Browse our curated selection of the best gardening websites and articles for Fluvanna gardeners.
Virginia Tech & Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
Virginia Tech/VCE Website
Click on Lawn and Garden. Browse or search for specific information. This is the definitive source for Virginia gardeners.
Pest Management Guide: Home Grounds and Animals
THE source for pest management recommendations. The Virginia Pest Management Guide (PMG) series lists options for management of major pests: diseases, insects, nematodes, and weeds. These guides are produced by Virginia Cooperative Extension and each guide is revised annually.
Fluvanna Virginia Cooperative Extension Website
The Fluvanna County office of Virginia Cooperative Extension is your local connection to Virginia‘s land-grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. This site has timely articles and event listings for all Fluvanna County residents.
Attracting Pollinators
Selecting Plants for Pollinators from the Pollinator Partnership
This regional guide is just one in a series of plant selection tools designed to provide information on how individuals can influence pollinator populations through choices they make when they farm a plot of ground, manage large tracts of public land, or plant a garden. Each of us can have a positive impact by providing the essential habitat requirements for pollinators including food, water, shelter, and enough space to allow pollinators to raise their young.”
Pollinator Conservation Resources: Mid-Atlantic Region, Xerces Society
“Here you’ll find region-specific collections of publications, native plant and seed suppliers, and other resources to aid in planning, establishing, restoring, and maintaining pollinator habitat—as well as materials to help you learn about the species of invertebrates and native plants you might encounter.”
Milkweed Seed Finder, Xerces Society
“Native milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) are essential for monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) caterpillars and support a diversity of pollinators with their abundant nectar. By including milkweeds in gardens, landscaping, wildlife habitat restoration projects, and native revegetation efforts, you can provide breeding habitat for monarchs as well as a valuable nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. We have created this comprehensive national directory of native milkweed seed vendors to help you find sources of seed.”
Backyard Wildlife Habitats, VT Publication 426-070
“As residential and commercial development by humans continues to expand, wildlife habitats in the affected areas are altered and may become unable to support the needs of species that previously occupied those areas. Each species has different requirements so you need to provide diversity in your habitat if you hope to attract a variety of species. Further, wildlife will fare better where habitats provide most of the food, water, and cover they require in one area, minimizing the amount of travel they need to do.”
For the Birds, Butterflies & Hummingbirds: Creating Inviting Habitats, VT Publication HORT-59NP
“Are birds and butterflies attracted to your yard or garden? Like people, birds and butterflies require food, water and shelter. Like people, they prefer that their food and water be close to where they live. And like people, they favor certain types of homes and certain types of food. If you plant to meet their needs, then they will flock or flutter to your garden. This publication examines the habitat requirements for birds, hummingbirds and butterflies, and then gives an overview of planning your garden space to accommodate them.”
Deer & Animal Pests
Deer Resistant Plants – Rutgers
A list of landscape plants rated according to their resistance to deer damage.
Managing Wildlife Damage: Beavers, VT Publication 420-202
A guide on beavers and how to manage the damage they cause.
Managing Wildlife Damage: Canada Goose, VT Publication 420-203
A guide on the Canada Goose and how to manage the damage they cause.
Managing Wildlife Damage: Snakes, VT Publication 420-021
A guide on snakes and how to manage the damage they cause.
Managing Human-Wildlife Interactions: Black Bear, VT Publication 420-200
A guide on black bears and best interaction management practices.
Managing Human-Wildlife Interactions: Coyote, VT Publication CNRE-172P
A guide on coyote and how to manage conflict with them.
Managing Human-Wildlife Interactions: Feral Swine, VT Publication CNRE-146P
A guide on feral swine and how to manage them.
Managing Human-Wildlife Interactions: Moles, VT Publication 420-201
A guide on moles native to Virginia and how to manage them.
Managing Human-Wildlife Interactions: Raccoons, VT Publication CNRE-148P
A guide on raccoons and how to manage them.
Managing Human-Wildlife Interactions: Woodchuck, VT Publication CNRE-159P
A guide on woodchucks and how to manage them.
Managing Human-Wildlife Interactions: Woodland and Meadow Voles, VT Publication CNRE-181P
A guide on voles native to Virginia and how to manage the damage they cause.
Managing Human-Wildlife Interactions: Woodpeckers, VT Publication CNRE-147NP
A guide on woodpeckers and how to manage them.
Insects & Their Treatment
Iowa State University – Bug Guide
Identify bugs by type with thousands of pictures of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Biorationals: Ecological Pest Management Database
Although targeted to farmers, this website may identify treatments suitable for use by the home gardener.
Virginia Tech Resources for Garden Pests
A list of VT publications related to garden pests, some insect-specific and some general information covering many insect control topics.
Plants
Because we believe that plants native to the locale will thrive and best support the wildlife in our area, we’ve dedicated a whole page to Native Plants.
Budburst
Budburst is a program, supported by an app, “We like to start in our own backyard: observing plants and pollinators is critical to understanding how our environment is responding to the changes in our climate”.
