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
⚠️ Poison Hemlock: Know What to Look For ⚠️
Poison hemlock is a common invasive plant found throughout Virginia, and it's important to be able to identify it, especially if you enjoy foraging or spending time outdoors.
This highly toxic member of the carrot family can grow 6–10 feet tall and has smooth green stems marked with distinctive purple or reddish spots or streaks. Its white flowers may resemble Queen Anne's lace, but poison hemlock is much larger and far more dangerous.
🌿 Where is it found?
Poison hemlock commonly grows along roadsides, fence rows, ditches, streambanks, and meadows.
☠️ Is it poisonous?
Yes, all parts of the plant are extremely toxic to people and animals. The plant contains poisonous compounds that can cause serious illness if ingested, and the sap may irritate the skin. Poisonings often occur when people mistake it for edible plants such as parsley, wild parsnip, or anise.
If you spot poison hemlock, admire it from a distance and avoid handling it without proper protection.
📖 Learn more about poisonous plants in Virginia:
www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/CNRE/CNRE-13/CNRE-13NP.html
📖 Learn more about poison hemlock:
extension.psu.edu/poison-hemlock ... See MoreSee Less
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🔥 Hot, dry weather means an increased risk of wildfires. Even something as routine as mowing the lawn can accidentally spark a fire under the right conditions.
Help protect your home and community by following these simple mowing safety tips:
🌤️ Mow before 10 a.m. when temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher.
💨 Avoid mowing dry grass or on windy days.
🔧 Keep your mower well-maintained to reduce the risk of overheating or mechanical sparks.
💥 Watch for rocks and other metal objects that mower blades can strike and create sparks.
A few extra precautions can go a long way in helping prevent wildfires. Stay safe and help keep Virginia green! 🌿🔥 ... See MoreSee Less
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It might be hot outside but there are still plants that can go into you gardens! 🌞
Direct Sowing:
Zones 6A & 6B: Bush Beans, Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, Rutabaga, Summer Squash, Turnips
Zone 7A: Bush Beans, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Rutabaga, Summer Squash
Zone 7B: Bush Beans, Lima Beans, Carrots, Cucumbers, Okra, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Sweet Corn
Zone 8A: Lima Beans, Bush Beans, Carrots, Cucumbers, Okra, Southern Peas, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Corn, Watermelon
Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!
Transplanting:
Zones 6A, 6B, & 7A: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks
Zones 7B & 8A: Eggplant, Peppers, Tomatoes
Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!
You can prepare for the entire planting season by visiting brnw.ch/plantguide
To determine your USDA zone, you can enter your zip code here: planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ ... See MoreSee Less
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