Fifteen to twenty percent of solid waste sent to landfills is comprised of leaves, grass clippings, and other yard wastes. Gardeners can plan their...
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