Upcoming events
Library Talk: Winter Pruning: Healthy Shrubs for a Thriving Garden
Winter is the perfect time to give your shrubs a little care and attention! In this practical and easy-to-follow session, we’ll explore the basics of winter pruning for Zones 8a and 8b gardeners. Learn why pruning during the dormant season helps promote healthy growth, shape, and blooms in the spring. We'll cover the right tools to use, which shrubs benefit from winter pruning (and which don't), and simple techniques to make your garden more beautiful and manageable. Whether you're new to gardening or looking to sharpen your skills, this guide will help you prune with confidence.
Mason Bee Workshop
Mason Bee House Workshop
Join us for our Mason Bee Workshop on February 21st at 10 AM at the Portsmouth Extension Office.
Pre-registration & Payment are REQUIRED before February 13th to reserve your seat.
Fee: $20 for each participant. Maximum 15 participants. An adult must accompany children under 18. You may purchase an additional kit for $20, with a limit of 2 kits per participant.
REGISTRATION FORM can be printed, or you may pick up a copy at the office. Registration
will close on February 5th unless all seats are sold beforehand.
DO NOT Purchase “tickets” from ANYONE. We do not sell tickets. We accept Cash, Check, or Money Orders at the Portsmouth Extension Office during open hours, or you can mail your form and payment to 105 Utah Street, Portsmouth, VA 23701. We can not accept credit or app payments for workshops.
Our Mason Bee House workshop is an educational event that teaches participants how to support mason bees and build a bee house to attract them to their property.
Mason bees are native solitary bees, essential for pollinating flowers and fruit trees.
Library Talk: Seed Starting & Swap: Grow Together, Share the Harvest
Ready to jump-start your garden and connect with fellow growers? This fun and informative presentation introduces the basics of seed starting — from choosing the right seeds and soil to creating the perfect indoor setup. You’ll learn how to grow strong, healthy seedlings for flowers, herbs, and veggies. We’ll also explore the exciting world of seed swaps — where gardeners share extra seeds, discover new varieties, and build community. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned green thumb, you’ll leave inspired to grow more and give more!
Library Talk: Grow More in Less: Maximizing Small Spaces
Don’t let limited space stop you from growing your own fresh vegetables, herbs, or flowers! Explore creative and practical ways to garden successfully in small spaces using containers and 4x4 gardening. Discover how to choose the right containers, select space-saving plants, maximize sunlight, and keep your garden healthy and productive all season long. Whether you have a tiny backyard, patio, or balcony, you’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to grow more in less space.
Early Bird Greenhouse Sale
📅 Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00—11:00 AM
📍 Location: Virginia Cooperative Extension Office
Get an early start on your spring garden.
PMGA will be selling vegetables and flowers from the Greenhouse. The last average frost date for our area is April 15th, so you can plant anytime after that date. Our selection* includes: Vegetables; tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and Flowers; zinnias, butterfly weed, marigolds and more.
*We do not have an exact list available. Come early for best selection. Line begins on the side of the building at 8:45 AM.
*If you are a person with a disability and desire any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations to participate in any Extension program or activity, please contact our office at (757) 393-5197, M-F, between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the activity.
*Photographs/video may be taken during this event. By attending you acknowledge that the images/video may be used, without limitations, in print publications, online publications, websites, and on social media.
Open Garden and Plant Sale
📅 Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00—1:00 PM
📍 Location: Virginia Cooperative Extension Office
Join Us for our Annual Open Garden and Plant Sale!
We will have annuals, perennials, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs
Bring your ailing plants and plant questions to the Plant Doctors
Soil testing information available
Receive information on how to become a Portsmouth Master Gardener
Gardening Short Talks
10:00 AM: Grow Up
11:00 AM: Herbs
12:00: Native Plants for Home Landscapes
View our Display Gardens
Butterfly Garden
Herb Garden
Pollinator Garden
Shade Garden
Vegetable Garden
Wildlife Garden
Rain Garden
Sensory Garden
Circle Garden
*If you are a person with a disability and desire any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations to participate in any Extension program or activity, please contact our office at (757) 393-5197 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the activity.
