Species to Consider Tapping for a More Unique Spin on an Old Classic

Dan Forestry, Specialty Crops, Sugar, This Land of Ours

The many trees you can tap for syrup to sweeten your favorite breakfast treats.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Although you definitely won’t get the traditional maple syrup taste from these trees, there are at least 15 other species you can consider tapping for a more unique spin on the old classic. The sugar maple is the …

Common Pests that Pose a Threat to Your Strawberry Crop

Dan Fruits, Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Some common pests that pose a threat to your Strawberry crop.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Strawberry plants are one of the easiest fruit plants to add to your garden, but that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter common strawberry pests and diseases. The pests that love to feast on your berries are aphids, army worms, Japanese Beetles, …

Bitter Melon is a Prolific Vining Plant in Many Varieties

Dan Fruits, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

Some of the best bitter melon varieties.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Bitter melon is often called bitter gourd or balsam pear. White Pearl is a hybrid variety and a slightly bitter type.  It’s great for salad, stir fry, stuffing, and soups. Beauty Winner is another hybrid that is almost completely white. It has a mellower taste compared …

Alabama Hemp Meetings Being Held This Month

Dan Alabama, Hemp, Specialty Crops

For those interested, five hemp licensee orientation meetings will be held on various dates and locations this month. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is partnering with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) to host the meetings. Clint Thompson has more details. Each of the hemp licensee orientation meetings will run from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information click here. More information about growing …

Small Amount of Black Beans adds Multiple Health Benefits

Dan Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours, Vegetables

How a small amount of black beans can add multiple health benefits.  That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A recent USDA Research study involving obese mice revealed that adding cooked black beans to a high fat diet improved sensitivity to insulin and other measures often related to diabetes. The researchers found that as little as the mouse-size equivalent …

More Environmentally Friendly Way to Control Strawberry Pests

Dan Fruits, Pest/Pest Control, Specialty Crops

There is good news for strawberry farmers as we head into a new year. University of Florida scientists have found a way to better control the chilli thrips that can make strawberries virtually unmarketable. Research efforts have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to control these pests, meaning the use of less pesticides. While pesticides do kill the thrips, they …

Health Benefits of Holy Basil and How to Use It

Dan Herbs, Nursery Crops, Organic, Specialty Crops, This Land of Ours

The health benefits of Holy Basil and how to use it. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Holy basil, also known as tulsi in Hindu, or queen of the herbs, is part of the mint family and is a traditional medicinal herb native to tropical Southeast Asia. This aromatic plant has pale green leaves, hair stems, and small purple or white tubular flowers. It is …