Extension Office Friday: Fall Gardens & Pruning Techniques

The Valley Today

In this episode, host Janet Michael joins up with Joanne Royaltey from the Frederick County Extension Office and kate Reed, a NSV Master Gardener to discuss the benefits of fall gardening. Joanne highlights that fall is often overlooked as a gardening season despite its advantages such as cooler weather and softer grounds, which help plants establish stronger roots. Kate adds that not clearing out the garden too much can benefit local wildlife.

Janet and Kate share their experiences with plants that have overgrown and need relocating. They mention the importance of knowing your horticultural zone for pruning and other gardening activities. They give practical advice on how to handle invasive plants like English ivy and how to move overgrown plants properly.

The conversation shifts to discussing the services offered by Master Gardeners, emphasizing that these services are available year-round. Kate stresses the importance of effective pruning and understanding plant requirements, adding tips on pruning different types of plants according to their specific needs and the season.

They also touch on the importance of contacting local Master Gardener help desks for advice and the appeal of joining gardening groups for mutual learning. Joanne stresses that gardening help is free and encourages people to utilize these resources.

Towards the end, they talk about the benefits of planting trees and the upcoming Winchester Tree Festival, where attendees can learn more about native plants and trees. Joanne also mentions upcoming Extension Master Gardener classes and info sessions, encouraging listeners to participate and learn more about gardening.

If you have any type of gardening question, volunteers at the Extension “Ask a Master Gardener” Help Desks will research your problem and provide unbiased, research-based solutions. They can answer questions about trees, shrubs, house plants, perennials, annuals, and more! E-mail a description and photos of your gardening problems to your county, or stop by during office hours in Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties. Page and Clarke “Ask a Master Gardener” Help Desks operate virtually, and Extension Master Gardeners do not hold in-person office hours. During the growing season visit their booths at area plant clinics and farmers markets as well.

• Clarke County
  • Drop-off location and hours: VCE Office, 524 Westwood Rd., Berryville, VA; Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • E-mail: [e-mail]
  • Phone: [phone]
  • Clarke County Farmers Market in 2024: June 8, August 10, and October 12, 8 a.m.–Noon
• Frederick County
  • Location: VCE Office, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, VA
  • Help Desk Hours: Every Wednesday, 10 a.m.–Noon
  • E-mail: [e-mail]
  • Phone: [phone]
  • Winchester Farmers Market: First Tuesday and Third Saturday of each month, May–September, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Page County
  • Drop-off location and hours: VCE Office, 215 W. Main St., Suite C, Stanley, VA; Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • E-mail: [e-mail]
  • Phone: [phone]
  • Plant Clinic at Massanutten Country Corner: Second and Fourth Saturdays of each month, April–October, 10 a.m.–Noon
• Shenandoah County
  • Location: VCE Office and Classroom, Shenandoah County Government Center, 600 N. Main St., Suite 100, Woodstock, VA
  • Help Desk Hours: First and third Fridays, May through September, 9 a.m. –Noon; First Fridays only, October through April, 9 a.m.–Noon
  • E-mail: [e-mail]
  • Phone: [phone]
  • South Street Barn Farmers Market: Fourth Saturdays of each month, May–August, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
  • Strasburg Farmers Market: First and third Saturdays of the month, April 20–October, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Warren
  • Location: VCE Office, Warren County Government Center, 220 N. Commerce Ave., Suite 500, Front Royal, VA
  • Help Desk Hours: Every Monday (except holidays), April through September, 10 a.m. –1 p.m.
  • E-mail: [e-mail]
  • Phone: [phone]