PARKERSBURG — The full color WVU Extension Service Garden Calendars are here.

“West Virginia’s Own” is the theme of the 2022 WVU Garden Calendar and copies are available at the WVU Extension Office, located on the fourth floor of the Wood County Courthouse.

The WVU Garden Calendar will help gardeners reap an abundant harvest from their garden year-round. Planning is key for producing an abundant and successful garden. Each month has an article on growing different crops to assist home gardeners such as heirloom tomatoes, blackberries and rhubarb. The Garden Calendar always includes day to day recommendations for planting, watering, fertilizing and harvesting.

“The Garden Calendar is a great guide for home gardening enthusiasts,” Wood County Extension Agent J.J. Barrett said. “It gives date-by-date instructions for planting, mulching, fertilizing and other chores around the garden and lawn. The Garden Calendar is one of WVU Extension’s most popular publications. More than 85,000 copies are printed each year for the people of West Virginia.”

A bonus article at the end of the calendar talks about different ways to preserve the harvest, including canning, freezing and drying. There is also a guide for “Recommended Vegetable Varieties for West Virginia” in addition to new recipes for salsa, butternut squash soup and apple cookies.

Barrett wrote the article “Three Sisters Gardening Method” for August in the WVU Garden Calendar.

In West Virginia, gardening skills are passed on from generation to generation. Mountaineers have a proud tradition of growing their own food. However, more people than ever are becoming interested in garden and local foods due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Local food production helps our communities to be more sustainable and self-sufficient.

The WVU Extension website has dozens of informative articles on gardening from WVU experts. Go to extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/gardening and find research based, informative articles on gardening with herbs, vegetables and small fruits.

Don’t forget to test your soil. WVU offers free soil testing to all West Virginia residents. Soil testing sheets are available online at soiltesting.wvu.edu in addition to the Wood County WVU Extension Service office.

After the lab analyzes soil, a recommendation sheet suggesting how much, if any, lime and/or fertilizer to apply and other pertinent information about farm crops, vegetable gardens or lawns will be provided.

For questions about gardening or lawn care, woodlot or farm, contact Barrett at (304) 424-1960.