News Stories - Page 251

Warm and dry conditions during most of May allowed many Georgia farmers time to get in the fields and finish planting that had been delayed by a wetter-than-normal April. The lack of rain left some areas with severe drought conditions, even at the end of the month after rains soaked most of the state.

Traditionally, Cooperative Extension has served the nation by bringing sustainable, science-based agricultural practices to farmers in rural areas. Today, in cities throughout the nation Extension agents are being called on the assist community farmers and gardeners to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, okra and even chickens on abandoned lots, church and school yards.

If you’ve driven down the road alongside an overgrown fence or forested area in north Georgia lately, you were likely overwhelmed with a combination of fragrance from wild Japanese honeysuckle and Chinese privet. Many people assume they are native because they are so common, but neither one belongs on this continent. Both originated in Asia and were introduced to North America in the 1800s for ornamental uses in landscaping.

Spread it on fresh, fluffy biscuits, stir it into a steamy cup of tea or use it to soothe a sore throat. Honey has been used for a variety of culinary and medicinal applications for centuries, and it’s still in high demand today.

A new smartphone app for the Peanut Disease Risk Index, or “PEANUT Rx,” will help Georgia peanut growers predict their risk of disease for this year’s crop.

The University of Georgia C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park (SIRP), in Camilla, Georgia, provided heat relief for south Georgia 4-H’ers on Wednesday, June 3, during the annual 4-H20 Camp.

Research faculty and Extension specialists with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are hosting a sustainable agriculture field day Thursday, June 25 at the J. Phil Campbell Sr. Research and Education Center in Watkinsville, Georgia.

Thousands of Georgia schools are now home to school gardens. These gardens get children excited about learning and trying new vegetables, but they can often be difficult to use and maintain after the initial excitement wears off.

University of Georgia Extension will host a pair of cotton scouting schools in June. The programs will be held on Monday, June 8, in Tifton, Georgia, and Tuesday, June 16, in Midville, Georgia.