Highlights:
July 2004 Show
Growing
Ginseng Root
Guest: Andy Hankins–Extension Specialist, Virginia State University, ahankins@vsu.edu
- Ginseng
grows best on the woodland floor in well drained soil on a northeast
facing slope.
- Tall
poplars, spicebush and blood root are good indicator plants when selecting
a growing site.
- Higher
quality ginseng root results from being grown in “near-wild”
conditions with little or no maintenance.
- Harvesting
can begin in 7 to 10 years.
- Roots
need to be dried for two weeks to be marketable and should be marketed
within two years of harvest.
- Andy
can recommend a source of seeds and potential buyers for the dried roots.
He also has a publication available upon request.
Pick
Your Own Blackberries
Guest: Ann Geyer–Manager of the Westmoreland Berry Farm
1-800-997-2377
www.westmorelandberryfarm.com
- Farm
grows several varieties of blackberries to extend the harvest period.
- Most
of their varieties are thorn-free and all are grown on trellises with
grass walkways.
- The
picking season for blackberries runs from mid-June to early September.
- The
farm is located near Oak Grove, Virginia in Westmoreland County (directions
are available on their Web site).
- In addition
to blackberries, the farm produces peaches, apples, raspberries, tayberries,
strawberries, pumpkins and more.
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