The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is a plant pest that was recently introduced into the united States from its native range in Japan, Korea, and China. The word marmorated refers to its marble-like coloration. Sometimes called the yellow-brown stink bug of the East Asian stink bug, it was first reported in the United States in Allentown, PA. It was found in VA in 2004 and by 2010, it was found throughout most of the Commonwealth.
“Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) are an agricultural menace that has devastated crops and livelihoods. While they are a homeowner nuisance and release a potent odor, they are generally harmless to humans,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.

To farmers, especially fruit and vegetable farmers, the BMSB has become an agricultural menace that is destroying crops.

Tips from the Southside Master Gardeners to keep your garden healthy.

PLANT Late August is the best time to plant Oriental poppies.  A mulch of oak or sycamore leaves will give them needed protection the first winter.

PRUNE
Maples and birches may be pruned after new growth has hardened.

FERTILIZE
At the beginning of the month trim back and fertilize perennials for the second blooming.

Feed roses for the last time this season.  When cutting blossoms, cut above the 5-leaflet leaf.

WATER
During dry weather be sure to thoroughly water azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, and heather

Clean Virginia Waterways (CVW) announces an upcoming “Train the Trainer” workshop for nonprofit organizations, community groups and other groups that would like to host their own “Make a Rain Barrel Workshop” for the public.

After taking this CVW workshop, your organization or group may order our recycled food barrels and hardware kits for use in your own rain barrel making workshops.

Do you own, or aspire to own, a small farm?  If so, one of the biggest obstacles can be diversifying your operations enough to spread the risk around.  To learn from farmers who have successfully diversified their operation, make plans to attend this Agriculture Diversification Field Day, sponsored by VA Tech's Small Farm Outreach & Technical Assistance Program.

The Field Day is July 13 from 10 am-12 noon in South Hill, and is free and open to the public.

The Southside Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale will be held at the Halifax Extension Office and Public Library parking area on Saturday, May 1 from 7:30 a.m. to noon, rain or shine.  Among the educational exhibits will be an exhibit on vermiculture.

Whether you are a plant lover or an avid fisherman, you won’t want to miss this Vermiculture exhibit.  Vermiculture is the art of raising earthworms. Find out how these little wonders of nature can turn your organic kitchen wastes, such as coffee grounds, egg shells and fruit peels, into some of the most sought-after organic fertilizer around. Your plants will thrive when they get fertilized with “worm castings”.