*Photographs/video may be taken during this event. By attending you acknowledge that the images/video may be used, without limitations, in print publications, online publications, websites, and on social media.
Library Talk: Edible Landscaping: Where Beauty Meets Bounty
Why choose between a beautiful yard and a productive garden when you can have both? This engaging presentation introduces the concept of edible landscaping — a creative and sustainable way to grow food while designing attractive outdoor spaces. Learn how to incorporate fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers into your landscape without sacrificing style. Whether you have a large yard, small plot, or even a patio, you'll discover practical tips for plant selection, layout, and maintenance. Perfect for gardeners, homeowners, and anyone interested in turning their outdoor space into a feast for the eyes — and the table!
Library Talk: Buzz Worthy: The Power of Pollinators
From bees and butterflies to birds, pollinators play a vital role in the ecosystems that support our food supply and natural world. This presentation explores the incredible power of pollinators - how they contribute to biodiversity, sustain agriculture, and support healthy habitats.
Pollinator Plant Sale & Festival
Come celebrate the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. These essential creatures, including bees, butterflies, moths, bats, beetles, and hummingbirds, are the unsung heroes behind the food we enjoy and the beauty that surrounds us.. By understanding the impact of our actions on their habitats and embracing sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a flourishing future.
Library Talk: Beyond the Garden: Preserving and Seed Saving
Is your veggie garden working overtime? Learn essential techniques for preserving your garden’s bounty and seed saving. See practical methods for extending the life of your harvest through freezing, pickling, fermentation, and more. Discover how to select, collect, clean, and store seeds for future use. Whether you’re a home gardener or an aspiring seed steward, this session will empower you to nurture resilience and self-sufficiency beyond the growing season.
Library Talk: Soil Matters: Compost, Leaves & the Cycle of Life
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden and a balanced ecosystem. Learn how composting leaves and organic matter revitalizes soil, supports plant growth, and sustains the cycle of life—turning garden waste into nutrient-rich earth that nurtures the environment.
Fall Festival
📅 Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ Time: 9 am—1 pm
📍 Location: Virginia Cooperative Extension
Join Us for our Annual Fall Festival and Yard Sale!
Pansies and chrysanthemums available at our plant sale
Bring your ailing plants and plant questions to the Plant Doctors
Soil testing information available
Receive information on how to become a Master Gardener in 2027
Visit our indoor yard sale
View our Display Gardens :
Butterfly Garden
Shade Garden
Herb Garden
Vegetable Garden Pollinator
Garden
Wildlife Garden
Sensory Garden
Rain Garden
Circle Garden
*If you are a person with a disability and desire any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations to participate in any Extension program or activity, please contact our office at (757) 393-5197 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the activity.
*Photographs/video may be taken during this event. By attending you acknowledge that the images/video may be used, without limitations, in print publications, online publications, websites, and on social media.
Library Talk: Gothic Gardens: Where Darkness Blooms
This presentation delves into the mysterious and captivating world of Gothic gardens, exploring how dark aesthetics, shadowy plants, and eerie design elements create hauntingly beautiful landscapes. Discover the history, symbolism, and unique plants that define these moody spaces where nature’s darker side thrives.
Library Talk: Festive Flora - Caring for Holiday Plants
Holiday plants add welcome color and cheer
during the winter months, but many people
aren’t sure how to care for them once the
festivities are over. In this talk, you’ll learn
practical tips for keeping seasonal favorites
like amaryllis, Christmas cactus, and other
holiday plants healthy year-round. We’ll cover
light, watering, and after-bloom care so your
plants can thrive and re-bloom for years to
come.
Library Talk: Houseplants 101 - Turning your thumb green
This presentation covers the spectrum of houseplant care, helping even the gardening beginner to grow thriving indoor greenery.
Gain the confidence to bring life and freshness to any space. Topics include choosing the right plants, mastering watering, determining light needs and troubleshooting common issues.
Library Talk: Marvelous Mushrooms: Discover, Grow, and Enjoy
Dive into the fascinating world of mushrooms in this engaging presentation designed for all ages and backgrounds. Learn what mushrooms are, why they matter, and how they contribute to nature and our lives. We’ll explore the basics of mushroom biology, their role in the environment, and their incredible variety. You'll also get practical tips on how to grow your own mushrooms at home — whether in your backyard, kitchen, or a small container. Perfect for food lovers, gardeners, and curious minds alike!
Fall Festival
📅 Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 9 am—1 pm
📍 Location: Virginia Cooperative Extension
Join Us for our Annual Fall Festival and Yard Sale!
Pansies and chrysanthemums available at our plant sale
Bring your ailing plants and plant questions to the Plant Doctors
Soil testing information available
Receive information on how to become a Master Gardener in 2026
Visit our indoor yard sale
View our Display Gardens :
Butterfly Garden
Shade Garden
Herb Garden
Vegetable Garden Pollinator
Garden
Wildlife Garden
Sensory Garden
Rain Garden
Circle Garden
*If you are a person with a disability and desire any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations to participate in any Extension program or activity, please contact our office at (757) 393-5197 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the activity.
*Photographs/video may be taken during this event. By attending you acknowledge that the images/video may be used, without limitations, in print publications, online publications, websites, and on social media.
Open Garden and Plant Sale
📅 Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00—1:00 PM
📍 Location: Virginia Cooperative Extension Office
Join Us for our Annual Open Garden and Plant Sale!
We will have annuals, perennials, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs
Bring your ailing plants and plant questions to the Plant Doctors
Soil testing information available
Receive information on how to become a Master Gardener Portsmouth Master Gardeners
Gardening Short Talks
10:00 AM: Plants 101
11:00 AM: Herbs
12:00: Terrific Tomatoes
View our Display Gardens
Butterfly Garden
Herb Garden
Pollinator Garden
Shade Garden
Vegetable Garden
Wildlife Garden
Rain Garden
Sensory Garden
Circle Garden
*If you are a person with a disability and desire any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations to participate in any Extension program or activity, please contact our office at (757) 393-5197 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the activity.
*Photographs/video may be taken during this event. By attending you acknowledge that the images/video may be used, without limitations, in print publications, online publications, websites, and on social media.
Early Bird Greenhouse Sale
📅 Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00—11:00 AM
📍 Location: Virginia Cooperative Extension Office
Get an early start on your spring garden.
PMGA will be selling vegetables and flowers from the Greenhouse. The last average frost date for our area is April 15th, so you can plant anytime after that date. Our selection* includes: Vegetables; tomatoes, pep-pers, squash, cucumbers and Flowers; zinnias, butterfly weed, marigolds and more.
*We do not have an exact list available. Come early for best selection. Line begins on the side of the building at 8:45 AM.
*If you are a person with a disability and desire any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations to participate in any Extension program or activity, please contact our office at (757) 393-5197 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the activity.
*Photographs/video may be taken during this event. By attending you acknowledge that the images/video may be used, without limitations, in print publications, online publications, websites, and on social media.
Rain Barrel Workshop
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00—7:30 PM
📍 Location: Virginia Cooperative Extension
Collecting rainwater in a barrel can save you money during the dry seasons and reduce the demand on your well or save your water bill. With a roof of 1,000 square feet, an inch of water can generate 600 gallons of water. Rain barrels are about 41 inches high and 20 inches around. Please make arrangements to take yours home after the class.
*If you are a person with a disability and desire any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations to participate in any Extension program or activity, please contact our office at (757) 393-5197 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the activity.
*Photographs/video may be taken during this event. By attending you acknowledge that the images/video may be used, without limitations, in print publications, online publications, websites, and on social media.
March Garden Talk: Seed Starting & Seed Swap
Kickstart your garden this season at our Seed Starting Talk & Swap! 🌱 Learn expert tips on sowing, soil prep, and light needs, then swap seeds with fellow gardeners to expand your collection. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there's something for everyone—plus plenty of seeds to share!