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
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How to Attract Birds to your Landscape
I can remember watching the birds at my grandparents’ house growing up. We would sit on the porch swing with a bird identification book in hand, and watch the birds fly up to the bird feeders and bird bath in the yard.
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Tips for Meal Prep Storage
Meal planning and prepping is all the craze these days. It’s one of the easiest ways to be intentional about what you eat and helps you stick to a healthy diet. It’s also a great way for you to save time and moneyMeal planning and prepping is all the craze these days. It’s one of the easiest ways to be intentional about what you eat and helps you stick to a healthy diet.
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Gardening Tasks for March
The first two months of 2020 have been exceptionally wet and dreary. But don’t lose hope, spring is right around the corner! The daffodils are blooming, and warmer days are in sight.
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The Food Factor: Ten-Minute Corn Chowder
Who says soup takes a long time to cook? When it’s cold outside and you want a quick, satisfying soup for supper, try this Ten-Minute Corn Chowder. I love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, and it features ingredients I usually have on hand. I like to stock up on frozen corn kernels when they’re on sale and toss them in a variety of wintery stews and soups.
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How to Prune Apple and Pear Trees
Although we still have some cold weather in store, now is the time to start thinking about pruning. Late winter and early spring are the times to prune fruit trees, including apple and pear trees.
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The Food Factor: Slow Cooker Berry Cobbler
Most of us think of using the slow cooker for soups, stews, or budget-friendly cuts of meat, but the slow cooker can also make desserts!
Fruit-based desserts help keep your sweet treats on the healthier side through fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars. This recipe comes together very quickly and if you buy berries on sale, you’ll typically have the ingredients on hand for last-minute get-togethers. And it makes your house smell wonderful!
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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!
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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.
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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.