Agriculture

  • green tomatoes on vine with rot on bottom of each one

    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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  • rows of vegetables growing in a garden with mulch between them

    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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  • LAWN BURWEED – IT’S A STICKY PROBLEM Tim R. Murphy – Retired Extension Weed Scientist, The University of Georgia The weed in question is most commonly lawn burweed (Soliva pterosperma), a.k.a. spurweed, stickerweed, sandbur, sanbur and sandspur. Lawn burweed is a winter annual member of the Aster family. The weed germinates in the early fall months…

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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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  • three chickens in their pin

    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.

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  • discarded fruits and vegetables in compost bin

    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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  • close up of green lawn next to a mound of monkey grass

    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…

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  • roll of toilet paper on dispenser.

    Once the COVID-19 virus started, it was interesting to see that the Toilet Paper was one of the first things to go from the shelves and if you go in the stores still today there is a limited supply.  Other than that, as more kids are home, “science experiments” may include the old question –…

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  • hands hold tray of plants and placing them in a planter

    With temperatures warming up steadily, its time to start laying out and planting this years vegetable garden.  Here are a few tips to remember when planning and planting: Select a site that receives at least 8 to 10 hours of sunlight a day. Select a location that is conveniently located near the house and a…

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