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Breathe new life into perennials with a little garden surgery
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Some perennials can suffer from too much of a good thing.As it grows year after year, the perennial’s growth clump, or crown, gets so big the plant begins to compete with itself for light, water and nutrients. Eventually this self-competition will mean fewer and less-showy flowers.Not all is lost, said David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. A little garden surgery can breathe new…
Battelle Institute report: Ag, bioscience make north-central U.S. an economic ‘powerhouse’
Ag and bioscience drive economic growth and job creation in the North Central U.S., boosting productivity and innovation.
Overwintering tropical plants
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Many tropical plants thrive in the heat and humidity of a typical Missouri summer and can make great outdoor patio plants. But as temperatures drop in the fall, conditions can quickly become deadly. The simplest solution to this problem is just to let them freeze and buy new plants in the spring, but that can be expensive, and many gardeners grow attached to their existing plants.
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Fall leaves and faded garden plants make great compost
Turn fallen leaves and faded garden plants into nutrient-rich compost for a healthier garden and easier seasonal cleanup.
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The secret recipe for fall colors
Sunny days and cool nights create the vibrant reds, purples, and golds of autumn leaves in deciduous trees.
Reducing TV/Internet time is good for the whole family
Limit screen time at home to boost health, activity, and family connection for all ages.
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Firefighters learn the ropes through Swiftwater Rescue training
Firefighters train in swiftwater rescue, learning rope techniques and flood safety to save lives in fast-moving water.
Healthy Halloween tips
BUTLER, Mo. – It won’t be long before ghosties, ghoulies, princesses and pirates will run through neighborhoods, demanding treats and idly threatening tricks.Halloween, the sugar-overload holiday for children, doesn’t need to be about candy. Tammy Roberts, nutrition education specialist for University of Missouri Extension, says there are plenty of treats that don’t involve empty calories.
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MU FRTI names Fire Service Instructor of the Year
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) presented the 2010-11 Fire Service Instructor of the Year awards at the Institute’s annual Instructor Conference on Oct. 15
Plant Dutch bulbs now for springtime surprise
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Now is the time to prepare for some of the earliest arrivals of spring: flowers borne by Dutch bulbs. These flowers include the likes of narcissus (daffodil), tulip, hyacinth and crocus. “We usually plant them in October or early November because the bulbs need about 12 weeks of soil temperatures below 38 degrees to bloom,” said David Trinklein, MU Extension state horticulturist.
Fighting moles is an uphill battle
Controlling moles is challenging; effective methods include traps, baits, and repellents to mitigate lawn damage.
Your garden after the freeze
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - The growing season has ended and many gardeners are heading out to clean up what the frost has left behind. But some gardeners don't bother with fall cleanup. "This is because they planned for their gardens to seamlessly transition into the cold months," said a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. "With a little extra preparation, your post-frost garden can also be an aesthetic asset with…
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Nutrition information you can see
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – A new food-labeling system helps consumers make better-informed decisions as they shop, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist. The “Nutrition Keys” system takes selected information from the familiar “Nutrition Facts” panel, required on most packaged food products sold in the U.S., and places it on the front of the package in a more prominent and easier-to-read format.
Your medical identity is at risk too
MARSHALL, Mo. – Medical insurance identity theft is a twist on financial identity theft. Thieves steal your personal and health information and use it to get medical treatment, prescriptions and even surgical procedures.If someone steals your medical insurance information, you may get bills for medical services you didn’t receive, collection agencies may pursue you for debt you don't owe, and insurers may refuse your legitimate claims…
For a healthier heart, balance potassium and sodium
Support heart health by balancing potassium and sodium through fruits, vegetables, and lower-sodium foods.
8 reasons young children misbehave
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–You're in the middle of a crowded grocery story and your 3-year-old grabs a candy bar from the shelf. You quietly tell him to put it back. He screams at the top of his lungs and throws himself on the floor. You feel that all eyes are on you and you want to become invisible. Most parents probably remember moments like that.
Avoid a holiday meltdown
Columbia, Mo. – We expect the winter holidays to be full of happiness and good will. Just like Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol," we want a fairytale ending where troubles disappear and everyone basks in the glow of holiday spirit. But, "A Tale of Two Cities" might better represent typical holiday madness for many.
Up and down ladder safety
MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Holiday decorating season is here, and that means hauling out ladders to place holiday cheer throughout the home and yard. A ladder seems like such a simple tool, but ladder accidents are far too common and can happen in the blink of an eye.
Venison is a healthy choice but should be handled with care
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–The deer-hunting season brings venison to the table in many households. From a nutritional perspective, it’s a good choice, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist. Three ounces of deer meat contains 134 calories and only 3 grams of fat, said Tammy Roberts. The same amount of beef can contain 259 calories and 18 grams of fat; 3 ounces of pork has about 214 calories and 13 grams of fat.
The poor, maligned poinsettia
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Every year, some well-meaning person will warn of the dangers of the poinsettia. This is an urban legend that simply will not die.Its reputation as a toxic plant is undeserved. It’s been tested for toxicity and passed as safe.
The good and bad news about holiday weight gain
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Contrary to popular belief, the average American only gains about a pound over the holiday season. But that extra pound usually stays with us. Year after year, those pounds add up, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Instead of making a resolution on Dec. 31 to hit the gym, it might be a better idea to avoid that pound in the first place with an ounce of prevention.
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MU guides explain managing white-tailed deer on private land
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the 2011 deer season comes to a close, hunters and landowners can learn about managing white-tailed deer from a new series of publications currently being developed by University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
Winter car care can keep your vehicle running through the cold
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Winter can wear on cars and trucks, but a little preparation will keep vehicles running well throughout its coldest days.A simple checklist starts with the battery. A cold car battery can’t deliver as much current. If your car has an aging battery, you might want to see if it will be up to the job by having it load tested.
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Sucker gigging: A 200-year-old Ozark tradition endures
Discover the 200-year-old Ozark tradition of sucker gigging—nighttime spearing of fish in clear waters, blending fishing, family, and food.
Tips for maintaining lost weight
Learn practical tips to keep off lost weight through consistent meals, regular activity, and healthy daily routines.