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4-H clover on MSU Campus

The four-leaf clover has become associated with quite a few things, including St. Patrick’s Day, good luck, and 4-H! Who remembers trying to find a four-leaf clover as a child?

Clovers are weeds that usually have three leaves. Every now and then, a rare fourth leaf will be produced. The chances of finding a four-leaf clover are pretty slim. You’ve got about a 1 in 10,000 chance of finding a four-leaf clover, and if you do, it’s your lucky day! 

Our favorite four-leaf clover is the 4-H clover emblem. The four Hs, each on one leaf, stand for head, heart, hands, and...


A woman stands in kitchen with a cell phone displaying a web page.

Food: From Farm to Fork

March 13, 2024

This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month inspires us to look “Beyond the Table” when thinking about our health and the environment. Check out Qula's tips for being mindful as we buy and consume foods.

Person washing a stain out of a white piece of clothing.

How to Remove Pesky Stains

March 8, 2024

There’s nothing more annoying than getting something on your shirt and it leaves a stain. I know the feeling all too well.

A woman holds a jar of Honey Mustard Dressing in a kitchen.

The Food Factor: Honey Mustard Dressing

March 5, 2024

You'll want to keep this homemade Honey Mustard Dressing on hand in your kitchen.

Eastern Redbud Tree with pink flowers.

Tree of the Month: Eastern Redbud

March 1, 2024

Could your yard use some beautification? Always! Do you want a small tree with beautiful, fragrant flowers? The eastern redbud is just for you! 

Person planting vegetables.

What are Plant Hardiness Zones?

February 26, 2024

Spring is right around the corner, and you probably are getting an itch to start setting out plants in your landscape and garden. If you’re new to gardening, you’ll need to know what plant hardiness zone you’re in.

A woman stands in a kitchen and holds a serving of Chicken with Peachy Ginger Sauce.

The Food Factor: Slow Cooker Chicken with Peachy Ginger Sauce

February 20, 2024

Who says peaches are just for dessert? Slow Cooker Chicken with Peachy Ginger Sauce is a perfect meal for those busy workdays!

Blackberries growing.

Tips for Planting Blackberries

February 16, 2024

Looking to plant a fruit plant on your property but not sure which to choose? May we suggest blackberries! Blackberries are among the easiest fruit plants to grow, and they produce tasty berries that are perfect for baking!

A woman stands in a kitchen with high-fiber foods on the counter.

How to Get More Fiber in Your Diet

February 13, 2024

Has your doctor ever recommended more fiber in your diet? Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet. Research shows that most Americans don't get enough. These tips can help you get the recommended amount.

a bowl of Buffalo Chicken Dip stis on a plate surrounded by celery stalks

The Food Factor: Buffalo Chicken Dip

February 6, 2024

This tangy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip will become a party favortie!https://food.unl.edu/recipe/gameday-buffalo-chicken-dip

American Holly

Facts about American Holly Trees

February 2, 2024

Whether it’s in your home as a holiday decoration or planted in your yard, you should have no trouble recognizing the American holly tree!

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About Extension for Real Life

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living.

Blog content is created by a core team of communicators, including Susan Collins-Smith, Ellen Graves, Natasha Haynes, Qula Madkin, Michaela Parker, and Jonathan Parrish. But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu