Resources by P. Diane Relf
Title | Available As | Summary | Date | ID | Author |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plant Propagation from Seed | May 1, 2009 | 426-001 | |||
Propagation by Cuttings, Layering and Division | May 1, 2009 | 426-002 | |||
Daylilies in Virginia | May 1, 2009 | 426-030 | |||
Gardening & Your Health, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Gardening with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be very difficult, especially when a long day of shoveling, raking, or weed pulling leaves you with a painful or “tingling” hand or wrist. These aches and pains are often caused in part by improper techniques or tools used in gardening. |
Jun 1, 2017 | 426-060 (HORT-245NP) | ||
Gardening and Your Health: Protecting Your Knees and Back | Many gardening tasks require knee strength and stability, whether kneeling, sitting,
standing, or walking. The best way to protect knees from the stress and strain is to
condition them with strengthening exercises and stretching. |
May 22, 2015 | 426-065(HORT-128P) | ||
Gardening and Your Health: Plant Allergies | Allergic reactions are caused by an overactive immune system response to a foreign substance such as pollen, dust, or molds. When this reaction affects the eyes or nose, it results in allergic rhinitis. Typical symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy watery eyes. When an inflammation affects the bronchial tubes, it results in asthma. Typical symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath. |
Mar 18, 2015 | 426-067 (HORT-129P) | ||
Home Hydroponics | May 1, 2009 | 426-084 | |||
Care of Specialty Potted Plants | May 1, 2009 | 426-101 | |||
Annuals: Culture and Maintenance | Annual flowers live only for one growing season, during
which they grow, flower, and produce seed, thereby
completing their life cycle. Annuals must be set out or
seeded every year since they don’t persist. Some varieties
will self-sow, or naturally reseed themselves. |
Jan 14, 2015 | 426-200 (HORT-85P) | ||
Flowering Bulbs: Culture and Maintenance | “Bulbs” is a term loosely used to include corms, tubers,
tuberous roots, and rhizomes as well as true bulbs. This
publication will refer to all of the above as bulbs. Many
vegetables are propagated from or produce edible organs
of these types (e.g., tuber, Irish potato; tuberous root,
sweet potato; rhizome, Jerusalem artichoke; bulb, onion). |
Jan 21, 2015 | 426-201(HORT-88P) | ||
Planning the Flower Border | Much of the excitement of creating an herbaceous border
lies in its great flexibility of design. In form, placement,
and selection of plants, the contemporary border follows
few rigid rules and allows fullest expression of the
gardener’s taste. |
Jan 14, 2015 | 426-202 (HORT-87P) | ||
Perennials: Culture, Maintenance and Propagation | May 1, 2009 | 426-203 | |||
Seed For The Garden | Apr 21, 2015 | 426-316 (HORT-153P) | |||
Fertilizing the Vegetable Garden | The amount of fertilizer to apply to a garden depends
on the natural fertility of the soil, the amount of
organic matter present, the type of fertilizer used, and
the crop being grown. The best way to determine
fertilizer needs is to have the soil tested. Soil testing is
available through your local Extension agent, through
private labs, and with soil test kits which can be
purchased from garden shops and catalogs. |
Apr 16, 2015 | 426-323 (HORT-144P) | ||
Mulches for the Home Vegetable Garden | Mulching is a practice adaptable to nearly all home
gardens. To mulch is simply to cover the soil around
plants with a protective material, organic or inorganic. |
Mar 20, 2015 | 426-326(HORT-140P) | ||
Vegetable Gardening in Containers | If you don’t have space for a vegetable garden or if your
present site is too small, consider raising fresh, nutritious,
homegrown vegetables in containers. A window
