growing garlic for the beginner

This event has been cancelled. Please continue to check the full calendar for more events.

cut flower farm tour

Thursday, October 3, 2024 · 10 am–2:30pm

100 Asian Pear Way, Natural Bridge, Virginia

Are you interested in exploring new ways to enhance your farm’s profitability? Local cut flowers could be the answer! During the tour, you’ll learn firsthand about effective strategies for crowd control, managing wildlife like deer, implementing advanced irrigation systems, and utilizing modern flower production practices to optimize your farm’s output. Whether you’re looking to diversify your current farm operations or simply gain a deeper understanding of cut flower farming, this tour will provide you with practical insights and hands-on examples.

Space is limited! Please RSVP to receive further details about the meeting location and ensure your spot on this insightful tour.

For more information, contact Forrest Hobbs at 804-892-5910 or fhobbs@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Meat Birds—Seeds of Faith Farm Tour

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 · 10 am–1 pm

Brookneal Virginia

This event has been cancelled.

For more information, contact Tammy Holler at 804-524-3292 or tholler@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Drip Irrigation

This event has been cancelled.

How to Make Fish Fertilizer

Friday, September 20, 2024 · noon–1:30 pm

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Fish has been used as a plant fertilizer for hundreds of years. This farming technique was developed by indigenous people and is a great way to add many different macro and micronutrients into your soil. This workshop will demonstrate how to make fish hydrosylate and fish amino acids, which are quick and slow ways of making fish fertilizer. We will also discuss how and when to apply the fertilizers.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Derrick Gooden at  804-586-5352 or email dgooden@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Building a Climate-Resilient Farm through Permaculture Design

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 · 2–4 pm

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA 23803

Human activities have impacted weather-related disasters. Are farms and ranches helpless in the face of nature’s fury? The answer is a resounding no! Implementing a permaculture-based plan of resilient farms and ranches makes it possible to bounce back quickly from nature’s setbacks and minimize or eliminate them in the first place.

For more information, contact James Gibson at 804-720-6826 or jegibson@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Permaculture, Perennials and Plant Selection

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 · 10 am–noon 

Sandy’s Plants, 8011 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville, VA

Permaculture is a land management and design approach that adopts practices observed in flourishing natural ecosystems. It includes a set of design principles derived using whole-system thinking. It is a philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature. Sandy’s Plants is one of the largest suppliers of container-grown plants on the East Coast and utilizes open beds to ensure durability. They label each perennial with detailed descriptions of their traits.

Space is limited to 12 participants.

For more information, contact Forrest Hobbs at  804-892-5910 or fhobbs@vsu.edu; or James Gibson at 804-720-6826 or jegibson@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Introduction to JADAM Farming

Friday, August 30, 2024 · noon–1:30 pm

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Organic farming can be expensive. The fertilizers and pesticides required to improve crop health for bountiful harvests can add up quickly. What if there was a way to create your own products from the waste and excess that you have around your farm or property? This workshop will introduce you to JADAM farming techniques. These procedures utilize organic and natural inputs around your immediate area to create natural fertilizers and pesticides.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Derrick Gooden at  804-586-5352 or email dgooden@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Southwest Virginia Biochar Facility Tour

Friday, August 23, 2024 · 2–4 pm

SWVA Biochar, LLC, 209 Sams Road SE, Floyd, VA

Bring a friend and join us in the beautiful town of Floyd for a special tour of one of Southwest Virginia’s most interesting and rapidly growing companies! Founded in 2021, SWVA Biochar produces highly absorbent, specially produced carbon with a wide variety of environmentally positive applications and carbon-sequestering properties. The company’s biochar is produced using biomass obtained from Virginia companies. Space is limited! Register today.

Space is limited to 40 participants.

For more information, contact Mandy Fletcher at 804-892-0108 or afletcher@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Nutrient Management for Farmers

Thursday, August 22, 2024 · 9 am–noon 

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Learn about how to maximize your crop yields while being environmentally friendly. Find out why we manage phosphorus and nitrogen differently. Discover the best times to apply nutrients for healthy plant growth. Find out about how you can do your part to protect your rivers and streams. This presentation will benefit students, farmers, gardeners, and other growers.

