Summer is a wonderful time to explore, play outside, and create memories, but take some steps to make your adventures safe.
Homesteading: Backyard Chickens
June 19, 2025
I’ve often heard it said, “If you want to start a homestead, you’ve got to start with chickens.” Raising backyard poultry seems like a great idea when you see those adorable baby chicks at the co-op, but there are several important factors to consider before jumping in.
Harvest of the Month: Blueberries
June 18, 2025
Fresh blueberries are a classic summer treat! I especially love grabbing a bag of fresh blueberries from my local farmer’s market.
Tips to Pick a Perfect Watermelon
June 6, 2025
Sweet summertime is almost here! Nothing says sweet summertime quite like snacking on a delicious slice of watermelon.
The Food Factor: Strawberry Green Tea
June 5, 2025
Strawberry Green Tea is a refreshing blend that combines earthy, tangy, and sweet flavors you will surely enjoy! I hope you enjoy this final recipe I’ll share with you as The Food Factor comes to a close after nearly 11 years.
ATV Safety Tips
June 2, 2025
Riding ATVs is a blast! If you do it safely! If you want to have fun and lower the risk of having an accident, here are 10 safety tips to follow.
Species Spotlight: Chiggers
May 27, 2025
What’s that itch? Chiggers, also known as redbugs, are tiny mites that can cause significant discomfort during the warmer months in Mississippi. Here's how to lessen your chances of coming into contact with these critters and some tips if you do.
How to Manage Slugs in the Vegetable Garden
May 23, 2025
If you grow your own vegetables, you will likely see at least a few pesky insects that want to feed on your plants. Slugs are one of the pests you may be noticing now.
Home Canning FAQs
May 20, 2025
Are you planning to can fruits and vegetables this year? Don’t just wing it. Planning and preparation are important first steps.
Harvest of the Month: Yellow Squash
May 16, 2025
Did you know yellow squash is in the pumpkin family and are 95 percent water?
Are You Washing Your Hands Correctly?
May 14, 2025
Handwashing can help prevent you and others from getting sick, but be sure you are washing the right way!
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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