Lawn, Gardening & Pests News

Pollination is essential for reproduction in seed-bearing plants, and therefore, much of the foods and ecosystems we enjoy. 

Earthworms benefit your garden soil in many ways. These underground excavators burrow channels in soil, making it more porous and improving drainage. They also bring some of the subsoil closer to the surface, mixing it with topsoil and increasing the amount of quality planting soil available.

Water is an essential nutrient for plants and comprises up to 9 5% of a plant’s tissue. It is required for a seed to sprout, and as the plant grows, water carries nutrients throughout the plant. Water is responsible for several important functions within plant tissues. 

Germination is the process by which a plant grows from a seed into a seedling. Seeds remain dormant until conditions are favorable for germination. All seeds need water, oxygen and optimal temperature to germinate.  

Dear Friends of WVU Extension, 

Seed libraries are a great way to find seeds you need, can’t find anywhere else or would like to try. They also provide a wonderful opportunity for you to share extra seeds you have with other growers in your area.

Squash is one of North America’s oldest cultivated crops. It was originally one of three primary crops grown by Native American groups.

For centuries, humans have grown grains for food, animal feed and countless other uses. Today, we enjoy our corn roasted, popped, grilled, creamed and made into a longtime favorite of West Virginians, cornbread.

Oak shothole leafminer has caused significant damage to oak trees in several counties in West  Virginia this summer. It also has been reported to be in a few other states, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Oak shothole leafminer is an insect that  belongs to the order Diptera and is native to the United States. However, its biology and damage to oak trees have not been widely studied.