News

Spring brings colors to a north Mississippi arboretum, gardens

I recently visited with the DeSoto County Master Gardeners and had the opportunity to tour their learning garden/arboretum at the DeSoto County Extension office in Hernando. Some of the plants, trees and shrubs were starting to come out of their winter slumber, showing some beautiful spring color. I noticed that the arboretum area was adorned with a Possumhaw viburnum in full bloom.

MSU researches efficient crop irrigation strategies

Knowing when and how to irrigate are questions every grower with the ability to water their farmland on demand face each year.
Irrigation costs per acre are among the highest inputs growers face. In a state with the capacity both for extreme drought and high temperatures as well as prolonged rainy periods, the question of whether or not to irrigate is very important.

Annuals given winter care can become perennials

During my Southern Gardening travels across Mississippi, I have observed how plants grow differently across the state. For example, several perennial plants that typically grow in some areas act as annuals in other areas due to colder winter temperatures.

Disaster aid eligibility expanded to foresters

Irby named associate director for MSU Extension

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Trent Irby has moved into an administrative role with the Mississippi State University Extension Service after more than 12 years of serving the state’s soybean growers.

Marination 101 in April supported food industry

Representatives of many of the industries that supply America’s restaurants and grocery stores gathered at Mississippi State University in April to learn ways to perfect their trade and enhance their products. MSU hosted 46 attendees plus presenters and students at the 15th annual workshop “Marination 101: The Flavor of Science,” organized by the MSU Extension Service.

Program helps clients unload sentimental clutter

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Spring’s arrival motivates many people to refresh the spaces where they spend their time. This refresh should include removing clutter, which can affect quality of life and lead to serious health concerns if small amounts turn into larger amounts.

Petunia varieties bring color to spring gardens

Spring is my favorite season of the year as I enjoy the return of warmer days and the colorful blooms in gardens and landscapes. Among the many flowering plants that grace the spring landscape, petunias stand out as one of my favorites.

As nature bursts into life, now is the perfect time to visit your local nurseries and garden centers to acquire bright and colorful petunias.

Formosan termite swarms threaten large part of state

Invasive Formosan subterranean termites were first found in the state 40 years ago, and soon, these dangerous pests will swarm and threaten unprotected structures in about one-third of Mississippi’s counties.
Santos Portugal, Mississippi State University Extension Service urban entomologist, said Formosan termites typically swarm in the millions from early May to early June. They have the ability to infest and significantly damage structures much more quickly than native subterranean termites.