Carole Knight
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School has started back, football season is beginning, summer vegetable harvest is coming to an end and temperatures are starting to be more tolerable. These are all signs that fall is just around the corner. As summer vegetables stop producing, it’s time to start planning and preparing fall gardens. Cool-season vegetables, packed with nutrients and…
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There are many pieces of equipment that farmers utilize to distribute either plants, fertilizers or pesticides to their fields and crops. Ensuring that equipment is putting out the right amount is critical. Which is why making sure your equipment is calibrated is key. Calibration is the process of measuring and adjusting the amount of product…
Posted in: Agriculture -
This time of the year I am usually busy trying to frantically preserve the bounty from our summer garden. Canning, dehydrating and freezing the fruits and vegetables that my family and I will enjoy during the winter. Forage producers are doing the same. Working through the summer to preserve the warm season perennial grasses that…
Posted in: Agriculture -
The number of calls related to weed problems in ponds always increases in the hot summer months. This has certainly been the case this year. Warm temperatures have pond weeds growing like – well, WEEDS! Here are few suggestions to help you keep pond weed issues under control or, if it’s too late for that,…
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Fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes are one of the great joys of summer. However, sometimes diseases, pests and/or environmental stresses get in the way of our tomato harvests. I have already gotten several calls and visits about problems with tomato plants. Below are some common issues and potential solutions. Black area on bottom of tomatoes – This…
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The warmer temperatures and extra time at home have prompted you to plant a garden. Day-dreams of fresh, hand-picked veggies going straight from the garden to your dinner table are inching towards reality. But having a success vegetable garden takes some work and planning. Here are some tips to help you hopefully reach your dreams…
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I get quite a few calls about lichens. Most clients bring in a sample or send me a picture of a frilly something growing on their tree or shrub and say, “This is killing my plant!” Well, actually, its not. Lichens (pronounced “liken”) are not parasitic. Lichens are made up of symbiotic organisms, a fungi…
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There has been a lot of interest recently in raising your own laying hens. Before you buy chicks, there are many preparations to make. Preparing for proper housing, nutrition and health will make sure that your chicks survive to produce eggs for your dining pleasure.
Posted in: Agriculture -
Composting is a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus which fuels plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil. It’s also free, easy to make and good for the environment. Using compost improves soil structure, texture, and aeration and increases the soil’s water-holding capacity. Compost loosens clay soils and helps sandy soils retain water. Adding…
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The weather is warming and warm season perennial grasses are coming out of dormancy. Our lawns are greening up nicely and its time to start setting them up for a beautiful green summer. Knowing the right time to apply fertilizers, soil amendments, and pest control options is critical to the sustainability and health of your…