Supercharge your raised gardening beds with keyhole gardening. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Keyhole gardening combines the convenience of an elevated growing space and the nutrient boost of a built-in compost bin. While there are plenty of variations, most keyhole gardens are rounded raised beds with a notch cut into the middle (similar to a keyhole, hence the …
Tips for Starting Vegetable and Flower Seeds Indoors
Some tips for starting seeds indoors. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. No matter where you live, there is one outdoor gardening task you can do any time this month: Starting seeds. Every seed will have different, individual germination requirements. If this is your first time starting seeds indoors, it will be helpful if you start with only …
House Agriculture Committee Hears About Food Insecurity in America
Written Testimony for the House of Representatives Committee on AgricultureA Look at Food Insecurity in AmericaMarch 11th, 2021Presented By:Zippy DuvallPresidentAmerican Farm Bureau Federation Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. I am pleased to offer this testimony on behalf of Farm Bureau …
Creating a Garden that Appeals to All of the Senses
Why you should create a garden that appeals to all of the senses. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A sensory garden caters to all of the senses and is a wonderful way to help you relax. Beyond just looking beautiful, it works to create a holistic space for the eyes, ears, nose, skin, and mouth. The first …
Agriculture Included in New COVID-19 Relief Package
The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, known as “The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” is now official as President Biden signed the bill late last week. We’ve all heard how the package will include $1,400 stimulus checks for qualifying individuals, extends unemployment benefits, and more. But it also increases assistance through USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). And according …
Chores Needing to Be Done in the Garden in March
The chores you should be doing in your garden this month. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Here are some of the common regional gardening chores to tackle during the month of March. Spring is well underway in the Southeast and if all danger of frost has passed you should be fertilizing your lawn, roses, and perennials. Warm-season …
Culantro is a Tasty New Option to Grow in Your Garden
A tasty new option to grow in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Most of us growing herbs have heard of Cilantro but do you know about its close relative Culantro? It has an aromatic scent that spreads throughout the air wherever it’s touched. It also has a strong flavor that is perfect as a seasoning …
When Will It Be Safe to Start Planting Plants and Seed Outside
When it’s safe to start planting outside. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When the minutes of daylight starts to increase in winter, so does the yearning to get outside in the garden again. But don’t let a couple of warm days in early spring fool you into setting out your homegrown seedlings or new plant babies from …
USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Applications Being Accepted in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has announced they are accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets in the state. The application deadline for these grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is May 3, 2021. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits and vegetables, …
Edible Plants You Can Grow in Bog or Marshy Soil
Edible plants you can grow in a bog or marshy soil. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When you have a sunken, wet area on your property. Plant edible bog plants instead of those that prefer drier soils. Try to plant species indigenous to your area whenever possible. One of the most popular edible bog plants is cranberries. It’s …