Virginia Cooperative Extension - Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia

09/16/2026

RESTORING NATURE: There are a number of alternatives to a turfgrass lawn. Homeowners can select no-mow fescue blends, which are drought-tolerant and can handle moderate foot traffic; mini clover, which fixes nitrogen in its roots; native poverty oatgrass, which thrives in poor soil and requires minimal mowing and watering; or native sedges, some of which are even tolerant of mowing. Another option is to allow native violets to begin filling in and outcompete the grass. These plants offer nectar for pollinators and serve as larval host plants to many species of fritillary butterflies.
lawn

09/15/2026

BARK QUIZ: Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), today’s featured tree, is noted for both its exfoliating bark and its summer to fall blooms.

09/15/2026

September is the Time for Seed Saving

Have you ever grown a particular vegetable that was so successful in your garden and on your plate that you wanted to grow it forever? Well, you just might be able to if you can save its seeds. And once you get the basics down about seed saving, you can continue to save these seeds from year to year with a bit of care—and luck....

Have you ever grown a particular vegetable that was so successful in your garden and on your plate that you wanted to grow it forever? Well, you just might be abl…

09/15/2026

BARK QUIZ: In early summer, strips of bark peel off this tree, exposing mottled new bark ranging in color from pale cream to dark cinnamon, rich brown, and bright orange.
Learn the tree’s identity in this afternoon’s 4:00 p.m. post.

09/14/2026

Word Quiz of the Week

What is the modified calyx and appendage of the cypsela (fruit) of the Asteraceae (aster or composite family) that aids in seed disperal? ...

http://mgnv.org/illustrated-glossary/word-quiz-of-the-week-37/

What is the modified calyx and appendage of the cypsela (fruit) of the Asteraceae (aster or composite family) that aids in seed disperal?

09/14/2026

WOODY KEYSTONE PLANTS: The Physocarpus (ninebark) genus appears in the Wild Ones roster of native woody plants that serve as larval hosts where it is listed as supporting caterpillars of 41 Lepidopteran species, including the Dark-spotted Palthis and the Dimorphic Eulithis. Additionally, Ninebark shrubs support wildlife by providing nectar for pollinators and seed for birds. Their dense, arching branch structure provides nesting and shelter for birds and small mammals.

There is only one species of Physocarpus native to the Eastern U.S., Common or Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). In Virginia, it is most frequent in the mountains, locally common in the Piedmont, and rare in the Coastal Plain. Ninebark makes an excellent specimen plant, showcasing its flower clusters, colorful fruit, and exfoliating bark. It can also be planted en masse as a screen or for erosion control on slopes.

Learn more about the characteristics and care of Common Ninebark on the MGNV website at https://mgnv.org/plants/native-plants/shrubs/physocarpus-opulifolius/

09/13/2026

🌱 Your fall vegetables would like a blanket.

No, not the good one.

A layer of organic mulch around established fall crops can help moderate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds as the season changes.

Straw, shredded leaves, or other appropriate organic materials can do the job.

Just don't pile mulch directly against plant stems. Leave a little breathing room around the base.

Think "cozy blanket."

Not "buried under six comforters by an overprotective grandmother."

We're protecting the carrots.

We're not tucking them in and reading them Goodnight Moon.

https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/mulches-for-the-vegetable-garden/

Mulching helps conserve soil moisture, control weeds, and improve vegetable quality. Learn about the different mulch types and their benefits.

09/13/2026

🍅 It's September.

Your tomato plant has 14 green tomatoes already hanging on it...

and has decided this would be an excellent time to make 47 new flowers.

Ma'am.

We are closing for the season.

As the first frost gets closer, new tomato flowers may not have enough time to become ripe fruit. Removing late flowers and tiny new fruit can help redirect the plant's resources toward tomatoes that actually have a reasonable chance of ripening.

Think of it as closing applications.

🍅 Large green tomato: ACCEPTED.

🍅 Medium tomato: ACCEPTED.

🌼 Brand-new flower on September 12:

"We appreciate your interest. Unfortunately, we have decided to move forward with other candidates."

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-tomatoes-home-garden/

Growing tomatoes in a home garden and diagnosing common tomato problems

09/12/2026

🌱 Found a packet of spinach seeds from 2023?

Before throwing it away—or planting the entire packet and hoping for divine intervention—do a germination test.

Put about 10 seeds between damp paper towels, keep them moist and warm enough for that crop, and see how many sprout.

8 out of 10?

Excellent.

2 out of 10?

Plant heavier or buy fresh seed.

0 out of 10?

Congratulations.

You've been carefully storing a tiny envelope of confetti.

https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/learn-terms-seed-packets-make-right-selection-1

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Beautiful seed catalogs hit mailboxes every January, tempting gardeners with full-color photos and glowing descriptions. Before you buy, though, read those enticing seed packets. Nicole Sanchez, Oregon State University Extension Service horticulturist, tells gardeners to plan bef...

09/12/2026

🥬 Attention impatient gardeners:

You do NOT have to wait for lettuce to form a beautiful grocery-store head before eating it.

With leaf lettuce, you can harvest the larger outer leaves while they're young and tender and leave the center growing point intact.

The plant keeps producing.

You keep eating.

Nobody has to die.

It's basically a vegetable subscription service.

Except instead of $14.99 a month...

You paid $3.29 for 700 seeds you'll still be finding in a drawer in 2034.

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-408/426-408.html

This publication provides comprehensive guidance on growing leafy green vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, cooking greens, and chard. It outlines environmental preferences, planting methods, spacing, and fertilization needs for each crop. Cultural practices emphasize cool‑season production, s...