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The Mississippi River is the largest river in the United States – and one of the largest in the world! The Mississippi River Watershed covers over 1,245,000 square miles and drains all or part of 31 states, many of which are home to important agricultural areas. Nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients in fertilizers applied to agricultural [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

Are you unknowingly harboring tiny hitch-hikers? One of the ways pests, diseases and harmful weeds spread is by hitching a ride with humans, pets and vehicles. An invasive pest is one that is introduced to areas that are not part of its natural range, where it may not have any natural enemies to keep its [...]

Each year, about 1.4 million metric tons  of nitrogen reach the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River and its watershed.  Much of this pollution comes from rain water runoff from roadways, lawn and gardens, sewage treatment plants and agricultural areas.  The Mississippi River provides essential water for fishing, floating, boating and swimming, but too [...]

Earlier this year, the U.S Department of Agriculture introduced a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map – a useful tool for gardeners and researchers that was last updated in 1990. The map divides the United States, including Puerto Rico, into 13 separate zones representing regions of minimum average winter temperatures. Each zone is [...]

Earlier this year, the U.S Department of Agriculture introduced a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map – a useful tool for gardeners and researchers that was last updated in 1990. The map divides the United States, including Puerto Rico, into 13 separate zones representing regions of minimum average winter temperatures.  Each zone is [...]

Earlier this year, the U.S Department of Agriculture introduced a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map – a useful tool for gardeners and researchers that was last updated in 1990. The map divides the United States, including Puerto Rico, into 13 separate zones representing regions of minimum average winter temperatures.  Each zone is [...]

Earlier this year, the U.S Department of Agriculture introduced a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map – a useful tool for gardeners and researchers that was last updated in 1990. The map divides the United States, including Puerto Rico, into 13 separate zones representing regions of minimum average winter temperatures.  Each zone is [...]

Earlier this year, the U.S Department of Agriculture introduced a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map – a useful tool for gardeners and researchers that was last updated in 1990. The map divides the United States, including Puerto Rico, into 13 separate zones representing regions of minimum average winter temperatures. Each zone is [...]

Earlier this year, the U.S Department of Agriculture introduced a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map – a useful tool for gardeners and researchers that was last updated in 1990. The map divides the United States, including Puerto Rico, into 13 separate zones representing regions of minimum average winter temperatures.  Each zone is [...]

Installing a rain water gauge on your property will help you determine how many inches of rain have fallen.  Knowing the average weekly precipitation amount helps gardeners apply the correct amount of water with automatic irrigation systems.  Drought stress can hurt landscape plants, but over-watering can also kill plants by depriving the roots of oxygen. [...]

Mulch is any covering placed around plants. Mulch conserves water because and prevents erosion by slowing runoff and permitting your landscape to better absorb and retain water from winter rains. Mulch also suppresses weed growth, shelters the soil from temperature extremes and improves appearance of your landscape. Viewer Tip: Apply a two- to three-inch layer [...]

About 80 percent of the United States’ pumpkin supply is available in October, but pumpkin makes an appearance year-round in pies, breads and other foods. Weather can have a big impact on the yearly pumpkin harvest. Wet and soggy: Too much rain can cause crops to rot. Mildews, which thrive in wet conditions, can damage [...]

Farmers and ranchers throughout the United States are using solar power to pump water for their livestock and irrigation.  Solar pumping works anywhere the sun shines and most parts of the United States have plenty of sunlight to run these pumping systems. Solar pumping is a natural match for summer grazing applications, since the solar [...]

Did you know that many of the insects in your garden are more beneficial than harmful? When gardeners see insects or insect damage on their plants, many reach for pesticides in an effort to eliminate harmful pests. Unfortunately, pesticides can kill valuable garden insects – like ladybugs, assassin bugs and praying mantis – and may [...]

Compost is a great way to enrich your soil and maintain a sustainable turf. Mature compost provides turf plants with a balanced source of nutrients that are released slowly into the soil. Unlike soluble synthetic fertilizers that immediately release nutrients into the soil, the organic residues used to form compost must decompose before their nutrients [...]

Want to have great soil and save money in the process? The good news is that the natural process for making good soil has little or no cost. Good soil management produces crops and animals that are healthier, less susceptible to disease and more productive. Earthworms are a sign of good soil health – and [...]

Just because winter is here doesn’t mean you can’t shape up your trees for the coming growing season.  Pruning your fruit trees in winter can lead to healthier trees and higher-quality fruit production.  Winter pruning can also reduce the amount of chemicals used for promoting a better harvest. Viewer Tip: Prune dense fruit tree branches [...]

Bulb growth in garlic is dependent on the warmth and the length of the day.  In northern part of the United States, most growers plant garlic in October before the ground freezes. This gives the garlic plant time to develop good roots but not enough time to encourage leaf growth before coolder weather hits.  Where [...]