Welcome to
Suffolk Extension Master Gardeners
We Exist to Serve You
Suffolk Extension Master Gardeners (Suffolk EMGs) volunteer their time and expertise to provide FREE horticultural education for residents of the City of Suffolk, Virginia. They provide programs for both youth and adults on a variety of topics like tree care, native plants, flower and vegetable gardening, pest and disease identification, integrated pest management, and more. Visit the programs, events, and demonstration garden pages to learn more!
Ask a Master Gardener
Getting help is easy! Suffolk EMGs can be found at our office, on Facebook, by phone, email, and at various Suffolk farmers markets. Take advantage of our Ask a Master Gardener program, where you can contact us from the comfort of your own home! To submit a question, email us at SuffolkMG@gmail.com or call us at 757-514-4335. When emailing, attach pictures of the plant, pest, or problem and provide a detailed description. This will allow us to serve you. A Suffolk EMG volunteer will respond in a timely manner. Beginning in 2024, volunteers will be providing monthly office hours. Stop by our Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) classroom and obtain research-based assistance with your gardening questions and concerns.
Spotted Lanterfly Information
Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly Identification
and Reporting in Virginia
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You can prepare for the entire planting season by visiting https://brnw.ch/plantguide
To determine your USDA zone, you can enter your zip code here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov
🫧 Have you ever spotted what looks like a blob of foam or spit on a plant?
That frothy mass is often the work of a spittlebug nymph! The foam, commonly called "spittle," helps protect the young insect from drying out and may also help hide it from predators while it feeds on plant sap. 🌿
Several species of spittlebugs are found in Virginia, with the meadow spittlebug being one of the most common. The nymphs hatch in spring and create their characteristic foamy shelter as they grow. After about a month, they mature into adults and continue their life cycle.
While spittlebugs are generally more of a curiosity than a major garden problem, large populations can reduce plant vigor, particularly on strawberries. For most gardeners, however, they're simply an interesting example of the many insects that share our landscapes. 🪴🐞
Next time you see "spit" on a plant, take a closer look, you may find a tiny spittlebug hiding inside! ... See MoreSee Less
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🌳 Bacterial Leaf Scorch: A Tree Disease to Know About 🍂
While bacterial leaf scorch is most easily diagnosed in late summer or early fall, it’s not too early to learn the signs and symptoms of this often serious, and sometimes lethal, tree disease.
This disease most commonly affects oaks, elms, and sycamores, but other landscape trees can also be susceptible.
One challenge with bacterial leaf scorch is that its symptoms can look like other common stress issues, especially drought stress. Because of this, accurate diagnosis is important, and laboratory testing is often needed to confirm the presence of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa.
Early awareness can help with better monitoring and management in the landscape.
📖 Learn more in this Virginia Cooperative Extension publication:
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Have you ever thought about composting with worms? This is also known as vermicomposting and is a great way to make compost and it can be done right in your home! 🪱
Here is a great resource if you want to learn more about using worms to compost 👇https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/em-9034-composting-worms?reference=catalog
We would love to know if anyone here has tried vermicomposting or is interested in doing it in the future! ... See MoreSee Less
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