You are here

News By Department: Plant and Soil Sciences

Multiple clusters of blueberries in varying stages of ripeness adorn a branch covered with green leaves.
May 28, 2019 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens, Herb Gardens, Trees, Vegetable Gardens

If edibles are on your list for the landscape or garden this year, check out the list of Mississippi Medallion winners. They are proven performers when it comes to our Mississippi climate.

Our horticulture experts help select several plants, including fruits and vegetables, each year that make the cut. 

Two men facing each other in conversation and standing beside a tractor and equipment with a clear, blue sky overhead.
May 15, 2019 - Filed Under: Crops, Corn

Corn producers rushed to finish planting -- or replanting -- as much as sunny weather has allowed so far in May.

Orange, red, pink, purple, and yellow flowers are arranged in a glass bowl that sits atop a small, red table.
May 13, 2019 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Local Flavor, Farmers Markets, Specialty Crop Production, Lawn and Garden, Cut Flowers and Houseplants, Floral Design, Flower Gardens

Floral enthusiasts can learn how to make a basic floral arrangement in the Sweet Mississippi Flower Bowl workshops this summer.

Several small and compact violet flowers on long stems with green foliage.
May 7, 2019 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens, Herb Gardens, Trees, Vegetable Gardens

Do you want surefire performance in your landscape and vegetable garden, but don’t know what to look for when you go to the garden center?

A plant with variegated, triangular leaves.
April 30, 2019 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Weed Control for Lawn and Garden

Do you have a mysterious plant coming up in your yard and you’re not sure how it got there?

Extension has answers. Our experts can tell you what it is and the best ways to eradicate, control, or manage it.

A red-throated hummingbird hovers over a red geranium.
April 16, 2019 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Natural Resources, Wildlife, Urban and Backyard Wildlife

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures and fun to watch. We usually begin to see them in Mississippi in March. Here are a few tips to draw them to your landscape.

A flower pot with three types of full sun flowers sits in the sun.
April 12, 2019 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

If you have a sunny area where you’d like to try out some plants, consider putting them in a container for a trial run.

Plant them in the ‘thriller, filler, spiller’ fashion for a container with lots of visual interest. The thriller is the main focal point. A filler plant will help fill in the majority of the pot, and the spiller plant will grow to flow over the sides of the container.

A closeup of a red variegated coleus plant.
April 9, 2019 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

Container gardens are a quick and easy way to spruce up your porch, deck, or landscape. Just make sure you choose the area you want to place the container before heading to the garden center. (Photo by Michaela Parker/Cindy Callahan)

April 2, 2019 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Crops, Forages, Livestock, Local Flavor, Natural Resources, Fisheries, Forestry, Marine Resources

Coastal area agricultural producers met with Mississippi State University researchers and Extension Service agents to discuss the research and education they need from the university in 2019. 

Close-up of a portion of a clear bottle filled with bright blue liquid that is water-soluble fertilizer dissolved in water, against a blurred dark green background.
March 22, 2019 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Gardens

Now is the time to fertilize some landscape plants, but there are several different kinds of fertilizers available. MSU Extension horticulture specialist Gary Bachman helps you understand what’s in fertilizer and the different types available.

March 21, 2019 - Filed Under: Cotton

A Mississippi State cotton agronomist is the new head of the university's Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Darrin Dodds, a 12-year veteran of the department, takes the helm April 1.

Close up of a pink rose bloom.
March 15, 2019 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

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

Pouring planting potting soil mix into pots in the garden.
March 4, 2019 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens, Vegetable Gardens

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)

A closeup of a gloved hand holding a pair of bypass pruning shears.
February 22, 2019 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design and Management, Landscape and Garden Design, Trees

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)

A tan-colored cardboard egg carton partially filled with potting soil on top of a floral tablecloth.
February 11, 2019 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens, Vegetable Gardens

Gardening can feel like a very expensive activity sometimes, but starting seeds for spring planting doesn’t have to be. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

A man in a blue shirt adds a packet of flower food to a clear glass quart jar. White flowers lay beside the jar on a cloth-covered table.
February 8, 2019 - Filed Under: Cut Flowers and Houseplants, Flower Gardens

Have you ever bought a bouquet of flowers that includes a little packet of powder to add to the vase? Many people just toss it in the trash with the wrapping and stem ends, not knowing just how important that little packet is! (Photo by Zac Ashmore/Cindy Callahan)

Green leaves cover branches that end in pink crape myrtle blossoms.
February 5, 2019 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Landscape Architecture, Trees

Southern landscapes are filled with crape myrtles of all sizes and colors because they are easy to grow and provide beauty for several months. However, they do need a little TLC this time of year. (Photo by Gary Bachman)

Blooming, yellow daffodils in the sunshine.
January 29, 2019 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens, Vegetable Gardens

Daffodils are starting to bloom, and that means one thing – spring is right around the corner! If you have the itch to start getting your garden ready, here are a few things you can do during the month of February. (Photo by Michaela Parker)

A man with a white goatee and dark-framed glasses leans on a table behind a small LED table lamp and a tray of seedlings. He wears a blue floral Hawaiian shirt and brown hat.
January 18, 2019 - Filed Under: Vegetable Gardens

For people who love gardening, the long, dark, cold winter months can be torture. Gardening catalogs are fine, but their allure can only last so long before we want to get our hands back in the soil! (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)

January 4, 2019 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Soil Testing

The Mississippi State University Extension Service Soil Testing Lab has new equipment that allows it to offer an expanded range of services to clients.

Pages