House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro this week introduced the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act. The Connecticut Democrat says the legislation will increase and improve the Department of Agriculture’s procurement of fresh fruits and vegetables. The bill would require USDA to partner with growers, distributors, and food hubs to provide fresh, U.S.-grown fruits and vegetables to community organizations like schools, …
Problems to Watch for When Growing Horseradish
Some problems to watch for when growing your own horseradish. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Growing horseradish at home often becomes much tastier options for the pests that might eat our horseradish leaves. Cabbage, turnip, radish, mustard, and other members of the brassica family are all preferred options for potential horseradish pests. Though Imported Cabbage Moth Larvae …
Starting Your Own Highly Productive Horseradish Crop
How to start your own horseradish crop. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Horseradish root is exceptionally easy to grow, highly productive, and has a lot of other uses – including making homemade wasabi and the key ingredient in cocktail sauce. It’s also great for clearing sinuses. Horseradish is one of the best all-around companion plants to ward …
Technologies for Improved Nutrient Analysis
Nutrient management is important for citrus production. Regular nutrient assessments should be conducted to optimize nutrient balance and prevent deficiencies or over-fertilization. Optimizing nutrition is important for tree health and can improve tolerance to stresses and diseases. Good nutrient management requires regular field monitoring to identify problems and examine crop responses. Leaves need to be collected and sent to a …
Biggest Benefits of Growing Zucchini Vertically
How to grow Zucchini vertically. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. One of the biggest benefits of growing Zucchini vertically, is that it makes it much easier to weed your plants. It can also save a lot of space, which is important if you’re limited to a small area in your yard or patio. First, you’ll need to …
Helpful Tips to Improve Your Chili Pepper Harvest
What you need to know to help improve your chili pepper harvest. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Chilis bring the heat to your culinary dishes, and they’re a fantastic option for new gardeners. These plants tend to produce well even if you don’t pay much attention to them. Here’s what you can do for them to give you …
Protect Against the COVID-19 Delta Variant
If you would have asked us last September if there would still be a need to write a tip about COVID-19 a year later, our answer would have been, “We sure hope not.” So, what’s changed? The simplest explanation is the emergence of the Delta variant. When you hear us talk about food safety, we don’t often talk about variants. …
September Chores for Getting the Garden Winter-Ready
Some September chores for getting your garden winter-ready. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The beginning of September is a good time to divide irises and day lilies, fertilize fescue lawns, and start cool-season vegetable seedlings. It’s also a good time to plant cover crops, such as peas, oats, crimson clover, and annual rye grass on the fallow winter …
Preparing the Garden for the Cold Season Ahead
How to prepare your garden for the cold season ahead. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The first day of September signals the winding down of summer and the perfect time to think about the cooler months ahead in your garden. Towards the end of this month will be the perfect time to plant fall annuals petunias and …
Runner Beans are a Colorful Climbing Edible Perennial Plant
A colorful climbing and edible plant to add to your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Until recently, you’d typically only find runner beans in British gardens, but now, they claim spaces in gardens all over the world. It’s easy to see why. These tall vines produce colorful flowers and beans, acting as an edible and ornamental …