rlstew2
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Each year, I get a number of calls asking for identification of common garden insects. Unwelcome pests reduce yields and lower the quality of harvested fruits and vegetables. Insects may cause damage through boring, sucking, or chewing plant parts such as roots, foliage, or fruits and vegetables themselves. In addition to plant damage, insects are…
Posted in: Insects and Pests -
This week, I had a client send me a photo of their yard. There were 5-10 holes in the lawn characterized by large crescents of dirt around the entrances. While we’ve talked about some other digging pests in the past such as armadillos, this damage was most likely done by Geomys pinetis, better known as…
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If you’ve been reading my column for some time now, you may have heard me talk once or twice (or perhaps more often!) about cool season grasses, especially as it relates to winter grazing. I had some grading work done on my property in the fall and we used an annual ryegrass as a ground…
Posted in: Forages -
As children, many of us experienced the wonder of watching a seed germinate and learning how plants grow. Gardening can provide a variety of forms of engagement for children including designing, planting, and maintaining gardens, harvesting, preparing, and sharing food, working cooperatively with others, learning about science and nutrition, and creating art and stories inspired…
Posted in: Uncategorized -
As Georgia starts to warm up, with the promise of spring and summer around the corner, many of us are starting to appreciate the new growth and blooming plants around us. While we have another month or two to wait until we see blooms, one of my favorite landscape plants in our area are crape…
Posted in: Uncategorized -
Pesticide Licensing A pesticide is any substance that can prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests, and includes anything used as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. The use of pesticides can be used to control pests- undesirable organisms that injures humans, plants and animals, manufactured products, or natural substances. Common pests include weeds, insects,…
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While we have started to see some warmer temperatures and sunny skies in Lincolnton, this spring has had a lot of particularly wet and cool weather. This weather or environment may contribute to a significant number of plant issues as we head into the growing season. When experiencing plant issues, there are a few things…
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Did you know that agriculture is the number one industry in Georgia? Agriculture and related industries represent over 359,220 jobs and over $70.1 billion dollars in output to Georgia’s economy. There are over 42,439 farms in Georgia on 9.9 million acres of property. This week (March 22-26th) was selected as the Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week,…
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A nutrient is defined as any substance that provides nourishment for the growth and maintenance of life. Nutrients are classified in several ways. First consider whether they are needed in large amounts, called macronutrients (protein, fats, and carbohydrates) or whether they are needed in small amounts, called micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Nutrients are further…
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Every plant and animal possess unique characteristics that can be used to identify it’s species or name. While specifying the name of every plant on your property is usually not necessary, sometimes weeds can become an issue if they are dangerous, out of control, or simply not welcome. Correct weed identification is important in developing…
Posted in: Uncategorized