sill, patio, balcony, or doorstep can provide sufficient
space for a productive container garden. Problems with
soil-borne diseases, nematodes, or poor soil can also be
overcome by switching to container gardening. |
Mar 18, 2015 | 426-336 (HORT-141P) | ||
Weeds in the Home Vegetable Garden | Apr 22, 2015 | 426-364 (HORT-157P) | |||
Minimum Chemical Gardening | Apr 22, 2015 | 426-366 (HORT-161P) | |||
Season Extenders | Apr 22, 2015 | 426-381 (HORT-159P) | |||
Asparagus | Mar 6, 2015 | 426-401(HORT-152P) | |||
Beans | Apr 16, 2015 | 426-402 (HORT-145P) | |||
Cole Crops or Brassicas | Apr 21, 2015 | 426-403 (HORT-156P) | |||
Sweet Corn | Mar 16, 2015 | 426-405 (HORT-151P) | |||
Cucumbers, Melons and Squash | Varieties include both the slicer or fresh salad type and the
pickle type (which can also be used fresh); vined, dwarfvined
and bush varieties; all female or all-female seedless
(no pollination required); burpless; and, various mixtures of
these characteristics. Disease resistance is available in many
varieties. |
Mar 16, 2015 | 426-406 (HORT-147P) | ||
Leafy Green Vegetables | Lettuce, a cool-season vegetable crop, is one of the easiest to grow. Lettuce withstands light frost; however, sunlight and high summer temperatures usually cause seedstalk formation (bolting) and bitter flavor. Slow-bolting or
heat-resistant varieties are available and are recommended
for extending the lettuce-growing season. |
Mar 16, 2015 | 426-408 (HORT-148P) | ||
Onions, Garlic, and Shallots | Onions are often grouped according
to taste. The two main types of onions
are strong flavored (American) and
mild (often called European). Each has
three distinct colors, yellow, white, and
red. In general, the American onion
produces bulbs of smaller size, denser
texture, stronger flavor, and better
keeping quality than European types.
Globe varieties tend to keep longer in
storage. |
Mar 16, 2015 | 426-411(HORT-143P) | ||
Potatoes, Peppers and Eggplant | Apr 16, 2015 | 426-413 (HORT-146P) | |||
Tomatoes | Tomatoes are valuable garden plants in that they require
relatively little space for large production. Each standard
tomato plant, properly cared for, yields 10 to 15 pounds
or more of fruit.Diane Relf, Retired Extension Specialist, Horticulture, Virginia Tech
Alan McDaniel, Extension Specialist, Horticulture, Virginia Tech
Ronald Morse, Former Associate Professor, Horticulture, Virginia Tech
Reviewed by John Freeborn, Assistant Master Gardener Coordinator, Horticulture, Virginia Tech |
Sep 29, 2016 | 426-418 (HORT-288P) | ||
Sprouting Seeds For Food | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-419 (HORT-154P) | |||
Root Crops | Mar 5, 2015 | 426-422 (HORT-150P) | |||
Managing Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs | It is often necessary to provide extra attention to plants in the fall to help them over-winter and start spring in peak condition. Understanding certain principles and cultural practices will significantly reduce winter damage that can be divided into three categories: desiccation, freezing, and breakage. |
Apr 9, 2015 | 426-500 (HORT-121P) | ||
The Art of Bonsai | Mar 3, 2015 | 426-601 (HORT-158P) | |||
Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons | The spectacular spring flowers of azaleas and rhododendrons make them among the most popular garden shrubs. However, azaleas and rhododendrons are shrubs for all seasons. Throughout the summer and fall the leaves add a pleasing, deep‑green color to the garden. Some deciduous azaleas add bright fall color before the leaves drop. In winter, some varieties stand out with large, evergreen leaves. |
Mar 30, 2015 | 426-602 (HORT-103P) | ||
Selecting Landscape Plants: Rare and Unusual Trees | There are many tree species that can be successfully
grown in Virginia, but are rarely seen in our landscapes.
