Agriculture

  • several raised planters growing vegetables

    Spring is here, and despite our cold snap last weekend, folks are busy getting gardens ready. Gardens can come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, not every landscape is suitable for in-ground gardens. In these situations, raised bed gardens have become increasingly popular. Raised beds are improved areas of soil elevated above ground level and…

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  • Roses are one of the most popular plants among Georgia gardeners even though growing roses in the southern climate can be challenging. Their large, fragrant blooms can be cheery and dramatic. Proper site preparation and planning and knowing which rose varieties to choose is the key to success. Before getting to the fun part of…

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  • WELL…last week (March 7-13, 2021) was National Groundwater Awareness Week and it can be a DEEP subject. The United States uses 82.3 billion gallons per day of fresh groundwater for public supply, private supply, irrigation, livestock, manufacturing, mining, thermoelectric power, and other purposes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Private and community wells are used…

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  • cows standing in a muddy area

    On our farm, dealing with mud in high traffic feeding areas is a constant battle. Jeremy Kichler, Colquitt County Ag Agent and Forage Extension Member, discusses strategies for mud mitigation. If you are feeding hay in the winter, eventually you are going to have to deal with mud.  Mud increases animal stress and can lead…

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  • Mistletoe is often found hanging in homes as a traditional decoration during the holiday season. It was once believed to have magical powers, as well as medicinal properties. Most mistletoes are evergreen, making them more visible and easier to locate after leaves of their deciduous hosts drop in late fall and winter. Although mistletoe is…

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  • “To every thing there is a season.” And fall is the season to soil test. Soils tests provide information on the soil’s actual nutrient status. Fall is a preferred time to take soil tests if one suspects a soil pH problem and wants to avoid the spring rush. Fall soil testing will allow you ample…

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  • The onset of cooler temperatures often brings unwanted pests into our homes.  Several species of ants look to enter homes during colder weather to overwinter. Also, more pleasant temperatures outside bring people outdoors which can mean more interaction with wasps and yellowjackets.  The following article by Emily Cabrera, public relations coordinator for the integrated Pest…

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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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  • 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…

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  • a view of pond weeks floating at the service of a pond

    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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