2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Zip Code 22963 is in Hardiness Zone 7a, but this tool lets you find the Hardiness Zone anywhere in the US.
Missouri Botanical Garden – Plant Finder
Many gardeners believe this is THE site for plant information. “Look up, view a photo and read about the over 7,500 plants which are growing or have been grown in the Kemper Center display gardens (plus selected additions) by scientific name, common name and/or selected plant characteristics.”
USDA – PLANTS Database
“The PLANTS Database provides standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens of the U.S. and its territories.”
Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden – Plant Database
Although focused on the Pacific Northwest, this site includes extensive list of plants by “garden type”, such as Flora Romantica and Scent-ational. Be sure your plant picks are suitable for our Hardiness Zone.
Annuals: Culture and Maintenance, VT Publication 426-200
A guide on the culture and maintenance of annual plants.
Perennials: Culture, Maintenance and Propagation, VT Publication 426-203
A guide on the culture, maintenance, and propagation of perennial plants.
Flowering Bulbs: Culture and Maintenance, VT Publication 426-201
A guide on the culture and maintenance of flowering bulb plants.
Seeds
Seed Germination Database
An extensive list giving germination days and planting information.
Images of Seedpods, Seeds and Seedlings
Besides the images, this UK site has pictures of the seedpod and the germinated plant.
Plant Propagation from Seed, VT Publication 426-001
A guide on growing plants from seed indoors.
Sprouting Seeds for Food, VT Publication 426-419
“Seeds themselves are a very nutritious form of food because they contain proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and oils that a beginning plant needs to grow. Many of these nutritious components are increased greatly when the seeds are sprouted. If their presence in restaurant salad bars and in grocery stores is any indication, the popularity of sprouts is increasing. It’s very easy to grow your own sprouts at home with a minimal of supplies.”
Propagation From Seed, Fluvanna Master Gardener Rebecca Leinen
A detailed presentation about starting plants from seeds.
Trees & Shrubs
Key to Leaves of Virginia Trees
Identify a tree by it’s leaves.
Problem-free Trees for VA Landscapes , VT Publication 450-237
“The best option for new plantings is to choose species that have a low risk of developing disease.”
Problem-free Shrubs for VA Landscapes, VT Publication 450-236
“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 generally experience few problems in Virginia landscapes. Using these species for new plantings should help you avoid troublesome disease and insect problems in your landscape.”
Trees and Shrubs that Tolerate Saline Soils and Salt Spray Drift, VT Publication 430-031
“This publication discusses causes and symptoms of salt damage to plants, suggests treatments to alleviate salt contamination, and provides a list of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs suitable for planting in salt-prone landscapes.”
Welcome to the Woods! A Guide for New Virginia Woodland Owners, VT Publication ANR-136P
“More than half of Virginia is forested, and more than half of these woodlands are owned by individuals and families like you. As a woodlot owner, you play an important role in keeping Virginia’s forests healthy and productive. This is a big responsibility because our forests not only provide timber, but they also provide benefits such as wildlife habitat, biodiversity, flood mitigation, carbon storage, and improved water quality and quantity.”
Plant Diseases
Virginia Tech – Diagnosing Plant Problems
“Something is wrong with your plant. What’s the cause? You can begin to determine the cause of the problem by taking on the role of Sherlock Holmes – be a keen observer and ask many questions.”
Michigan State University – Plant Diseases
Pictorial identification of plant diseases and their treatment.
Floral Crops: Diseases, VT Publication ENTO-604-F
A guide on common diseases and chemical control options in floral crops.
Weeds
Weed Identification Guide Virginia & Southeastern USA
“Weeds commonly submitted to the Virginia Weed Identification Clinic appear in the list of weeds. Narrow the list by choosing characteristics that match your unknown plant or search for plants by name. Please contact your local Extension office if you cannot identify your weed.”
Identification of Virginia’s Noxious Weeds, VT Publication SPES-244NP
“This publication provides information on identification characteristics of Virginia’s noxious weeds and proper actions that should be taken if a person believes this weed is growing on their property or if they encounter one of these weeds in nature.”
Invasive and Exotic Weeds of North America
Contains the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States, including weeds on Federal and State noxious weeds lists.
Weed Identification – Illinois
Weed identification by plant type, with pictures.
N.J. Weed Gallery – Rutgers University
Search by common or Latin name, and by picture.
Weed Photo Gallery – University of California
Pictorial search by weed type or by name.
Lawns
Selecting Turfgrass, VT Publication 426-719
“A quality lawn results from using the right grass species and/or variety, proper planting and establishment, and sound management. Planting the right turfgrass for your site reduces the need for pesticides. The most important step for the homeowner is selecting the proper turfgrass for the situation.”
Lawn Fertilization in Virginia, VT Publication 430-011
“Fertilization of lawns is essential for the production of quality turf in Virginia. However, exceeding recommended fertilizer application rates or improper application timing can negatively impact surface water and groundwater quality. The objective of this publication is to help Virginians effectively fertilize lawn turf in an environmentally sound manner.”