Although not ordinarily recommended or readily available,
these trees may be useful to carry out a specific landscape
theme, to substitute for an exotic type which is not locally
adapted, or may be prized for unusual form, flowers, fruits,
bark, or foliage. |
Jun 18, 2015 | 426-604(HORT-107P) | ||
Selecting Landscape Plants: Conifers | Conifers, also known as narrow-leaved or needled evergreens, are planted primarily for the attractiveness of their evergreen foliage. The variety of sizes, shapes, and colors available contributes to their popularity. Conifers range in size from prostrate plants growing only a few inches tall to large trees. Shapes include flat ground covers; horizontal spreaders; upright, pyramidal forms; and even weeping and contorted forms. Foliage color ranges from a gold and cream variegation to all shades of green, gray-green, and blue-green. |
Apr 6, 2015 | 426-605 (HORT-108P) | ||
Selecting Landscape Plants: Broad-Leaved Evergreens | There are a large number of highly ornamental broadleaved evergreens. However, many of them require special attention if they are to develop into attractive, long-lived plants. Wide fluctuations in temperature, prolonged dry periods, drying winds, and bright sunshine are not ideal conditions for most broad-leaved evergreens, yet these conditions frequently occur in Virginia. Good soil preparation and a carefully selected location will help ensure the success of these plants. However, the year-round beauty and special effect that they give to the landscape make them well worth the extra care needed to grow them. |
Apr 3, 2015 | 426-607 (HORT-105P) | ||
Selecting Landscape Plants: Shade Trees | Trees are the basic element for any landscape plan. They set the stage for the entire home grounds design. The type used and their location determine to a great extent what other plantings are appropriate. Providing shade usually requires tall, sturdy, long-living species. Density of foliage, which determines the amount of shading, is important. A tree such as a Norway maple will produce a very dense shade that prevents other plants from growing under it, while a honey locust will produce a light partial shade which is not a hindrance to other plants growing below it. Deciduous trees should be used to shade the south windows of a home in the summer, thus allowing the sun to penetrate in the winter. |
Apr 1, 2015 | 426-610 (HORT-104P) | ||
Selecting Landscape Plants: Flowering Trees | May 1, 2009 | 426-611 | |||
Environmental Horticulture: Guide to Nutrient Management | May 1, 2009 | 426-613 | |||
Pest 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 work begins. The label printed
on or attached to a container of pesticide tells how to use it correctly and warns of any environmental or health safety
measures to take. Read the label when you purchase a pesticide and again before mixing or applying it. If you are
confused about any part of the label, consult your Extension agent or a representative of the company that makes the
product. Many pesticides now list a toll-free number for consumers. The label includes specific information that you
should be aware of and learn to understand.Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Horticulture, Virginia Tech
Reviewed by David Close, Consumer Horticulture and Master Gardener Specialist, Horticulture, Virginia Tech |
Mar 18, 2015 | 426-615 (HORT-138P) | ||
Planting Trees | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-702 (HORT-248NP) | |||
Using Compost in Your Landscape | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-704 (HORT-251NP) | |||
Storing Pesticides Safely | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-705 (HORT-250NP) | |||
Building Healthy Soil | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-711 (HORT-244NP) | |||
Landscaping for Less in the Landfill | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-716 (HORT-243NP) | |||
Establishing Lawns | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-718 (HORT-247NP) | |||
Selecting Turfgrass | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-719 (HORT-249NP) | |||
The Value of Landscaping | Landscaping is an integral part of our culture and plays an essential role in the quality of our environment, affecting our economic well-being and our physical and psychological health. If we are to keep our communities strong and prosperous, we must take responsibility for our environment. Environmental responsibility is a step beyond awareness, developed only through experience. Through our gardens and landscapes, we acquire a personal awareness and responsibility for the environment while we relieve the tensions and frustrations of everyday life. |
Nov 17, 2016 | 426-721 (HORT-234) | ||
Reducing Erosion and Runoff | Soil erosion occurs when soil particles are carried off by water or wind and
deposited somewhere else such as into a stream or at the bottom of a bay. Often soil
particles are carried by runoff, water that does not soak into the ground, but flows
over the surface and runs to another area – such as into stormdrains, streams, or
lakes. |
Jun 1, 2017 | 426-722(HORT-242NP) | ||
Home Landscape Practices to Protect Water Quality | In Virginia, we rely on reservoir systems, wells, and other sources for our freshwater.
In recent years, our previously plentiful clean water supplies have been threatened
not only by overuse, but also by contamination. Pollutants are carried down with water
soaking through the soil to the water table. Runoff (water that does not soak into the
ground) flows over the surface, often taking soil and polluting chemicals with it into
lakes and streams. |
Jul 7, 2017 | 426-723 (HORT-246NP) | ||
Mulching for a Healthy Landscape | Soil erosion occurs when soil particles are carried off by water or wind and
deposited somewhere else such as into a stream or at the bottom of a bay. Often soil
particles are carried by runoff, water that does not soak into the ground, but flows
over the surface and runs to another area – such as into stormdrains, streams, or
lakes. |
Jun 1, 2017 | 426-724 (HORT-241NP) | ||
Calibrating Your Lawn Spreader | May 1, 2009 | 430-017 |