Lawn, Gardening & Pests News

Have you ever entered your garden to find a zucchini that went from a petite vegetable to a 2-foot-long giant that could outweigh a small child? If so, you are not alone! Although you might be able to have bragging rights for the largest produce at a county fair, the eating experience is less than desirable. Produce like summer squash and zucchini are best when harvested at about 6 to 8 inches long.  

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 the late winter/spring 2026 term, beginning on January 8 through May 14. Classes will be held every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. 

Insect control can be challenging to gardeners because insect pests have the potential to damage ornamentals, fruits and vegetables. The identification of the insect is the first step in determining whether it should be controlled and the recommended control measures.  

Weeds can compete with vegetables, reducing yield or affecting crop quality, and can serve as alternate hosts for diseases. Weed management is easiest to accomplish and most critical when the crop is young and actively growing.  

Mulch is any material used to cover, protect and enhance the soil around growing plants. Having a good layer of mulch on the garden provides a multitude of benefits for growing vegetation.  

This summer (2025), a new invasive insect was detected in Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson counties of West Virginia. This pest is called the box tree moth and has the potential to kill boxwood plants. This insect pest is native to East Asia and was detected in New York in 2021. If you see the box tree moth or its damage on boxwood plants, please reported to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture at (304) 558-2212 or bugbusters@wvda.us.

Watering your garden is a simple but important task. 

Crop rotation is an important agricultural practice you should implement in your home garden. It has been used on farms and gardens for centuries to reduce damage from insects, limit crop diseases and manage soil fertility.  

Water is a very important component to a successful garden, but like all other aspects of growing plants, too much water can be detrimental.