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News By Department: Plant and Soil Sciences

Person applying lime to yard.
September 24, 2024 - Filed Under: Turfgrass and Lawn Management

As summer comes to an end, the time for fall lawn care approaches. Warm-season grass growth is beginning to slow down while temperatures become slightly cooler. 

Rice field
September 13, 2024 - Filed Under: Rice

September is Rice Month! Did you know rice is one of Mississippi’s top ten agricultural commodities. 

Irrigation watering system in a garden
August 15, 2024 - Filed Under: Irrigation, Vegetable Gardens

If there’s one thing that’s important in gardening, it’s proper watering. Vegetable gardens need about 1 inch of water each week.

Pin Oak leaves on branches
August 2, 2024 - Filed Under: Trees

Imagine walking through a tranquil forest in early autumn. The air is crisp, the sunlight filters softly through a canopy of vibrant leaves. Among the trees that paint this picturesque scene, one stands out with its striking, radiant colors—the pin oak.

The pin oak (Quercus palustris) is a member of the Fagaceae family, native to the central and eastern United States. Known for its distinctive pyramidal shape and slender, pin-like branches, this deciduous tree can grow up to 70 feet tall, with a spread of up to 40 feet.

Magnolia bloom with dark green leaves.
June 28, 2024 - Filed Under: Landscape and Garden Design

Close your eyes and think back to your childhood.

A well maintained landscape.
June 21, 2024 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden

When it comes to lawn care, summer is one of the busiest times of the year.

Several cows and calves stand in a pasture.
May 21, 2024 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Livestock, Beef

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Beef cattle prices are the best they have been in nearly a decade for Mississippi’s producers, but they face some tough management challenges to ensure their operations are profitable.

Rows of corn stalks in a field with the sky in the background.
May 20, 2024 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Crops, Corn

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Despite wet spring weather that pushed planting beyond the typical window, Mississippi corn producers have essentially completed planting and the crop is in good condition.

White flowers blooming on a tree.
May 7, 2024 - Filed Under: Trees

We’ve talked about a few trees this year. We hope you’ve learned a thing or two about how to identify different trees! 

Herb Container
April 17, 2024 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

By Chloe Evans

If you love the idea of adding beautiful landscape features to your yard but don’t know where to start, container gardening is an easy way to make a statement and limit costs! To make it even easier, we asked the host of Southern Gardening, Dr. Eddie Smith, to curate a variety of container gardening combos for you to choose from. 

Man mowing grass.
March 22, 2024 - Filed Under: Turfgrass and Lawn Management

It’s spring, meaning things are starting to grow! The “spring transition,” when grasses go from dormant to active, is in full swing this month.

Eastern Redbud Tree with pink flowers.
March 1, 2024 - Filed Under: Trees

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

February 28, 2024 - Filed Under: Vegetable Gardens

With nearly a decade of horticultural production experience, the new vegetable specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service plans to serve growers statewide.

Person planting vegetables.
February 26, 2024 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Gardens

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 scrapes vegetable scraps off a cutting board into a countertop compost bin.
February 21, 2024 - Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens, Vegetable Gardens, Natural Resources, Waste Management

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Many of the practices associated with sustainability, such as recycling, can be extended into the garden. Composting is a way to help reduce organic waste that goes to the landfill and helps feed gardens. These organic materials, which include grass clippings, leaves and other yard wastes, account for about 30% of trash that goes to the landfill.

Blackberries growing.
February 16, 2024 - Filed Under: Fruit, Planting

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!

American Holly
February 2, 2024 - Filed Under: Trees

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!

Pink roses
January 31, 2024 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

Roses and Valentine’s Day go hand in hand. If you’re like me, roses are at the top of your list of favorite plants. They’re a flower that never goes out of style! 

Yellow buttercup weeds.
January 26, 2024 - Filed Under: Weed Control for Forages, Weed Control

Whether you have a large lawn, field, or pasture, you’ve probably had to deal with pesky weeds. 

Annual bluegrass weed.
January 5, 2024 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Turfgrass and Lawn Management

The new year is a great time to start learning about topics you don’t know much about.

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