The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture proclaimed this first week of August as National Farmers Market Week. It is a way to champion the direct-to-consumer producers, market managers, and customers that make their communities come alive during market days. According to a story from Rod Bain, highlights of the week are not only the markets themselves, but the innovations that allow these institutions to …
Herb Varieties to Grow for Herbivore Pets and Companions
The best herb varieties to grow for your herbivore pets and companions. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Many herbivore pets enjoy eating herbs as part of their daily diet. Dandelion greens are safe for most herbivore pets, including rabbits, degus, guinea pigs, and several other species. Some herbivores like to eat the flowers as well, but try …
Vegetables to Grow for Herbivore Pets and Companions
The parbest vegetables to grow for Herbivore pets and companions. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you have herbivore pets such as rabbits, small rodents, tortoises, or parakeets, then you know they eat a lot of plants. When you’re planning a food garden to feed your entire family, it’s important to also plant species that your non-human companions …
Pretty Plants that Repel Biting Bugs
Some pretty plants that repel biting bugs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Strongly scented plants have the ability to send pesky biting bugs like mosquitoes and flies packing. Grow Basil on your patio table, or plant a drift of basil in the garden bed. It’s both insect-repelling and a culinary herb, so choose the variety that best suits …
Looking Forward to Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Expo
We are just three weeks away from the 2021 Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo in North Fort Myers, Florida. Anticipation for the event is rising for many, including Ray Royce, executive director of the Highlands Country Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA). He told AgNet Media that growers in his area always look forward to the Expo. Royce says he and …
Keep Plants Hydrated this Summer and Saving Some Money
Some ways to keep your plants well hydrated this summer while saving yourself some money. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. All plants need water, especially during summer. When you add up how much watering your garden can cost you over a whole growing season, it can come to hundreds, even thousands of dollars. One of the best …
Pests and Diseases that can Wreak Havoc on Spinach
The pests and diseases that can wreak havoc on your spinach. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’ve tried growing spinach before you’re plants have probably come under attack by a number of different pests and diseases. Some pests causing only slight damage while others are complete crop killers. Aphids, Army Worms, Cabbage Loopers, to name a few. …
A Few Things to Know When Caring for, and Growing, Lavender
Things you should know when caring for Lavender. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Lavender fills the early-summer garden with sensory delights: beautiful purple-tone blooms atop foliage that emanates its fresh scent on a sunny afternoon. Every part of the plant is infused with aromatic oil, making this a choice herb to place along pathways or near outdoor seating …
Avoiding Heat-Related Deaths
A new University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) report showed 215 people in Florida died from heat-related causes in the last 10 years. The fact that heat-related deaths happen throughout the year surprised the researchers who wrote the report. Serap Gorucu, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, helped write the report. She and …
Small Space Gardening Doesn’t Have to Be a Struggle
Tips for edible gardens in small spaces. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Gardening in small spaces doesn’t have to be a struggle. Maximize your minimal gardening space by strategically pairing fruits, vegetables and flowers. Plant flowers that will attract beneficial bugs that will pollinate the vegetables. They can also deter harmful insects resulting in better growing conditions and …