Garden

  • Pollinators are a vital part of a balanced ecosystem and critical to the well-being of humans. There are over 100,000 different varieties of insects and over 1,000 other species that serve as pollinators. These species are essential for the reproduction of over 225,000 different flowering plant species, including over 150 food crops. The annual value…

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  • Farmers have always been the backbone of America, tirelessly working to produce the food and materials we rely on for a comfortable life. As we look ahead to the future of agriculture, the concept of precision agriculture is gaining more relevance, importance, and funding. Although not a new idea, precision agriculture has become more accessible…

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  • It’s getting to the time of year where I’m seeing questions about insect and disease issues in home vegetables and fruits. As you encounter issues in your garden, please feel free to contact us at 706-359-3233 for assistance with diagnoses and treatment of problems- if you wait too long, there’s usually not much we can…

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  • Extension offices across the state get questions on all kinds of different subjects. As an agriculture and natural resources agent, I joke that I’m helpful for keeping desirable things alive (plants, livestock, etc) and at getting rid of undesirable things (weeds, pests, etc). A common topic of interest I get asked about regularly is fruit…

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  • Mushroom Production

    One of the cool things about being an agriculture agent is that we are encouraged and expected to pursue training opportunities to help us be the best resource possible for our communities. A few weeks ago, I was able to attend a mushroom production training at the UGarden in Athens, and I thought I’d share…

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  • ‘Tis the season for stockings hung by chimneys, Christmas trees adorned with lights and ornaments, houses all aglow, and kisses under mistletoe. The history of mistletoe and its romantic role in the holiday season is theorized to stem from several areas of folklore and myth. The most likely origin of mistletoe as a symbolic herb…

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  • Tis the season for stockings hung by chimneys, Christmas trees adorned with lights and ornaments, houses all aglow, and kisses under mistletoe. The history of mistletoe and its romantic role in the holiday season is theorized to stem from several areas of folklore and myth. The most likely origin of mistletoe as a symbolic herb…

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  • Last week, we discussed some of the most commonly used perennial herbs and how you might use them in the kitchen. As a continuation of this thought, this week I’d like to speak a bit on how to grow these herbs most effectively in our region.             First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that…

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  •             As we head into fall and winter, it’s time to start thinking about pruning of your ornamental plants to improve their growth habits and flowering display next year. Before you get started, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.             One of the most critical components of pruning is timing. In theory,…

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  • As we head towards fall, it is a great time to start thinking about landscaping chores, specifically transplanting landscape plants.  Relocating plants can drastically change the appearance of your home or property without much expense. For most plants, fall and early winter are the best time of year to move them from one location in…

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