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It’s an early spring in Virginia and this presents some challenges for our orchards and vineyards.
Tuesday, April 4, will be a great opportunity for both experienced viticulturists and people new to growing wine grapes to learn about vineyard management. This meeting will be held at Burnbrae Vineyards (3524 Cottontown Road, Forest) from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Virginia Cooperative Extension faculty will give seasonal updates, the group will tour the vineyard with a grower’s perspective, and we will talk about the issues of concern to vineyard managers.
For those that hold a private pesticide applicator’s license, participating will provide two years of continuing education credit.
Bring a packed lunch and a camping chair. This meeting will be held rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. Please register with Lucinda MacRae at (434) 263-7180 or [email protected]. Thanks to Grace Monger, Extension agent for horticulture headquartered in Nelson County, for her leadership and expertise for this event.
Soil Testing
The warm temperatures and flush of new green in the fields prompts many folks to think about their fields and gardens.
The soil is, of course, foundational to anything we want to grow and the old adage “don’t guess ... soil test” is a good one to have in mind whether you have a 30-acre field or flower bed.
Virginia Tech has a soil testing lab to which citizens can submit their soil samples. Information on how to submit soil samples is available through the Rockbridge Extension office.
People wishing to have their soils tested collect the soil themselves, place their samples in the official Virginia Tech soil sample boxes, complete a soil testing form for each soil sample, and mail it themselves direct to the Virginia Tech soil testing laboratory in Blacksburg.
Soil tests for home lawns, gardens and beds cost $10 each and the payment should be mailed with the soil samples.
The recommendations for home and garden applications are expressed in amounts per 1,000 square feet and tailored to homeowners. Soil tests for farm fields and commercial growing environments are free and are expressed in quantities per acre.
Soil test results come with recommendations for growing the plant(s) the grower indicates on the form and free follow-up consultation is available from the Rockbridge Extension office.
Soil testing information is available for pick-up at the Rockbridge Extension office located on the second floor of the Rockbridge County Administration Building, 150 S. Main St. in Lexington.
