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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

  • Close up of a pink rose bloom.

    Plant Roses Now!

    If you’re thinking of planting roses, spring is one of the best times. MSU Extension/From Extension Publication 2835 “Roses in Mississippi” 

  • A medium-sized black and white dog lies on green grass.

    Protect Your Pets from Fleas

    It’s a given. Our beloved pets will attract some unwelcome guests: fleas. (Photo by Susan Collins-Smith)

  • Red grapes dipped in a mixture of peanut butter and Greek yogurt lined up on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.

    Peanut Butter Yogurt-Dipped Grapes

    Looking for a snack that will tide you over until your next meal but not derail your health goals? These peanut butter yogurt-dipped grapes are a fun way to get a serving of fruit and a hit of protein, without racking up major calories!

  • Pouring planting potting soil mix into pots in the garden.

    How to Choose Potting Mix

    Choosing a potting mix may seem simple, but not all mixes are created alike. When buying potting mix for containers, you want to look for mixes with ingredients that will help your plants thrive. (Photo by CanStockPhoto)

  • Shredded chicken breasts coated in barbecue sauce in a rectangular, clear-glass container.

    Making the Most of Leftovers

    Leftovers can be a huge time-saver, but they also have the potential to go to waste. Food tossed is money lost! (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • Close-up of small magnolia tree with glossy green leaves. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

    What To Do in Your Garden in March

    There’s a lot to do in your garden during the month of March! Get your spring garden in shape with these easy tips. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

  • A closeup of a gloved hand holding a pair of bypass pruning shears.

    Essential Pruning Tools

    February marks the beginning of pruning chores in the garden. This task will be a breeze if you have the right tools. MSU Extension horticulture specialist Gary Bachman recommends three pruning tools every gardener should have. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

  • Three small sandwiches made with whole wheat slider buns, shredded chicken, and barbecue sauce on a white plate.

    Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Sliders

    Y’all know I love a good slow cooker recipe. This one is fast and easy, and, depending on your barbecue sauce, can also be healthy. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish / Cindy Callahan)

  • Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts coated with Panko breadcrumbs on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper.

    The Food Factor | Shake & Bake Brussels Sprouts

    Growing up, Brussels sprouts were the vegetable every kid on TV loved to hate. Most people think they hate these cute little veggies that resemble tiny cabbages, even if they’ve never tried them. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762