The Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners recently announced it will start its 2019 Buckingham Gardening Tips and Topics programs on Saturday, March 9, and the Prince Edward Lunch and Learn programs on Thursday, March 14. “Starting Your Garden” will be the topic for both programs presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Jackie Fairbarns.

According to a press release, “March is the month that we lay the foundation for this summer’s successful vegetable and flower gardens, so Fairbarns will focus on effective planning for your 2019 gardens. She will discuss the fundamentals of soil preparation, soil testing, water requirements, mulching, fertilizers, site selection if this is a new garden, seed selection and bedding plants. In addition, she will demonstrate indoor planting of vegetable seeds to get a jump on the growing season. Bring your gloves as this will be hands-on and you will get your hands in the dirt.”

The Buckingham Gardening Tips and Topics will be held at 10 a.m. at the Buckingham Extension Office. The Prince Edward Lunch and Learn will be held at noon at the Prince Edward Extension Office meeting room, 100 Dominion Drive, Farmville. No fees or reservations are required. Both sessions last about an hour. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch to the Lunch and Learn and come on their lunch hour.

Fairbarns first became a master gardener in Fairfax County in the 1980s, and completed the program a second time in 2017 in order to learn the growing conditions in Southside Virginia. She now resides and gardens in Buckingham County, specializing in purple fruits and vegetables.

Master Gardener Kelly Love-Schwarz will assist Fairbarns at the Buckingham program and Master Gardener Virginia Watson will assist her at the Prince Edward program.

The Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners will teach these monthly education workshops. The Buckingham Gardening Tips and Topics are usually held the second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. The Prince Edward Lunch and Learn programs are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at noon. Watch the newspaper or visit the Heart of Virginia Master Gardners website at www.hovmg.org. for notices of upcoming programs. Upcoming topics include Controlling Erosion in Your Yard, Hydroponics, Pollinator and Herb Garden, Building a Greenhouse/Cold Frame, On-line Gardening Resources and Tool Maintenance.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all.