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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

  • Homemade applesauce in a blue and white enamel bowl.

    The Food Factor: How to Make Homemade Applesauce

    Nothing says fall like the scent of homemade applesauce simmering on the stove. One of the best things about making your own food is the ability to control the spices, amount of sugar, and texture of whatever you’re making. We found small bags of apples on sale for 99 cents each in the produce department of our local grocery store. Imperfect or slightly bruised apples make great applesauce! (Photo by MSU Extension)

  • A group of red poinsettias.

    What To do in Your Garden in December

    Poinsettias, a common Christmas plant, are in bloom during December. (Photo by MSU Extension)

  • A small tree in a black container inside a freshly dug hole.

    How to Plant a Tree

    If you have a certain spot in your yard that you’ve been thinking about planting a tree, now is the time to do it! The hardest part of planting a tree is picking out which type to plant!

  • Conversation cards. Complete description in link.

    Make Thanksgiving Conversation Cards

    We all know the holidays can bring together family members with a wide variety of opinions. To keep the conversational train on the tracks, try out our conversation cards this holiday season.

  • Roasted Brussels sprouts on a serving dish.

    The Food Factor: How to Roast Brussels Sprouts

    Eating seasonal vegetables helps you get the most nutritional bang for your buck. Brussels sprouts are wildly popular right now and are easy to prepare. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/MSU Extension)

  • Ripe muscadines on a vine with green foliage.

    Quick Tips for Starting to Grow Muscadines

  • Multiple sweet potatoes in a box.

    Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams: What’s the Difference?

    Sweet potatoes and yams. They’re the same thing, right?

    Not really. They look and taste different. Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are sweeter with a smooth, thin skin. (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

  • Eric Stafne kneels beside a newly planted blueberry bush.

    How to Plant Blueberry Bushes

    Blueberries aren’t just delicious. They’re high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, which is part of the reason they have gained popularity in our kitchens. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/MSU Extension)

  • A group of yellow and red pansies bunched together.

    What to Do in Your Garden in November

    If you’re anything like me, the last few months of the year are always the busiest. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and everything in between, I feel like I’m running all over the place. With colder temps here, the to-do list for your garden and landscape is shrinking. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, be sure take some time to get things prepared for winter and spring! (Photo by MSU Extension)

Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762