Summer Lawn Management: Watering the Lawn, VT Publication 430-010
“Why water the lawn? Water makes up 75 to 85 percent of the weight of a healthy grass plant. It is essential for seed germination, tissue formation, plant cooling, food manufacture, and nutrient absorption and transport. A grass plant loses the most water under conditions of high light intensity, high temperature, low relative humidity, and windy conditions. Without adequate water, the grass plant can’t cool itself and becomes susceptible to wilting, desiccation, and death.”
Fall Lawn Care, VT Publication 430-520
“The fall season is an important transition period of turfgrass growth and development, and the management of your warm- and cool-season grasses at this time of year means a great deal in terms of anticipated success in your lawn the following spring.”
Lawn Moss: Friend or Foe?, VT Publication 430-536
“It is important to understand that mosses occur when some underlying condition allows them to out compete turfgrasses and other plants.”
Vegetable & Fruit Gardening
Virginia Tech – Resources for Fruits & Vegetables
A list of VT publications related to fruits and vegetables including planning, cultivation and pest management.
Virginia’s Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide: Recommended Planting Dates and Amounts to Plant, VT Publication 426-331
“Selecting appropriate planting dates is a critical component of successful vegetable gardening. Vegetables vary widely in their preferred growing conditions and tolerance to temperature extremes, both cold and hot. Understanding the local frost-free period aids in selecting appropriate planting dates. This publication uses U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones for guidance in selecting planting dates for spring- and fall-planted vegetables for the home garden in Virginia.
In addition, this guide suggests approximate amounts of each crop to plant based on family size and preferences, along with guidelines on plant spacing and the amount of seed or number of plants needed per 10 feet of row.”
Seed For The Garden, VT Publication 426-316
A guide on saving seeds, planting depth, starting seeds indoors versus outdoors, and transplants.
Weeds in the Home Vegetable Garden, VT Publication 426-364
“The most common definition of a weed is a plant out of place. Many plants that are considered weeds in the vegetable garden are beneficial wildflowers in other settings. Unfortunately, some of the plants, while attractive in the wild, are too aggressive for use in the home garden and can take over the landscape. Seeds of even very obnoxious wild flowers may be sold occasionally, so care must be used in the selection of wildflowers vs. weeds.”
Integrated Pest Management for Vegetable Gardens, VT Publication 426-708
“The best way to control insects and disease problems is to prevent them before they get a foothold in your garden.”
Root Crops, VT Publication 426-422
A guide on planting, growing, harvesting and storing root crops such as carrots and beets.
Herb Culture and Use, VT Publication 426-420
A guide on growing, harvesting, and drying common herbs.
Small Fruit in the Home Garden, VT Publication 426-840
“As a general rule, plant selection and production area in a home garden should be limited to what you can properly care for. It is better to have a small, well-tended planting area rather than a large, neglected one. Small fruits offer certain advantages over fruit trees for home culture because small fruits require less space for the amount of fruit produced, and they bear fruit one or two years after planting. Success with small-fruit planting will depend on the attention given to all phases of production, including crop and variety selection, site selection, soil management, fertilization, pruning, and pest management.”
Tree Fruit in the Home Garden, VT Publication 426-841
“It is desirable to locate the fruit planting as close to your home as possible. Where space is limited, fruit trees may be set in almost any location suitable for ornamental plants. Consider the mature size of the tree when designing the planting.”
Indoor Plants
Indoor Plant Culture, VT Publication 426-100
A guide on purchasing and caring for indoor plants.
Care of Specialty Potted Plants, VT Publication 426-101
A guide on caring for indoor gift plants including Poinsettias, Amaryllis, and Christmas Cactus.
African Violets, VT Publication HORT-2
“The African violet (Saintpaulia species) is an excellent flowering house plant which will grow and flower under low light intensities found in the average home. Where there is insufficient natural light, they can be grown and flowered successfully entirely under artificial light. Large numbers of varieties, types and colors are available, and the ease with which they can be propagated makes this an excellent plant for interior decoration of the home.”
Fooling Mother Nature: Forcing Flower Bulbs for Indoor Bloom, VT Publication HORT-76NP
“Have you ever wondered if it is possible to enjoy the beauty of bulbs in the middle of winter? The answer is definitely yes! Many people are familiar with the hourglass-shaped vase filled with water and topped with a hyacinth bulb, or a low bowl filled with several Paper White narcissus, and the popular boxed amaryllis bulb as a welcome winter holiday gift. Most bulbs can be forced but additional planning is required in order to have a successful period of blooms.”
Propagation by Cuttings, Layering and Division, VT Publication 426-002
“The major methods of asexual propagation are cuttings, layering, division, and budding/grafting. Cuttings involve rooting a severed piece of the parent plant; layering involves rooting a part of the parent and then severing it; and budding and grafting are joining two plant parts from different varieties.”
Spider Mites, VT Publication 444-221
A guide on the biology, damage caused by, and control of spider mites.
Everything Else
Horticultural Myths
Is foliar feeding a myth, or does it have some value? This and more at this interesting website.
