Alabama Extension wants those growing tomatoes and peppers to be aware of Bacterial Spot, a common disease on the leaves of those two plants. But, there are several steps that growers can take to control and prevent the disease, which involves using multiple management tactics. Controlling the disease with chemicals alone usually results in failure. Steps growers can take include …
Political Wrangling Over Conservation Program Could Exacerbate Florida Algae Issues
by Gary Cooper In weekend budget talks, lawmakers slash funding for a key land and water conservation program that is vital to restoring Florida’s waterways. Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) is a budget casualty. This program has a 20-year track record of success in preserving green space in perpetuity, while keeping farmland on the tax rolls. Program …
What to Plant in a Hanging Basket Garden
Cathy Isom continues her series by giving you a few tips about what you should and shouldn’t plant in your hanging basket garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Having a hanging basket garden is ideal for having your own fruits and veggies at arm’s reach. It’s also a space saver, and works well on balconies and smaller …
Vidalia® Onions Have Arrived
Georgia’s official state vegetable is officially in season, beloved Vidalia® onions can now be found in grocery stores around the world. Grown only from Georgia soil, the Vidalia® onion is available for a limited time. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black released the following statement about the world-renowned onion: “The sweetest onions on earth are certainly living up to their reputation this year.  Thanks …
Tips for Starting a Hanging Basket Garden
Cathy Isom begins her series by giving you some helpful tips for a hanging basket garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you can come up with an appropriate place to hang a basket, then you can have a garden! First things first, make sure you have a sturdy hanger to support the weight of your basket. …
Growing Radicchio Adds Color to Your Garden
Cathy Isom tells you how to add a little colorful pop to your garden by growing your own Radicchio. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Radicchio is a common and pretty vegetable used widely throughout Italy. Growing Radicchio in your garden adds a pop of vibrant color as well as a rich flavor to your dinner table. It …
Farm Groups Ask President, Congress for Disaster Relief
A group of 135 farm organizations and banks that supply seasonal loans to farms and ranches today called on President Trump and Congress to put aside political differences and supply urgently needed relief in the wake of weather-related disasters in 2018 and 2019. The organizations highlighted the year’s unprecedented destruction in the letter. Farmers and ranchers are especially anxious for …
Growing Your Own Lettuce
Cathy Isom has a few tips for you about growing your own lettuce. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are a variety of lettuce options you can have for your salads – and you can grow them right at home. Such as Arugula, French Crisp, Butter Lettuce, Romaine, Iceberg, and Leaf Lettuce. Lettuce, no matter the variety, …
ADAI Licenses Growers, Processors, and Universities into the Alabama Industrial Hemp Pilot Program
Commissioner Rick Pate announced the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has licensed 152 growers, 59 processors, and 5 universities to grow, cultivate, process, and research industrial hemp in 2019. Each list is available at http://www.agi.alabama.gov/s/industrial-hemp—home—w-o. “We have had a significant interest in the Alabama Industrial Hemp Pilot Program from potential growers and processors since the availability of applications was …
Lawmakers Look to Hemp as New Industry while Vegetable Gardens Headed to House Floor
With supporters pointing to the potential of a new industry, a House committee Thursday approved a plan for regulating production of hemp. The bill (HB 333), approved by the House State Affairs Committee, would create a regulatory framework that would be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which is led by Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a …