Concerns about crop dumping have been a refrain in the state since shortly after the North American Free Trade Agreement was approved more than a quarter century ago. (TALLAHASSEE/August 30, 2021) — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried on Monday urged people to purchase Florida-grown blueberries, strawberries and other produce to help counter what she described as “unfair foreign trade practices” by …
Growing a Smoothie Garden from Likable Vegetables
How to grow your own smoothie garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The trick to growing your own smoothie garden is to know what you like and what you’ll use. There is no use in planting a plot of kale if you hate the stuff. Likewise, if you have space, grow a nice variety so that you aren’t …
Some Ways to Increase Your Eggplant Harvest
Some ways to increase your eggplant harvest. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are many ways to increase your eggplant harvest and grow huge plants. Avoid planting your eggplant seedlings too early. These plants grow best when they’re in warm conditions. And since these plants have broad leaves, these seedlings grow quickly. One trick to speed up their growth …
Problems and Solutions When Growing Artichokes
Some problems and solutions when growing your own artichokes at home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Artichoke seedlings are particularly susceptible to disease, and unless you’re taking proper care to sanitize tools and supplies, you may end up with limp, lifeless seedlings due to damping off. Slugs are a common issue for fragile young artichoke plants and are …
Artichoke is an Exotic Plant, and a Tasty, Gourmet Treat to Grow
How to begin growing a tasty, gourmet treat right at home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There’s nothing better than tasting an artichoke in its freshest form. They are hard to find in season at your local grocery, and when they are, they are often in bad shape. So why not try growing them right at home. …
Italian Eggplant Varieties to Grow on the Farm or Garden
The best Italian eggplant varieties to grow at home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’re in the market for some fun new seeds to add to your garden, consider popular Italian eggplant varieties to shake things up a bit! Galene’ is an Italian eggplant variety that is known for its exceptionally high yields. Nadia’ is another excellent …
Growing a Unique and Tasty Veggie that Chefs Love
How to grow a unique and tasty veggie that chefs love. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Common ice plant is one of those veggies that chefs love because it makes a unique addition to the restaurant menu. If you want something special that isn’t fussy in the garden, try growing it yourself! It’s also known salty ice plant …
Tasty, Leafy Green That’s as Fun to Grow as it is to Eat
The tasty, leafy green that’s as fun to grow and eat as it is to say. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Orach is also known as salt bush or red mountain spinach. Like its cousins spinach and chard, orach contains a surprising amount of salt in its leaves. It’s also a great source of iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, …
Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo is This Week
The 2021 Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo will be held this Wednesday and Thursday at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, Florida. The big two-day in-person event will feature a citrus session on Wednesday, Aug. 18, where growers can learn about all things related to citrus. This includes management of black spot, arthropod pests, soil health, irrigation …
Vilsack and Tai to Meet with USDA Ag Policy Committee
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai will meet with the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee Friday. Topics include current and new trade deals, trade agreement implementation and concerns within the agreements. The committee, managed by the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, offers advice on U.S. trade policy. The committee consists of six technical …