Recent Posts
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I have been astonished by the amount of rain we have received over the past few months. According to the National Weather Service, the precipitation total for the past five months is only 15 inches away from last year’s total. The National Weather Service predicts that the rain will continue through summer. This means our…
Posted in: ANR -
Remembering to stay hydrated is always difficult when Georgia summers bring stifling heat. Add the element of wearing masks due to COVID-19, and drinking enough fluid becomes an even trickier task. But forgetting to drink water and other hydrating fluids can cause dehydration and associated negative health impacts. Signs of mild to moderate dehydration include…
Posted in: FACS -
Many of us have started home food gardens or are at least interested in growing food at home. Some food plants grow best when added to the garden as transplants.
Posted in: ANR -
I have had a few residents contact me recently with issues with their camellias, azaleas, or hydrangeas. The leaves look unsightly and are turning colors and dying. The problem is camellia leaf gall, and it’s easy to take care of. This disease is more common on sasanqua varieties of camellias than on Japanese camellia. It…
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Several factors make invasive plants problematic: They grow in both sun and shade; they reproduce from both roots and seeds; they spread rapidly; and they destroy the natural biodiversity of southeastern U.S. forests by displacing native plants. Japanese honeysuckle occurs more commonly than other non-native invasive plants, but non-native privet has taken over 644,317 acres…
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Clutter is a word that is defined differently for every person. To some, having many items surrounding them in their home might make them feel secure. To others, that could cause frustration and a need to have fewer things in their personal space. Tendencies toward acquiring and keeping possessions is not the same for everyone,…
Posted in: FACS -
Springtime seems to wake up a planting gene in many of us. A summer food garden is a fun and satisfying family project. Growing food from seeds is inexpensive and helps kids understand where our food comes from.
Posted in: ANR -
According to the USDA-ERS, in one year, approximately 133 billion pounds (31%) of the 430 billion pounds of available food supply at the retail and consumer levels, with an estimated retail value of $162 billion, was wasted. On top of that is the value of inputs, such as land, water, labor, and energy that were…
Posted in: FACS -
Spring green-up is right around the corner. Following these practices will help maximize turfgrass and minimize weeds. There are three primary methods of weed control: cultural, mechanical, and chemical. To manage weeds consistently, we need to use all three.
Posted in: ANR -
As our community experiences the at-home togetherness of telework, online school, and sheltering in place, warming temperatures tempt us outside to enjoy the beauty that spring in Georgia offers. This spring burst of plant growth also brings the necessity of yard work.
Posted in: ANR