News Stories - Page 233

There’s a huge buildup to the winter holidays. With so much happening, we have little time left to take care of ourselves, and physical and emotional resources may become depleted. Some stress can provide motivation to be productive, but too much stress can be detrimental to health and enjoyment of the season. To make this holiday less stressful and more enjoyable, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offers the following tips.

Because of their popularity as holiday decorations, poinsettias are the best-selling potted plants in the United States. Here are some facts and history about America’s favorite houseplant.

Winning national championships is becoming routine for the Tift County 4-H Poultry Judging Team.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells fears Georgia’s pecan crop will fail to meet initial production projections by as much as 20 million pounds.

Despite their limited, two-month run on retailers' shelves each year, poinsettias are the best- selling potted plant in the United States. Growers sold more than 34.6 million plants in 2014 alone. But that popularity doesn’t always translate into longevity. Come February or March, many of these cherished decorations are droopy, yellowed or worse — in the trash. Here are the top tips on poinsettia care from UGA horticulture expert.

Gifts of food to friends and family are common during the holidays. To help both the gift-giver and the gift-getter keep these foods safe, follow these tips from UGA Extension expert Judy Harrison.

The holidays are just around the corner, and shoppers are beginning to search for those perfect gifts. If home gardeners are on the list, consider these ideas from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts.

Before buying a pre-cut Christmas tree, put it through a few freshness tests, says University of Georgia Extension Agent Adam Speir. Christmas trees can be kept healthy and green through the holidays by following these tips.

The holiday shopping season starts earlier every year. Competition from online businesses is forcing brick-and-mortar retailers to open earlier and earlier. Long before Thanksgiving dinner has been reduced to leftovers, shoppers will be looking for bargains. With a little forethought, even procrastinators can benefit from these shopping tips.