¶¶Òõ̽̽

General

• Looking for references to local landscapers? Visit the website for a list of reputable members. (Master Gardeners cannot recommend individual landscape businesses).
• Looking for a list of Vermont Garden Nurseries? Visit the list of VT Nursery & Landscape Associations . (Master Gardeners cannot recommend individual nurseries).
• Soil Testing
• USDA Plant Zone Hardiness Map (PNG)
• - National Gardening Association

National Extension websites that provide science-based solutions for garden pests, weeds, disease problems, plant/insect i.d.

• - Science based solutions for garden pests, weeds, and disease problems in one easy-to-navigate place.
• - Univ. of Minnesota - Diagnose problems in the yard & garden caused by insects, diseases & non-living factors. 
• - Search engine/Plant Toolbox for all plants - University of  Extension, North Carolina

Flooding Resources

• Flood-Recovery Guidance for Lawns & Gardens (PDF)
• After the Flood: Tips on Edible Garden Plants (PDF)

Climate Change

• 12 Steps for Climate Resilience: Managing Your Forest with Climate Change in Mind (PDF) - VT FPR, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Forestry, VT Woodlands Assoc.
• - UMass.edu
• Climate Change webinars -
• Gardening with Climate-Smart Native Plants in the Northeast (PDF) - Northeast Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change Management
• Climate Change and Agriculture in Vermont (PDF)

Rain Gardens

• VT Rain Garden Manual (PDF) - published 2008 (contains lists of plants) ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension/Winooski NRCD, Lake Champlain Sea Grant
• Rain Garden Manual (PDF) - published 2021- ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension/ Lake Champlain Sea Grant

Composting General

• - VT Fish & Wildlife Dept.
• Testing for Soil, Plant, Compost, and Water Quality (PDF) - Vern Grubinger, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Vegetable & Berry Specialist
• Public Library Kids Workshop: It's A Worm's World: Vermicomposting (PDF) - Created by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Composter Center
• (YouTube video) Central VT SWMD
• (YouTube video) Central VT SWMD
• (YouTube video) Central VT SWMD
• (YouTube video) Central VT SWMD
• The Dirt on Compost (PDF) - A Guide to Backyard Composting, VT Dept. of Environmental Conservation
• Compost With Confidence booklet - aimed at residents (PDF) - New 3/19
• video, by Sujata Gautam-VT Master Composter/LRSWMD volunteer
• A Solid Waste Guide for Invasive Plant Matter (PDF)
• Persistent Herbicide Information for Horse and Livestock Owners (PDF)

Composting Factsheets

• Composting Food Waste: How To Get Started (PDF)
• Backyard Composting of Food Waste: It's As Easy As 1:3 (PDF)
• Composting With Worms (PDF)
• Backyard Composting (PDF)
• Improving Garden Soils with Organic Matter (PDF)
• Composting for Farmers (PDF)

Vermont State Government

Vermont Non-Profit

Vermont Commercial

• - VT Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Compost Bins

• Designs for Composting Systems (PDF)
  • Includes plans for a Wooden Box Bin, Wood and Wire Three-Bin Turning Unit, Cinder Block Bin, Cinder Block Turning Unit, Wire Mesh Bin, Snow Fence Bin, Garbage Can Composter, Worm Composting Bin, Compost Mound, Compost Pockets and Mulch
• Designs using wooden pallets
• Stacking sides system

• Public Library Kids Workshop: It's A Worm's World: Vermicomposting (PDF) - created by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Compost Center
• Gardening Activity Guide (PDF): A resource to promote vegetable and fruit gardening with young children, North Carolina State University
• Harvest Tips Series, presented by Joyce Amsden, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Certified Master Gardener
  • (video)
  • (video)
  • (video)
  • (video)
  • (video)
  • (video)
• Make Your Own Mini Wildlife Pond (PDF, includes a video) - by Madeline Chamberlain, EMG Intern
• ¶¶Òõ̽̽ 4-H Spring Gardening Series - Fruits (PDF) - by ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension 4-H & Master Gardener Programs
• Let's Plant for Pollinators! (PDF) - by Julia Parker Dickerson, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener
• Bee Pollinator brochure/handout (trifold PDF) - provided by Cheryl Frank Sullivan and Margaret Skinner of the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomology Research Lab
• Beginning Gardening (PDF) | Power Point - presented by Cynthia Gilhooly, Certified ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Master Gardener 
• Pollinator Resource List (PDF) - by EMG Elizabeth Manning with research by Cheryl Frank Sullivan and Margaret Skinner of the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomology Research Lab
• How to Propagate with Cuttings (PDF) - by Madeline Chamberlain, EMG Intern
• - Educational Outreach videos and materials
• , by Elise Schadler, VT Forests, Parks & Rec, Program Manager (see presentation notes on next line)
• , by Elise Schadler
• Gardening for Hummingbirds, Butterflies & Moths, (PDF) by Maryland Master Gardener Program
• Indoor Herb Gardening (PDF) by EMGs Carol Holmquist & Liz Parker
• Climate Change - Action Plan - Full Presentation (PDF) by EMG Carol Holmquist & Priscilla McKinney
• Prestigious Pollinators Presentation (PDF) by EMGs Cindy Heath & Donna Thomas (see video recording below)
• (video)
• (video) presented by Certified Master Composter Hamilton Gillette

