By Clint Thompson Watermelon producers in South Georgia who were impacted by excessive rainfall in February and early March could see their planting window delayed, according to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable specialist Andre da Silva. Some farmers could be as much as three weeks behind in preparing to plant this year’s crop, especially due to heavy rains on …
New Grape Cultivars Could be Boost for Industry in Southeast
By Clint Thompson Grape cultivars released by UC Davis that are currently being researched by specialists at Auburn University could provide hope for farmers looking for a sustainable option in overcoming Pierce’s Disease. Elina Coneva, an Extension specialist in the Horticulture Department at Auburn University, said UC Davis’ grape breeding program recently developed European (Vitis vinifera) grape selections with resistance …
How to Spot and Get Rid of Whiteflies
Cathy Isom has a few tips about how to spot and get rid of whiteflies on your garden plants. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Whiteflies have the potential to kill entire crops in a short amount of time. Whiteflies are white winged insects that look quite similar to aphids. They’re extremely common and are able to hide …
Ask the Expert: A Hemp Q&A
(USDA) — Ask the Expert is a new series launching on farmers.gov. In this Ask the Expert, Andrew Kowalski answers a few questions about how farmers can use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) hemp pilot program to insure their hemp crop. Kowalski is a risk management specialist with the Risk Management Agency (RMA) based in …
Foods to Can in the Spring from Your Garden
Cathy Isom has some pointers, as well as a list of some foods you should can in the Spring. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The best way to prevent your plentiful harvest from going to waste is to can it! Even in the Spring there are many items that can be canned. Beets Chutney Garlic Pearl Onions …
Mother Nature Impacting Blueberry Production
By Clint Thompson Weather has already played a factor in this year’s blueberry crop production in the Southeast. Farmers need to be wary of potential disease pressure following last week’s excessive rainfall, according to Renee Holland, University of Georgia area Extension blueberry agent in Alma, Georgia. “Certain root-rot diseases, rain will actually help move pathogen spores around in the blueberry …
Common Mistakes for Growing Tomatoes in Containers
Continuing her series, Cathy Isom reviews some common mistakes for growing tomatoes in containers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing tomatoes in containers can be incredibly rewarding or flat-out disastrous. However, there are some common mistakes that, if they can be avoided, will vastly increase your chances of successfully growing tomatoes in containers. Such as the size …
Hemp Legislation Passes in Georgia House
Week eight of the 2020 session for the Georgia General Assembly saw more talk about the Right to Farm Bill (HB 545), but there was also action concerning hemp legislation, and it has been another topic that many have been following. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley has an update on both of those issues, along with looking at …
Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Containers
Cathy Isom has some informative information about the different types, as well as some tips for growing tomatoes in containers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing tomatoes in a container is possible even if you have never done a garden before. Tomatoes can grow anywhere as long as there is a suitable growing condition for it. Growing …
Alabama Message to Potential Hemp Growers: Know What You’re Getting Into
By Clint Thompson Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Katelyn Kesheimer has a message for all farmers interested in growing hemp this year: Know what you’re getting into. During this year’s hemp meetings, which continue in March throughout Alabama, Kesheimer and other specialists are discussing economics, insects, weeds and diseases that are associated with hemp production. “We’re very clear …