Recent Posts
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One of the oldest methods of food preservation is pickling, which preserves food items in vinegar, brine, or a similar solution. The pickling process, combined with proper canning procedures, inhibits the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and denatures enzymes that cause spoilage, which extends the shelf life of the food. There are a few…
Posted in: Food -
School has let out, summer is here, and with it comes new (old) challenges in the Extension office. Every summer, we receive a few questions about pond weeds and algae from individuals looking for treatment and management options of these problems. There are several types of weeds that can be a nuisance in a…
Posted in: Uncategorized -
Plants need a few things in order to thrive, primarily adequate light, nutrient-rich soil, and sufficient water. Water is one of the six essential nutrients for all living things. In plants, water is required for seed germination, nutrient transportation, photosynthesis, transpiration, and structural support. Too much water can be just as harmful as too little.…
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Georgia is home to an abundance of natural beauty, from pine forests to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the beaches of Jekyll and Tybee Island to our own Clarks Hill Lake. If you ever get the opportunity to explore our forest ecosystems more thoroughly, you might overlook some of its most interesting fauna – mushrooms. Mushrooms…
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While UGA Extension doesn’t provide bee removal, we do try our best to connect beekeepers and homeowners looking for honey bee removal. Honey bee swarms are very common, particularly this time of year, and there are some do’s and don’ts you should keep in mind. First off- why do honey bees swarm? Swarming is…
Posted in: Insects and Pests -
Spring is full speed ahead here at the Extension office. Dare I say, it is my favorite time of year, as I get increasing requests to come spend time out in the community – not much better than a sunny day and visit with clients! In case you don’t know- I am available to come…
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Animal behavior covers a wide range of topics, but most learning is rooted in behaviorism—the idea that behaviors are responses to stimuli and that learning happens when specific behaviors become linked to specific consequences. For example, if you touch a hot stove, you immediately pull your hand away to avoid being burned. In this case,…
Posted in: Animal Agriculture -
Regardless of where you live in the county, odds are good that Hurricane Helene left storm debris on your property. After the storm, Lincoln County cleared 104,551 cubic yards or 3,867 loads of debris off of public county roads. If you’re like me, you cleared enough of your property to get it functional; but there…
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Did you know the first recorded incidence of snowfall in Augusta was in 1968, the greatest one-day snowfall was 8 inches in 2010, and our largest season of snowfall totaled 14.4 inches in 1973? While I’ve lived all over the east coast, including snowy New York, it is always an exciting anomaly when we get…
Posted in: Weather -
A home garden can be a fantastic way to grow nutritious food and enjoy a rewarding hobby with your family. Vegetable gardens can take many forms, from large plots to raised beds, container gardens, or even small herb gardens. No matter the size or type, there are a few key things to consider if you…
Posted in: Garden