Lawn, Gardening & Pests
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Recent News
Candy Roaster – the Impressive Winter Squash
The Candy Roaster, also referred to as a Permelon or Pink Banana, is a winter squash that remains a staple in many Appalachian gardens. This heirloom is part of the Cucurbita maxima family and has a history as impressive as its flavor. Candy Roasters were cultivated by the Cherokee people in the 1800s, who in turn shared their seeds with those who settled in Appalachia.
The Candy Roaster comes in multiple varieties, hence the multiple names. Candy Roasters cross pollinate easily, leading to more than 40 known varieties and several hybrids that carry the Candy Roaster name. This winter squash can grow in a tubular, round, teardrop or squat shape. Depending on the variety, the harvested crop may come in pink, blue or gray.
Read Candy Roaster – the Impressive Winter Squash
Cultivating Rich and Unique Bloody Butcher Corn
When thinking of heirloom field corn that holds a significant place in our state’s history, West Virginians cannot help but mention Bloody Butcher Corn, which dates back to the early 1800s.
While most white and yellow corn varieties are harvested at a rate of 190 to 250 bushels per acre, the open pollinated Bloody Butcher is maximized at 100 bushels per acre. The stalks can grow to heights of 12 feet or taller, so wind and hard rains can knock the stalks down easily. Another reason is the corn’s days to maturity reach upward of 100 days. The corn will always produce two ears per stalk that are usually 10 to 12 inches in length.
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Experience Coal Camp Heritage Beans
Pole beans are also known as cornfield beans or climbing beans and fall into a category of beans with a slightly larger pod and more prominent string. One such bean that is very desirable is the Coal Camp bean.
Coal Camp is an heirloom pole bean that originated in West Virginia and produces purplish-green colored pods. The plant produces long runs, so a tall trellis is necessary. They are traditionally picked when the seeds are plump but still forming inside the pod and require stringing. Research also has shown that these beans provide more protein and fiber.
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Join the Winter/Spring 2025 Master Gardener Training
WVU Extension Master Gardener training, which used to be offered through in-person courses organized by WVU Extension offices around the state, will once again be available online via Zoom sessions.
WVU Extension will continue offering online Master Gardener training classes for late winter/spring 2025 term, beginning on January 9 through May 15. Classes will be held every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Read Join the Winter/Spring 2025 Master Gardener Training
Bite Into History With the Red York Apple
The Red York apple is a bud mutation of York Imperial, the quintessential Eastern sauce-making apple. The Red York apple was discovered around 1945 in the orchard of John L. Hevener in Roanoke, West Virginia. In fact, the Hevener’s property was where Stonewall Resort is located today.
The story goes that Hevener was walking through his orchard late in the season and saw some red apples on one of his trees. He was intrigued and walked over, picked an apple and bite into it – it was still firm, juicy and sweet despite being so late in the season.