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I may not be very interested in football, but I love food. So for me, Superbowl parties are all about the snacks! (Photo credit: Karen Blakeslee/Kansas State University Research & Extension)

A football referee in a black and white striped shirt blows a whistle while another raises his arms to signal a touchdown. Another illustration uses a thermometer to depict the proper freezing, refrigeration, cooking and holding temperatures for food.

Use proper food safety practices, such as keeping foods at the proper temperature. (Photo credit: Karen Blakeslee/Kansas State University Research & Extension)

Individuals interested in floral design can attend a live demonstration to learn about new arrangement techniques using Mississippi products March 8.
Jim DelPrince, horticulture specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, will show attendees how to use materials from their landscapes to create arrangements in Mississippi-made pottery.

A arrangement of pink, orange and yellow zinnias sit on a stool against a black background.

Bone-chilling temps have you stuck inside dreaming of that first home-grown tomato sandwich? Well, this is a great time to prepare for a healthy crop. (Photo by Alan Henn)

A group of ripening tomatoes are shown in a close-up.

Tomatoes can be a challenge to grow with several fungi, bacteria and viruses that can reduce the quality and yields of the crop. (Photo by Alan Henn)

This time of year, my love for trees joins my love for all things free, thanks to the generosity of several organizations, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil & Water Conservation District, and Mississippi Soil & Water Conservation Commission. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

The green leaves of an oak tree create a canopy overhead while the thick, rough brown bark covering the leaves and branches dominates the right side of the photograph.

Hardwood trees, such as this oak, thrive in many parts of Mississippi. The state celebrates Arbor Day Feb. 9, 2018. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

Garden catalogs start piling up by the front door at this time of year, and our two recent cold spells gave me time to look at them. I’ve had the best time flipping through these catalogs and dreaming about all the new plants I’m going to grow this year.

Grayish-purple kale plants are displayed, each with light purple centers.
Upright, purple kale is seen in front of red-blooming flowers.

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Producers who plant winter crops with no intention of harvesting them reap the benefits of soil conservation, weed control and nutrient retention.

On the flip side, however, the practice of almost constant production in a field creates issues with pest management. Farmers who “plant green” have to balance these challenges to best prepare the way for good crops each year.

A marker stating “Common Vetch” stands in a section of tall green grass.

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