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Extension for Real Life

Description

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

  • A close up picture of a person's foot stepping on a scale.

    Tips for a Healthy Heart

    Did you know February is Heart Health Month? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that around 647,000 Americans die from heart disease each year. That’s one in every four deaths! 

  • A group of blueberries.

    Spotted Wing Drosophila Q&A

    The invasive species of fruit fly, Spotted Wing Drosophila, can wreak havoc on the state’s largest commercial fruit crop – blueberries. But homeowners likely won’t find it to be a significant problem.

  • A red pruning tool cutting a branch.

    How to Prune Crape Myrtles

    If you’ve got landscape chores on your mind, pruning is no doubt on your list. Crape myrtles are a staple in landscapes across the state because of their low-maintenance beauty.

  • Rows of spices in clear jars with silver tops.

    Tips for Reducing Added Sugar in Your Diet

    Has anyone heard about the ‘freshman fifteen’? During my first semester of college, I gained more than fifteen pounds. The main culprit was added sugar in soda drinks and desserts

  • A person with yellow gloves on planting a shrub.

    Gardening Tasks for February

    It may be chilly outside, but don’t let that deter you from going outside and working in your garden and landscape. Grab a jacket and your gardening tools, there is plenty to be done during February! 

  • Hand with meat thermometer chicken middle of 3 chicken breasts on outdoor grill.

    The Food Factor: Freezer Meal Prep for Orange Teriyaki Chicken

    Freezer meals are all the rage as everyone looks for ways to save time in the kitchen. This recipe is a simple, marinated chicken recipe that you could easily double or triple.

  • A tree planted in green grass with brown mulch around it.

    How to Mulch

    If you are planning your spring garden chores, mulching is likely on your list. But you may not know that there is a right and wrong way to apply mulch.

  • Venison burger on a bun sitting on a white plate.

    Spicy Venison Burgers

    Video by Jonathan Parrish

    You may not know that our “set” for The Food Factor is a real kitchen in the home of one of our team members. Her husband loves to hunt and share food, so while we are working on the show we often get to sample a variety of venison dishes.

    We found this flavorful recipe for Spicy Venison Burgers in a venison recipe booklet from Cornell University Cooperative Extension and thought it would be perfect for The Food Factor!

  • A group of house plants sitting next to a window.

    Tips for Growing Indoor Plants

    If you need something green to brighten up your space or get you through the winter months, there is a plant out there for you. But efore you shop for plants, understand the environment of your home or office because different plants have different needs. You must consider six factors when choosing indoor plants if you want to be successful: light, temperature, water, humidity, soil, and fertilization. 

Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762