As warmer weather lures us outside for yardwork, hiking, and family picnics, it’s important to stay alert for ticks.As warmer weather lures us outside for yardwork, hiking, and family picnics, it’s important to stay alert for ticks.As warmer weather lures us outside for yardwork, hiking, and family picnics, it’s important to stay alert for ticks.
How to Keep Pests Out of the Kitchen Pantry
March 26, 2021
We’ve experienced some spring-like weather, and that may have you thinking about refreshing some areas of your home. When you’re doing your spring cleaning, don’t overlook the kitchen pantry where stored-food pests can thrive.
The Food Factor: Strawberry-Banana Cheesecake Wraps
March 23, 2021
Whether you want a healthier dessert option for yourself or for the little ones who like to help you in the kitchen, these strawberry-banana cheesecake wraps are perfect! The fruit and whole-wheat tortillas are loaded with fiber and will keep everyone feeling satisfied far longer than a store-bought cookie. And the cream cheese mixture will make you feel like you’re indulging in cheesecake, without all the calories. Best of all, they are easy for kids to make themselves.
Gardening Myth Busters
March 19, 2021
Don’t believe everything you hear. That piece of advice can be applied to gardening as well. We’ve all done something because a friend said that it works.
The Food Factor: No-Yeast Pizza Crust
March 16, 2021
If you want to make homemade pizza crust but don’t have any yeast, this recipe is for you! You probably already have all of these ingredients in your pantry. Try using half whole-wheat flour for extra nutrition.
Critter of the Month: Eastern Wild Turkey
March 12, 2021
Spring is here, and wild turkeys are on the minds of many Mississippians. While there are five species of wild turkeys, Mississippi is home to the Eastern wild turkey, which is the most abundant.
Can You Find Nutritious Foods in the Grocery Store Center Aisles?
March 9, 2021
You’ve probably heard that shopping the grocery store's perimeter is the best way to pack your cart with healthy foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables. But the center aisles actually provide a lot of nutritious options.
How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
March 5, 2021
Ruby-throated hummingbirds will soon be migrating north, so it’s time to prepare for their arrival! Most ruby red-throated hummingbirds will be throughout Mississippi by the end of March.
The Food Factor: Zucchini and Tomatoes
March 2, 2021
Video by Jonathan Parrish.
I’m always looking for easy vegetable dishes with a lot of flavor, and this one hits the spot!
This recipe serves four, so you may need to double it, depending on the size of your family.
Did you know you can save some calories and fat by cooking your vegetables in water or broth instead of butter or oil? At about 100 calories per teaspoon, fat can add up quickly.
March Garden Checklist
February 26, 2021
Pat yourself on the back. You made it through the historic February ice storm! The weeklong event probably set you back on your garden chores and likely created more work for you to do. Tidy up any damage and get your spring garden in shape with these garden tasks.
How to Start Beekeeping
February 23, 2021
While it seemed like winter would never end last week, many parts of Mississippi are already experiencing spring-like temperatures. I can’t think about the return of spring without thinking about bees!
For several years, my husband and I kept several bee colonies after he took an MSU Extension beekeeping course. When people ask us how to get started beekeeping, it’s no surprise our first recommendation is always, “Talk to your local Extension agent!”
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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