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Honey in a jar.

There is nothing like the taste of a sweet spoon of honey. The versatility of honey makes it a very useful item to have around the kitchen, and for that reason, raising honeybees and selling the honey has become increasingly popular.


a glass of lemonade

The Food Factor

May 17, 2022

Lemonade is refreshing anytime of year! Try this version sweetened with honey.

A pile of heirloom tomatoes

What are Heirloom Tomatoes?

May 13, 2022

Heirloom tomatoes have three distinct characteristics. Learn what makes them different from other kinds of tomatoes.

bunches of bananas

All About Potassium

May 10, 2022

Potassium, like other nutrients, helps our bodies function properly. Potassium is a mineral that helps our bodies perform a number of functions, like muscle contractions, fluid regulation, and mineral balance in cells. It also helps us maintain normal blood pressure by limiting the effect of sodium. But many of us don't get enought of it. You might be surprised at the variety of potassium-rich foods.

Turtle crossing the road

Why do Turtles Cross Roads?

May 6, 2022

In the South, there’s a legend that says rain is on the way any time you see a turtle cross the road. There’s very little truth to this myth, even though it does seem like rain is in the forecast after we see one of these creatures slowly making its way across the street. 

closeup of meatballs

The Food Factor: BBQ Venison Meatballs

May 2, 2022

No matter how you slice it, venison is a great addition to your diet. These meatballs are versatile, and there are lots of ways you can add them to your meal plan.

close up of a person pruning a branch with pruning sheers

When and How to Prune Landscape Plants

April 29, 2022

Pruning is one of the least understood gardening tasks and for good reason – it’s confusing. When, how, and if you should prune depends on the type of plant or tree you have and your goal for the plant.

White and pink native azaleas.

All About Azaleas

April 26, 2022

There’s no plant more iconic in the springtime than azaleas. Their bright, colorful blooms are exactly what we need to welcome the warm weather after a dreary winter. 

fruit and vegetable waste is added to a compost pile

How to Start a Compost Pile

April 21, 2022

Are you interested in starting a compost pile but aren’t quite sure where to start? Well, it’s an easy process, but it does require some patience. Here's how to do it.

Cooked tilapia on a plate

The Food Factor: Red Pepper and Parmesan Tilapia

April 19, 2022

This Parmesan crusted tilapia is a quick and easy way to increase your fish intake. The dish has just a hint of red pepper flakes to add some personality.

Blue and purple hydrangeas.

How to Change the Color of Hydrangeas

April 15, 2022

Hydrangeas are a favorite among many Southerners. Their colorful blooms are a classic staple in many landscapes. They typically come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, white, and pink. But did you know you can change the color of certain hydrangeas? With a little work and a lot of patience, you can change the color of bigleaf and mountain hydrangeas by adjusting the soil pH. How cool is that?!

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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