• (video) - presented by Joyce Amsden, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Master Gardener
• Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites (PDF) - University of Minnesota Extension
• Disease Resistant Annuals & Perennials (PDF) - Purdue University Extension
• - UMass Amherst
• Impatiens Downy Mildew (PDF)
• Plant Bulbs Now for Spring Bloom - by Bonnie Kirn Donahue, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
• The Jerusalem Artichoke: An Unsung Hero - by Nadie Van Zandt, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
• Amaryllis: A Gift That Keeps On Giving - by Nadie Van Zandt, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

• Pruning Fruit Trees (PDF) - UMass Extension
• Apple Cultivars for Vermont
• - University of New Hampshire
• Small Fruit Leaf Analysis - by Vernon Grubinger, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Fruit & Berry Specialist
• Michigan Crabapples Guide (PDF) - Michigan State University - Cooperative Extension Service
• - UMass Amherst
• VT Vegetable & Berry Grower Page
• - UMass Amherst
• Home Fruit Spray Schedule (PDF) - UNH

• - presented by Joyce Amsden, ¶¶Òõ̽̽  Master Gardener Volunteer
• Growing Herbs Indoors (PDF)
• Indoor Herb Pests (PDF)
• Using Summer Dried Herbs & Flowers - by Bonnie Kirn Donahue, Certified Master Gardener Volunteer
• - by Purdue University/Extension

Houseplant Hero Video Series with ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Judy Mirro 

• (Begonia coccinea), aired on Across the Fence, April 2023
• (Asparagus setaceus), aired on Across the Fence, Mar 2023
• , aired on Across the Fence, 2023
• , aired on Across the Fence, August 2023
• , aired on Across the Fence, 2023
• , aired on Across the Fence, Mar 2023
• (Phalaenopsis), aired on Across the Fence, Mar 2023
• (Spathiphyllum), aired on Across the Fence, Mar 2023
• (Epipremnum aureum), aired on Across the Fence, Feb 2023
• , aired on Across the Fence, Apr. 2023
• (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly, samsevoeroa), aired on Across the Fence, Feb 2023

- University of Maryland

- University of Maryland

- University of Maryland

- University of Maryland

Caring for Houseplants - University of Missouri

• Greenhouse Pests, Biological Controls/Natural Enemies & Plant-Mediated IPM Systems - ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomology Research Laboratory
• New York State IPM/Cornell CALS
• University of Minnesota Extension
• Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata (Say) (PDF) by Margaret Skinner, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomologist
• - Mississippi State University
• Home Invasions of the Insect Kind, by Ann Hazelrigg (PDF)
• Identification & Management of White Grubs in Vermont's Greenscapes (PDF)
• Beneficial Insects of NH Farms & Gardens (PDF)
• The Bug Book - a garden field guide (PDF)
• Dark-winged Fungus Gnats (Bradysia spp.) (PDF) Fact Sheet 
• Green Stink Bugs (PDF)
• Grubs in Vermont (PDF)
• Leek Moth (PDF) - Scott Lewins & Vic Izzo, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Northeast SARE
• Managing Stinging Wasps, Bees and Hornets (PDF) by Margaret Skinner, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomologist
• Spongy Moth, Lymantria dispar update (formerly known as Gypsy Moth) (PDF) - Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
• Video (by Margaret Skinner-¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomologist)
• Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar) (PDF) Fact Sheet - updated June 2022
• Spotted Wing Drosophila in the Home Garden - by Ann Hazelrigg
• Spotted Wing Drosophila (PDF) - by Vern Grubinger

• website
• - Vt Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation
• - UMass.edu
• - University of New Hampshire
• Asian Jumping Worm or Snake Worm
  • NEW! Jumping Worm Best Management Practices (PDF) - Maryam Nouri Aiin
  • Asian Jumping Worm Homeowners Guide (PDF)- Adapted with permission from Cornell University
  • Plant Sale Guidelines to Minimize the Chance of Jumping Worm Spread (PDF) - Ann Hazelrigg, Josef Gorres & Robilee Smith
  • - UMassAmherst
• Gardening with Climate-Smart Native Plants in the Northeast (PDF) - NE Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change Management
• Invasive Plant Control Contractors (PDF) 
• How to Battle Japanese Knotweed & Win (PDF) - by Dottie Sundquist, Bennington Chapter EMG volunteer
• - an identification guide for the mid-Atlantic - published by Delaware Dept. of Agriculture
• - VT Dept. of Environmental Conservation
• - VT Invasives
• Spotted Lanternfly (PDF) - Cornell Cooperative Extension

