Instead of our usual written story, this week we are sharing a video documenting the progress of our 2014 Extension Demonstration Garden in Amelia County. Click the play button to begin watching.

In 2013, the Virginia Cooperative Extension agents in Amelia County created a 1,200 square Demonstration Garden. It was used for a series of summer workshop on topics ranging from food preservation to disease control. The Amelia agents decided to expand the garden in 2014 and continue using it for agriculture, healthy lifestyle, and youth development workshops and events.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm28g6bqTGs

Photo highlights from the 2014 garden:

Snap bean seedlings emerged quickly after germinating in the warm, moist spring soil.

Herbs like lavender, oregano, fennel, and dill grew in our garden.

We planted our sweet corn as soon as spring soil temperatures reached the mid-60s.

Our collards preferred the cooler temperatures of early spring. Collards, like kale, can also grow in a fall garden.

We grew a handful of tomato varieties including Supersweet 100, Early Girl, Better Boy, Mr Stripey, Amelia, Lemon Boy, and Beefsteak.