The Middlesex County Public Library (MCPL) system recently announced the launch of a series of free programs about gardening, hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service (VCES).
The series consists of eight stand-alone presentations, once a month, now through November, alternating between Deltaville on the third Monday of the month, and Urbanna on the third Tuesday of the month.
The schedule and topics for the season includes:
• 5 p.m. Monday, April 21, Deltaville branch — Garden weeds, what is it and how do I get rid of it.
• 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, Urbanna branch — How to grow vegetables at home.
• 5 p.m. Monday, June 16, Deltaville branch — Creating your own plant super-food, composting and organic matter additions.
• 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, Urbanna branch — Pollinators, build a home for your garden friends.
• 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, Deltaville branch — Gathering the fruits of your labor, harvesting basics.
• 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, Urbanna branch — An apple a day, fruit trees.
• 5 p.m. Monday, Oct 20, Deltaville branch — Let’s plant something wild, specialty crops.
• 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, Urbanna branch — Living off the land, homesteading topics.
The presentations will be hosted by Frank Long, VCES’s agricultural and natural resources agent for the Middle Peninsula. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Long hails from an established farming family on the Eastern Shore, and brings years of hands-on experience in agricultural production to his practice.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, established more than a century ago, is an agency whose work encompasses agriculture, economics, civic engagement, and environmental topics.
“Our agents, specialists, and volunteers work to assist farmers, empower youth, guide responsible resource management, and advance the well-being of all Virginians,” VCES explained in a statement. It operates with the assistance of both Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, and the recommendations it makes are backed by its own studies and research. It was recently honored by the state for its assistance to farmers in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
For questions or information, call 758-5717 or email yourmiddlesexlibrary@gmail.com.
