This month we can all step back and think about what we are thankful for. We are thankful for YOU, our supportive community.

Chesterfield County Farmers Market is Hiring

The Market Manager position is seasonal typically mid-January to mid-September. The primary responsibility is the day-to-day operator of the Chesterfield County farmer’s market. This will include an on-site presence at the market during all market hours, Wednesdays beginning in May, running through September, as well as off-site work during non-market hours. The manager will represent the market to the market’s vendors, the consumers, and to the community.

Apply Here

4-H Club Spotlight

The Classic Equestrians 4-H Club came together on Saturday, October 16 to complete a community service project. The owners of the local farm, Horse Haven, have kindly shared their ring with 4-H club members to use for meetings and riding. To show their gratitude, club members and their families painted the riding ring fence. After the service work, the club held their first meeting of the new 4-H year. Veterinarian Angela Feiring gave a hands-on presentation to teach youth how to take the pulse, respiration, and temperature of their horses.

Find more information about 4-H clubs.

Award Winning Article

Our very own Master Gardener Lela Martin was recognized as a NAMPA (National Association of Mature Publishers Association) award winner for her article “To-dos and no-nos for your autumn yard” published in Richmond’s FiftyPlus magazine (November 2020). Congratulations Lela and thank you for helping our citizens cultivate beautiful and environmentally sound landscapes!

Read the article here.

Master Gardeners Transform McGuire Veterans Hospital South Mall Entrance

For over 11 years, the garden at the Center for Community living has been a jewel hidden behind walls of brick and mortar...and a special refuge for the veterans who lived there. Unfortunately, due to COVID 19 the garden was closed.

Behind Every Obstacle Comes Opportunity

The VA contacted MG Chris Buck about the South Mall entrance project they called “Day of Caring”. The garden had good sturdy bones; rising out of the pergolas are crepe myrtles in raised bricks beds, the walkways are stamped concrete, statues, and a stage. The beds are surrounded by tables and chairs with brightly colored umbrellas. It is a garden where staff and veteran patients take a break for lunch or meetings. They wanted to revive this space and make it lovelier than it was before.

The Master Gardener team started with a bunch of weeds and mulch and transformed it into a beautiful oasis with a variety of shrubs and flowers. It is so amazing how plants bring people together to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty. This fall a waterwise garden is in the planning stages as well as information signs with QC links for the curious. The strategy for the remaining year is to continue planting!

With support and teamwork this garden will be a magnet for outside events and activities for the veterans and those who care for them.

Win A Worm Bin

As seen on TV! The famous NBC 12 worm bin complete with wiggly friends and vermiculture instructions will be offered to the person that sends us the most compelling personal essay about the "Wonders of Worms", why are worms such great composters? This opportunity is open to all Chesterfield residents, children (with parental permission) or adults, that can demonstrate a commitment to their care. They will need an indoor space (for a 16 x 24 x 9” bin), compost about once a week, and an agreement to return the bin if things don’t work out. While none of our worms have ever learned to play fetch, they do devour kitchen scraps, produce lovely castings for your garden, and wag their tails frequently. Email your 250 word essay to [email protected] by December 10. A winner will be chosen on December 15.

2021 4-H STEM Challenge: GALACTIC QUEST!

We have liftoff! This year's 4-H STEM Challenge, Galactic Quest, explores space travel with four activities that cover topics ranging from physics to space agriculture. Kids 8 - 14 will get hands-on to learn how to live and work in deep space!

The Chesterfield 4-H Office has two Challenge Kits available to borrow (1 Family Kit, 1 Educator Kit). Contact [email protected] to reserve a spot during the months of November & December!

Want a kit of your own? Order here & get $3 off each Family Kit (or $5 off an Educator Kit) thanks to our signature partner, The United States Space Force.

Winter Master Gardener Assistance

As farmers markets wind down, Chesterfield Extension keeps expanding its outreach. Come visit our knowledgeable Master Gardeners who can answer your questions about gardens in the quiet season. Learn how to ready your garden for winter, attend to soil improvement, save seeds, frustrate pests, plan beds, and choose plants for the upcoming year. Meet our Master Gardeners at Chesterfield's Central Library the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month from 1-3pm. We look forward to seeing you!

Our Virtual Help Desk will also still be operating throughout the winter. It will take just a little longer, approximately 3 days to get back to you. Email [email protected] or call 804-751-4401 with your questions.

Buzz Body and Bites Newsletter

The Buzz Body and Bites Newsletter is a great newsletter for actively aging adults and is created by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences. Read the full newsletter here. For inquiries or to subscribe, email: buzzbodybites [email protected]

Winter is a great time to take a class or workshop. Visit the VSU Small Farm Outreach Calendar for events.

Classes at VSU