Beating and Treating Common Grape Pests and Diseases

How to beat and treat some common grape pests and diseases. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are quite a few pests who like to munch on grapes just as much as we humans do. Some of the common pests you might find, include:  Japanese Beetles, Black Vine Weevils, Grape Cane Girdlers, Grape Mealybugs, and Grassy Winged …

Tomato Plant Disease that Can Stick Around for Years

A tomato plant disease that has the capability of sticking around for years. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Early blight is caused by the soil-borne pathogen Alternaria solani, and this fungus can stick around for years because it overwinters in the soil, even in cold climates. Most early blight cases won’t kill your plants, but it causes bulls-eye-shaped …

Best Pepper Varieties to Grow in the Garden

The best pepper varieties to grow in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are literally thousands of pepper varieties you can grow in your garden in different colors, shapes, and flavors. So it’s best not to just limit yourself to one pepper when planning your garden. Grow a few different kinds from super hot to sweet …

Innovative Approaches to High Tunnel Systems in Florida

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will invest $300,000 for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for high tunnel systems that improve weather resiliency and improve degraded plant conditions. Grants from $5,000 to $75,000 will be awarded to applicants matching those funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-federal sources that can include cash or in-kind contributions. U.S.-based non-federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply …

Best Carrot Varieties to Grow in the Garden

Some of the best carrot varieties to grow in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. One of the easiest veggies to grow and perfect for beginners – carrots. And, you can grow them in a variety of colors, besides orange. Atomic Red carrots are a showstopper. They have bright red skin are get darker when cooking. …

Some of the Best Conifers to Plant in the Yard

Some of the best conifers to plant in your yard. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When you think of conifers, a Christmas tree or tall pine might come to mind. Yet, these cone-bearing plants come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. A sure stand-out in the landscape, silver Korean fir features short, tightly packed needles …

Florida Right to Farm Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

Just hours after the Florida House gave final approval Thursday, a bill that would expand legal protections for farmers was sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis. According to the News Service of Florida, the House voted 110-7 to support expanding the state’s “Right to Farm” law, a top priority of Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. The Senate passed the bill (SB …

Fertilizer Costs Shape Crop Production Expenses

The Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reports production costs for corn and other major commodities are shaped by fertilizer cost. From 2010 to 2019, fertilizer was a major expense in U.S. corn production, accounting for 33 to 44 percent of operating costs-a category that includes other variable expenses like seed, chemicals, fuel, and repairs. Fertilizer also comprised 16 to …