News

Cicadas emerge annually in Mississippi’s forests

Many states are expecting an extra loud chorus of chirping cicadas this summer with the emergence of a massive 17-year brood of the insects, but Mississippi will not be part of this phenomenon.

Use trellises to grow pickles to eat, share

If you read this Southern Gardening column frequently, you realize that I grow much more than pretty flowers in my home garden. Besides ornamental plants, I love to grow vegetables that my wife and I can enjoy for dinner.

Producers lock in 2021 planting intentions

Blueberry crop may see effects of cold, wet weather

Mississippi’s recent bout of bad weather came at a critical time for producers of blueberries, the state’s largest commercial fruit crop. Blueberries can be easily damaged by cold weather, but the timing of mid-February’s icy weather limited the potential damage.

Select trees that withstand Mississippi storm damage

Mississippi weather can damage trees in many ways, making it crucial to select wisely when choosing trees for the landscape.

Versatile salvia family includes the herb, sage

Salvia is one of the groups of plants that everyone should have in their landscape. This plant group has flowers with a wide-ranging color palette and different sizes. Salvias are loved -- by me especially -- because of their ability to attract pollinators, butterflies and hummingbirds.

MSU Extension Well Owner Network hosts workshops

 Private well workshops in four counties this spring will help homeowners improve their drinking water sources.

MSU Extension Head Start begins enrollment for fall

Harrison County parents who hope to give their pre-kindergarten children a boost in school are encouraged to enroll them now for the upcoming school year with the Mississippi State University Extension Service Head Start Program.

Dark leaves of ornamental peppers make garden splash

Some of my favorite late-summer annuals are the ornamental peppers. These tough plants have to survive the heat and humidity of our Mississippi summers before they become the stars of my summer landscape.