Extension for Real Life

Description

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

  • Woman mixing potting soil with a trowel in a pot on a lawn.

    How to Choose Potting Soil

    Check out helpful information and tips from our horticulture expert.

  • Corn being boiled in a pot

    How to Blanch Vegetables

    One of my favorite summer activities is visiting my local farmers market on Saturday morning. I always leave with a variety of fresh vegetables, perfect for my weekly meals.

  • Red tomatoes on a vine

    Four Common Tomato Problems

    There’s nothing quite as delicious as homegrown tomatoes. My favorite way to eat tomatoes are in fresh bruschetta or cucumber tomato salads! If you grow these plants, you know that a juicy tomato comes with a lot of hard work and often a little problem solving along the way. 

  • A woman stands behind a kitchen counter with several examples of fiber-rich foods displayed.

    How to Add More Fiber to Your Diet

    It doesn't have to be boring or difficult.

  • A maroon ruler on the ground covered with termites.

    Formosan Subterranean Termites

  • A toad expands his vocal sac.

    Frog vs. Toad

    Is that a frog or a toad hopping by? If you’ve ever found yourself asking that question, you’re not alone! It’s a common point of confusion. 

  • Closeup of a lone star tick on a green leaf.

    What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

    Spread by ticks, AGS can cause an allergic reaction to red meat and other mammal products.

  • Close-up of colorful tomatoes, some sliced, shot from above

    Tips for Growing Tomatoes

    If you have a garden or a few containers of vegetables each summer, chances are you plant tomatoes. These tips can help you grow a bountiful harvest.

  • A plate with tomatoes, yellow peppers, broccoli, quinoa, and chicken.

    Tips for Creating Balanced Meals

    Creating balanced meals for your family doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming. With the help of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, you can build healthy, nutritious meals for your family.

Extension for Real Life