• White Grubs (Family Scarabaeidae): A Serious Lawn Pest (PDF) (June 2023)- Margaret Skinner, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Entomologist
• - Maine.gov
• - UMass Amherst
• New England Regional Nitrogen & Phosphorus Fertilizer & Associated Management Practice Recommendations - For Lawns Based on Water Quality Considerations (PDF)
• Soil Fertility & Fertilization Guidelines for Lawn Turf in Vermont (PDF) - Sid Bosworth, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Professor
• - UMass Amherst
• Lawn Renovation & Establishment (PDF) - created by ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Helpline Volunteers
• Lawn Management in the Fall (PDF) - Sid Bosworth, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension 
• - Iowa State University
• - Iowa State University
• - Iowa State University
• - Cornell Cooperative Extension
• - Cornell Cooperative Extension
• - University of Massachusetts Amherts
• - Cornell Cooperative Extension
• White Grubs (Family Scarabaeidae): A Serious Lawn Pest (6/23) (PDF) - Margaret Skinner, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension

• - Plantnative.org
• - VCE & ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension project through the VT Pollinator Working Group
• - VCE & ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension project through the VT Pollinator Group
• Native Perennials and Shrubs for Vermont Gardens (PDF) - The Nature Conservancy, VT Invasives
• - National Wildlife Federation
• - Audubon 
• , by Margaret Renkl, NYTimes Opinion Writer
• Landscape Plants for Vermont (PDF) (order form for the book)

• Integrated Pest Management Overview brochure (PDF) - ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener
• Dormant Oils - Answers for All - UConn Extension
• - Answers to your pest control questions
• Greenhouse Pests, Biological Controls/Natural Enemies & Plant-Mediated IPM Systems - ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomology Research Laboratory
• IPM News and Events Roundup - A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment and funding opportunities and more from the NE IPM Center. To join the list, please send a request via e-mail to NortheastIPM@cornell.edu. . 
• - University of Maryland
• Glyphosate: Farming, Health & The Environment (PDF) - Vt. Dept. of Agriculture

Regarding free seeds and starter plants: Please check to see if seed swaps or seed libraries are available in your community. The Vermont Community Garden Network also provides limited seed packets to community gardens and others. Plant Sales – Some local Master Gardener Chapters host annual plant sales. 

• Safe Practices for Plant Sales - Nadie VanZandt, Certified Master Gardener  Volunteer
• Plant Sale Guidelines to Minimize the Chance of Jumping Worm Spread (PDF)
• Winter Garden Planning (PDF) - by Suzanne Freitas, NW Chapter Master Gardener Volunteer
• Tips for Choosing Grow Lights (PDF) - by Nadie VanZandt, Certified Master Gardener Volunteer
• - University of Maine
• - Illinois Extension

• - Search Engine/Tool for all plants - University of North Carolina Extension Master Gardener
• - Northeast Farmers Guide to Self-Growing Vegetables - published by Northeast SARE
• - great resource for contacting them regarding plants that are/are not safe to eat
• - Cornell CALS
• - Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
• - Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
• - Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List for Animals

• - Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
• - lists of native pollinator plants, living list of VT Native Plant sources - VCE & ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension project through the VT Pollinator Working Group
• - Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
• - UNH
• - The Nature Conservancy
• Gardening for Pollinators & Beneficial Insects - Resources for the Home Gardener (PDF) - produced by ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension  Master Gardener Volunteers/Pollinator Group
• Attracting Beneficial Insects to Promote Biodiversity (PDF) - by Cat Buxton, Certified ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Master Composter & Food Systems Consultant
• Encouraging Pollinators in Vegetable Gardens (PDF) - by Karen Burke, Certified ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Master Gardener Volunteer
• Improving Pollinator Habitat in HOAs (PDF) - by Karen Burke, Certified ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Master Gardener Volunteer
• ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Pollinator Resources - Laura Johnson, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Pollinator Support Specialist
• Bringing in Un-BEE-lievable Beneficials (PDF) - Cheryl Frank Sullivan & Margaret Skinner, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomology Research Lab
• Pollinator Resource List 2021 (PDF) - Gathered by the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Pollinator Working Group
• Prestigious Pollinators Presentation (PDF) - by Cindy Heath & Donna Thomas, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardeners (see video recording below)
• (video)
• Gardening for Hummingbirds, Butterflies & Moths (PDF) by Maryland Master Gardener Program
• Let's Plant for Pollinators (PDF) - by Julia Parker Dickerson, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener
• Bee Pollinator (PDF) (brochure/handout trifold) - provided by Cheryl Frank Sullivan & Margaret Skinner - ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomology Research Lab
• Un-BEE-lievable Beneficials - Awareness Sign (PDF), by Cheryl Frank Sullivan, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomology Research Lab
• Attract & Recognize Your Pest Fighting Pollinators & Other Beneficial Insects (PDF), by Cheryl Frank Sullivan & Margaret Skinner - ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Entomology Research Lab
• Habitat Plants for Pest Management (PDF) by Bonnie Kirn Donahue, EMG Volunteer
• Gardening with Climate-Smart Native Plants in the Northeast - Northeast Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change Management
• Vermont Pollinator Pallette with Common Names (PDF) - Jane Sorensen, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Adjunct Faculty Lecturer
• Homestead Pollinator Habitat Guidelines & Options for the Homescale (PDF) - Jane Sorensen, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Adjunct Faculty Lecturer

• Soil Testing - ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Soil Testing Lab
• How To Take a Soil Sample (PDF)
• Testing for Soil, Plant, Compost, and Water Quality (PDF) - Vern Grubinger, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Vegetable & Berry Specialist
• - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (soilSHOP)
• Create a Biodiverse Garden for Ecological Resilience (PDF) - by Wendy Sue Harper, Ph.D., Associate Faculty Prescott College, WSH Consulting
• Does Your Soil Get A Passing Grade? (PDF) - by Nadie VanZandt, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
• - Michigan State University
• - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
• Interpreting Your ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Soil Test Results (PDF) - by Dr. Vern Grubinger, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Vegetable and Berry Specialist
• Interpreting Heavy Metals Soil Tests (PDF) - by Dr. Vern Grubinger & Prof. Don Ross

• Disposing of Leaf Litter in Tick Country - by Nadie VanZandt, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
• - Vermont Dept. of  Health

• - Iowa State University
• Best Plants for 30 Tough Sites (PDF) - University of Minnesota Extension
• How To Kill A Tree (PDF) (Arbor Day Foundation)
• (video) - presented by VJ Comai, Burlington City Arborist
• How to Plant Your Bare Root Trees (PDF) - provided by Branch Out Burlington
• Maple Problems (PDF)
• - by The Morton Arboretum
• - by ISA & Trees Are Good organizations
• Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar) (PDF) (July 2021 - by Margaret Skinner, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Entomologist
• , UMass Amherst
• Vermont Forest Health Insect & Disease Observations Newsletter - this newsletter is provided every Spring, Summer, Fall. To sign up and receive this newsletter, email Jenny Lauer @ jenny.lauer@vermont.gov   to view a previous newsletter - provided by the VT Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation
• Vermont Tree Selection Guide (PDF)

• Getting Started With Vegetable Gardens (PDF)
• - University of New Hampshire
• - UNH Extension
• Planting the Garden (PDF) - ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Master Gardener
• Gardening in Small Spaces on a Budget (PDF) - Debra Heleba, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Ext. Community Horticulture Program
• Creating a Biodiverse Vegetable Garden with Companion Plants (PDF) - Nadie VanZandt, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener
• Raised Bed Gardening (PDF) - Oregon State University Extension
• Growing Seedlings Under Lights (PDF) - Cornell University
• Growing Tomatoes in Vermont
  • 5/12/2023 - New Virus Alert - Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (PDF)
  • Tomato Problems in the Home Garden (PDF)
  • Blight Resistant Varieties (PDF)
  • Late Blight of Tomato & Potato: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
  • A Few Key Points About Late Blight (PDF)
  • Tomato Plant Sources in Vermont (PDF)
• - UMass Amherst
• - UMaine Coop. Extension - Excellent raised bed resources
• - Cornell
• - UMass Amherst
• VT Vegetable & Berry Grower Page

• Does Vinegar Kill Weeds? (PDF) - Montana State University
• - NC State Extension
• - Vermont Wildflower Farm
• - Cornell Cooperative Extension
• - Cornell Cooperative Extension
•  - Ohio State University
• - UMass Extension
• - University of Minnesota

• - Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
• - University of New Hampshire
• - Rugers, N.J. Agricultural Experimentation Station
• - Mississippi State University, Extension
• - UofA Research & Extension
• - Penn State Extension
• - MSU Extension
• - UMass Amherst
• Deer Resistant Trees and Shrubs  - Landscape Plants for Vermont book (PDF)