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April 3, 2024 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources

PICAYUNE, Miss. -- The public is invited to celebrate part of Mississippi State University Crosby Arboretum’s history during the Strawberries & Cream Festival April 14 in Picayune. The event commemorates the Great Depression-era strawberry farm located on the grounds of what is now a premier native plant conservatory.

A man and a woman work together with a box.
April 3, 2024 - Filed Under: 4-H

Mississippi State University’s efforts to offer something for everyone brought educators from eight states together in late March to interact with a coding language designed to interest young learners in STEM topics.

2024 planting intentions figures for Mississippi
April 2, 2024 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Corn, Cotton, Soybeans

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Market corn prices are more than $2 lower per bushel than a year ago, so row crop producers in Mississippi are planning to plant less corn and more cotton in 2024.

Growers of the state’s three principal field crops -- soybeans, corn and cotton -- intend to plant 25% more cotton this year than they did in 2023 and 25% less corn, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Soybean production is forecasted to increase by 3%.

April 1, 2024 - Filed Under: 4-H, Equine Assisted Therapy Programs

WEST POINT, Miss. -- Sometimes, supporting veterans can be as easy as showing up for dinner.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is hosting a cookout benefitting members of its Veterans’ Horsemanship Program, one of several divisions in its Equine-Assisted Therapy Program. The cookout will take place April 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elizabeth A. Howard Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center in West Point.

Four containers hold small, blooming plants.
April 1, 2024 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

With their tall stems that proudly display a colorful array of flowers, calibrachoa hybrid plants are some of my favorite annual plants to use in the landscape. Their slender stems reach out gracefully, adorned with small, trumpet-shaped blooms that come in hues from fiery reds to soothing blues, and every shade in between. Each delicate flower carries its own unique pattern, adding an enchanting touch to their overall appearance.

March 26, 2024 - Filed Under: Family, Children and Parenting, Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Individuals interested in working with young children and families are encouraged to apply for job openings with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Mississippi Child Care Resource and Referral at MSU Extension is seeking program associates and office associates in Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Warren, Madison, Prentiss, Chickasaw, Rankin, Lowndes and Newton counties.

A black, winged insect has red eyes and markings.
March 25, 2024 - Filed Under: Insects, Insect Identification

The South’s natural background music of the summer will start as soon as cicadas, known for their loud songs, emerge across parts of the state.
Blake Layton, entomologist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said Mississippi is home to at least 24 types of cicadas. These are classified as either annual or periodical cicadas.

Grassy plants grow in a container with flowers.
March 25, 2024 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

Gardening, to me, is not just about planting pretty flowers or lush foliage. It’s about creating scenes, telling stories and evoking emotions. One way I like to add intrigue and drama to an outdoor space is by incorporating thriller plants. These captivating specimens serve as focal points and bring mystery and excitement to a landscape.

Ferns have white and green leaves.
March 18, 2024 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

If you have not picked up on it yet, I love variegated plants. Let me dive a bit deeper into why I’m so passionate about them. These beauties are like the rock stars of the plant world, and let me tell you, they know how to steal the show.

Black and white, labeled drawing of a winged termite and winged ant.
March 13, 2024 - Filed Under: Household Insects, Termites, Pests

House and building owners must be on high alert each spring as structures face dangerous attacks by swarms of both native and introduced termite species.

Native, subterranean termite species have started swarming in late February in South Mississippi to early March in more northern areas. The non-native, invasive and very damaging Formosan subterranean termite begins swarming in some parts of Mississippi in May.

Colorful plants hang in two rows.
March 11, 2024 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

If you’re considering adding some vibrant color to your landscape, bougainvillea might be the perfect choice. Mississippi’s climate can be quite different from the tropical regions where bougainvillea is native, but with a little care and attention, you can successfully grow these stunning plants.

A group gathers around a decorated table.
March 6, 2024 - Filed Under: Commercial Horticulture, Floral Design

Although known for cutting-edge agricultural research and leading the way in world food security efforts, Mississippi State University is no lightweight in researching some of the beautiful things, including colorful flowers and foliage. Floriculture is the cultivation of flowering plants and ornamentals and is a subset of horticulture, the science of cultivating fruits, vegetables and other plants. While not necessary to stave off world hunger or find a cure for cancer, floriculture is a significant industry, and its support is a priority to MSU.

March 5, 2024 - Filed Under: Pesticide Applicator Certification, Pests

Professionals involved in pest management in Mississippi can attend a Mississippi State University workshop on March 26 to renew a variety of licenses and certifications. The 2024 General Pest Management Workshop will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MSU Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond. Lunch will be provided. Participants must pay a $25 registration fee by March 15 to reserve a spot in the workshop.

March 4, 2024 - Filed Under: About Extension, Extension Administration, Regional Extension Coordinators

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Delta region will soon have new leadership.

Rounded tips of green succulent leaves are edged in red.
March 4, 2024 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

In the realm of gardening, few plants offer the versatility, resilience and sheer beauty of sedums. It’s no wonder why I’ve seen the popularity of these remarkable succulents grow.
These remarkable plants, also known as stonecrops, have captivated the hearts of gardeners and plant enthusiasts around the world for centuries. If you are not familiar with these beauties, I hope you will be intrigued enough to try them yourself.

Seven women stand in the Mississippi State Capitol building.
February 29, 2024 - Filed Under: Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network

Staff from the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Early Childhood Programs attended the 2024 Early Childhood Capitol Day on Feb. 6.

February 28, 2024 - Filed Under: Vegetable Gardens

With nearly a decade of horticultural production experience, the new vegetable specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service plans to serve growers statewide.

People sit around a table.
February 26, 2024 - Filed Under: Agriculture, Commercial Horticulture, Beef, Equine, Goats and Sheep, Forestry, Wildlife

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Small ruminants are a popular choice for people like J.T. Crownover who want to get into the livestock business but do not want to raise cattle. Crownover attended the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center’s Producer Advisory Council meeting Feb. 20. The forum, where agricultural producers can discuss their needs with MSU administrators, researchers, specialists and Extension agents, was the catalyst for the university’s active small ruminant program.

Ferns with two different leaf shapes and colors fill the frame.
February 26, 2024 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

If you wonder what plants can be used in shaded areas of your landscape, I suggest that hardy and low-maintenance ferns are a great choice for adding lush, green foliage. Ferns come in a variety of sizes, textures and colors that can add visual interest to darker areas of the landscape. While we can grow lots of ferns in hanging baskets and pots, picking the ones to plant in the ground is a bit trickier.

A woman scrapes vegetable scraps off a cutting board into a countertop compost bin.
February 21, 2024 - Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Lawn and Garden, Flower Gardens, Vegetable Gardens, Natural Resources, Waste Management

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Many of the practices associated with sustainability, such as recycling, can be extended into the garden. Composting is a way to help reduce organic waste that goes to the landfill and helps feed gardens. These organic materials, which include grass clippings, leaves and other yard wastes, account for about 30% of trash that goes to the landfill.

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