During January’s Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia, Daniel Tregeagle, an Extension economist with North Carolina State University, gave a presentation on economic and regulatory trends impacting citrus and specialty crop growers. MODEST MARKET GROWTH The biggest blip on the proverbial economic radar has been COVID-19 and its continuing effects. Tregeagle noted these impacts mostly will be transient, and the …
Produce That Can Be Stored in a Root Cellar
The produce that can be stored in a root cellar. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The root cellar was once a staple of rural life, serving as a method of food preservation as well as a storage space for people without electricity and refrigeration. The cool, somewhat moist (yet not too damp) atmosphere of a root cellar …
Species to Consider Tapping for a More Unique Spin on an Old Classic
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 Diseases that Pose a Threat to Your Strawberry Crop
Some common diseases that pose a threat to your Strawberry crop. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are 5 common diseases that can cause big problems for your Strawberry plants, and if they become infected, the plants could die. One bacterial disease that’s tough to get rid of is Angular Leaf Spot. It’s smart only to plant …
Common Pests that Pose a Threat to Your Strawberry Crop
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
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 …
Quickest Way to Get Veggies on Your Dinner Table
The quickest way to get veggies on your dinner table. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are times when you need a crop to run its course in a short time frame in order to keep the garden productive. Some crops to consider when you want veggies in two months or less, include: Snap Beans. The fastest …
Alabama Hemp Meetings Being Held This Month
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 …
Edible Plants that Grow Well in the Shade
Some edible plants that grow well in the shade. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are plenty of great edible plants, fruits and vegetables that will grow with very little sunlight. There are even some that you might not normally find at the market, but you can definitely grow in your own yard. For example, Ramps – …
Small Amount of Black Beans adds Multiple Health Benefits
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 …