Space is limited to 40 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028, or tsexton@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Plastic-Laying Demonstration

This event has been cancelled. For more events, please see our full calendar.

irrigation and soil moisture management for farmers

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 · 9 am–noon

VSU Randolph Farm, 4415 River Rd, Petersburg, VA

Farmers will learn about Irrigation systems and efficiencies, How to conduct an audit of the system, making determinations of when to irrigate and when to stop irrigation events. They will learn about the water holding capacity of soils, root depths and transmission of water under different circumstances. Farmers and growers will learn how to determine the soil moisture content and how to make sensible decisions

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028, or email tsexton@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Cotton, Inc. Tour

Monday, August 19, 2024 · 7:30 am–4:30 pm

Meet at VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Cotton, Inc. is a nonprofit organization funded by upland US cotton growers and importers. They work to make cotton production more profitable by reducing costs and increasing consumer demand. They are recognized as the global authority and resource for all things cotton, from seed to shirt. The international headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, has working laboratories that showcase research and innovation in fiber processing and textile manufacturing. Join the Small Farm Outreach Program on an excursion to tour this wonderful facility!

Schedule

7:30 am—Bus leaves  from Randolph Farm

10 am—Welcome, introductions, industry overview 

10:30-10:45 am—Fiber processing facility 

10:45-11 am—Product development team 

11-11:15 am—Dyeing and finishing group 

11:15-11:30 am—Product evaluation area 

11:30 am-noon—Regroup, Q&A 

12:15 p—Depart for Raleigh Farmer’s Market 

12:30-2:30 pm—Free time (lunch on your own, shopping, etc.) 

2:30 pm—Depart

Space is limited to 50 participants.

For more information, contact Ben Dukes at 804-731-7916 or bdukes@vsu.edu; or Derrick Cladd at 804-892-4489 or dcladd@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

How to Start an Ecological Farm

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 · 2–4 pm

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA 23803

Farming with natural inputs can be challenging. From pest control to fertilizing, this workshop will take the mystery out of this approach to agriculture. We will also explore basic startup concepts. Mr. Patrick Johnson of Nanih Farm will lead the workshop. He is an organic farmer with many years of experience in the production of organic fruits and vegetables.

For more information, contact James Gibson at 804-720-6826 or jegibson@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Virtual Farm Tour

Monday, August 12, 2024 · 9–10 am

Zoom Event

Atlanta, Georgia, served as the kickoff meeting site for the USDA Farm Service’s National Urban Agriculture (NUag) Initiative, along with sixteen other cities nationwide in October 2023. An additional ten cities have recently been added to this pilot program. Come take a virtual tour to see what strides are being made at the Historic Westside Gardens with your host, Quinton “Farmer Qu” Arnold. He will explain their farming methods, crops grown, volunteerism, and how his organization supports the local community. A demonstration on how to construct a raised bed will take place, as well as their new venture into hydroponics.

For more information, contact Ben Dukes at  804-731-7916, or email  bdukes@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

USDA Information Update

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 · 2–4 pm

Shenandoah Valley Agriculture, Research and Extension Center, 128 Cyrus McCormick Circle, Raphine, VA

Learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) direct or guaranteed loans, as well as programs, service, and cost-share opportunities from other USDA agencies. Beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers can get help to prepare applications for farm ownership and operating loans and learn about the requirements for borrowing. Find out about the resources and current grants that are available from USDA, including the Rural Development Renewable Energy for America (REAP) grant and loan guarantee program, Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program, and Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs are also available. These programs can help you implement conservation practices to reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters.

For more information, contact Forrest Hobbs at  804-892-5910 or fhobbs@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Aerial Imagery for Farmers

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 · 9 am–noon

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

This workshop will provide farmers and gardeners with an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of aerial imagery, how it has been used, how to apply it to profitable agriculture production, how it can assist in making real-time decisions on disease and insect issues, and how it can have an impact on forestry management and herd health.

Space is limited to 40 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028 or tsexton@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

The Benefits of Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum

Monday, July 15, 2024 · noon–1:30 pm

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Are you looking to improve soil health, create better compost, improve the health of your livestock, and make your own organic fertilizer for pennies on the dollar? This workshop will cover all of these topics, along with the benefits of incorporating lactic acid bacteria (LAB) into your farm inputs. We will also discuss how to create LAB and store it to make it shelf-stable.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Derrick Gooden at  804-586-5352 or email dgooden@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

How to Plan and Purchase a Greenhouse or High Tunnel

Thursday, July 11, 2024 · 1–4 pm

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

If you plan to purchase a greenhouse or high tunnel, this educational program is for you! Harry Edwards of RIMOL Greenhouse Systems will explain the various types of greenhouses and high tunnels that are available. You will learn about methods for calculating size and what customization options are available. Dr. Theresa Nartea of VSU Integrated Marketing will bring snacks and help you visualize how to plan your marketing based on what you grow. A USDA representative will be on hand to present various funding methods through USDA program loans and grants. At the end of the workshop, we will visit the VSU Randolph Farm high tunnel with Mr. Edwards and Dr. Nartea to look at typical high tunnel space and step through a potential layout plan together. What does and doesn’t work? Come find out!

For more information, contact James Gibson at 804-720-6826 or jegibson@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

All About Peanuts

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 · 10–11 am

Zoom Event

Peanut production may be confined to only one area in Virginia, but the peanut industry has deep roots here and is still thriving today. Come and learn all about what makes Virginia peanuts so unique. We will take a deep dive into the history of Virginia peanuts, the peanut plant, and the peanut industry in Virginia and the United States.

For more information, contact Ben Dukes at  804-731-7916, or email  bdukes@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Setting up a Whole Farm Irrigation System

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 · 9 am–12:30 pm

Dundas, Virginia

Being able to water your field crops is essential during the summer months to keep your production going. Bruce and Walter Thompson, owners of Willowland Farm in Dundas, Virginia, will explain how they set up an irrigation system from the pond to each of their fields. They will show how the irrigation pump works and how they can control which fields are irrigated through an underground pipe system and control valves. They will also speak about using crop rotation for better production.

Space is limited to 20 participants.

For more information, contact Marilyn Estes at 804-481-0485 or mestes@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Growing Flowers for Profit

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 · 10 am–1 pm 

Church Road, Virginia

Kathleen Hesse will speak about getting started growing flowers. She will talk about attending workshops through the Small Farm Outreach Program to gain more knowledge in the areas necessary to be successful. She has grown her business with the addition of value-added products and a CSA. Join us for a full morning and learn about growing flowers for profit.

Space is limited to 15 participants.

For more information, contact Marilyn Estes at 804-481-0485 or mestes@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Environmental Management of Nutrients

Wednesday, June 20, 2024 · 9 am–noon 

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Learn about how to maximize your crop yields while being environmentally friendly. Find out why we manage phosphorus and nitrogen differently. Discover the best times to apply nutrients for healthy plant growth. Find out about how you can do your part to protect your rivers and streams. This presentation will benefit students, farmers, gardeners, and other growers.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028, or tsexton@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Cut Flower Farm Tour, Bouquets, and Market Prep

Monday, June 17, 2024 · 6–8 pm 

Fredericksburg, Virginia

This workshop has been canceled. For more information, contact Michael Carter Sr at 804-481-1163 or mcarter@vsu.edu, or Roland Terrell at 804-892-4612 or rterrell@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

How to Create Worm Castings

Friday, June 14, 2024 · noon–1:30 pm

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Worm castings are known to help soil water retention, improve soil aeration, and help prevent the leaching of nutrients. Learn how to make your own high quality castings to help amend the soil. This course will cover the benefits of worm castings, and show you how to create the castings by utilizing different breeds of worms.

Space is limited to 25 participants.

For more information, contact Derrick Gooden at  804-586-5352 or email dgooden@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Building Your Garden Soil, From the Ground Up—Fauquier Education Farm 2024 Workshop Series 

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 · 6–8 pm

Fauquier Education Farm, 8428 Meetze Rd. Warrenton, VA

Join us for this workshop on improving your garden soil. We will talk about how we are using intensive cover crops and no-till planting techniques to improve our long term soil health, and improve our crop yields while doing it. Is your garden growing healthy soil? We’ll talk about ways you can build your soil while improving production and help protect downstream water resources. It will always come back to building soil health! 

No registration is required.

For more information, contact Fauquier Education Farm at 540-336-4338 or fauquieredfarm@gmail.com.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

High Tunnel Maintenance and Repair

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 · 5–7 pm

331 Piedmont Drive, Yanceyville, NC

When growing vegetables in a controlled environment, you need a strong and safe structure for you and your vegetable crop. This workshop will cover the management of a high tunnel and what you will need to do to keep the structure safe and secure. The correct construction and maintenance of a high tunnel can prolong its lifespan. In this workshop, you will learn what construction mistakes to avoid and how to pick out a structure for your operation.

For more information, contact Grace Summers at 804-712-0093 or gsummers@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

New Farm Tour

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 · 10 am–2 pm 

Martinsville, Virginia

Unfortunately, this workshop is now canceled. For more information, contact Clifford Somerville at 804-892-4581 or csomerville@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Introduction to Permaculture

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 · 1–3 pm

VCE Greensville Office, 105 Oak Street, Emporia, VA

Permaculture is more than a new system of recordkeeping and urban agriculture. It is an ecological design system based on observations found in nature. Permaculture design is founded on replicating or imitating natural patterns in ecosystems because these solutions have evolved over thousands of years and proven effective. Patrick Johnson, of Nanih Farm and Garden, Inc., will lead this workshop. Learn about the key concepts surrounding the broader aspects of permaculture: care for people, care for the earth, and fair share.

Space is limited to 15 participants.

For more information, contact Marilyn Estes at 804-481-0485 or mestes@vsu.edu.

Photo credit: ©CeGall

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.