What to look for when buying vegetable transplants
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Success in the vegetable garden hinges on healthy plants. Knowing the difference between a struggling transplant and a top-notch seedling may seem like a no-brainer, but without an excellent example available for comparison, consumers often purchase transplants on the lower end of quality spectrum, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.
Plan to grow enough to preserve
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Instead of tending to a garden that will only provide fruits and vegetables during the season, consider growing enough to preserve, suggests a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.“By planning now to preserve the harvest of the garden, you will be able to enjoy the fruits and vegetables from the garden far beyond the growing season,” says Marlin Bates.
Mowing too short can harm your lawn
COLUMBIA, Mo.–There’s probably no more common cultural practice than mowing the lawn. University of Missouri Extension specialists warn against overdoing it.“Folks think that if they mow short they can mow less often, but that’s not the case,” said Brad Fresenburg, an MU Extension state turfgrass specialist. “By mowing short you’re actually creating stress on the plant and that creates a shorter root system.”
Tenants need to be prudent about farm improvements
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Does the farmland you rent need tiling, limestone, conservation structures or other long-term improvements? When landlords are reluctant to pay for an improvement, some tenants will pay for it themselves. A tenant who chooses to make a long-term improvement should be very cautious, warns a University of Missouri Extension agriculture business specialist.
Herbs: A valuable and simple addition to the garden
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Homegrown herbs may earn their keep better than any other crop in the garden, says a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.“Most commonly grown herbs are relatively pest-free and require minimal maintenance,” says Marlin Bates. “Couple that with the cost of fresh herbs at the supermarket and you can see why a small investment in herb plants this spring could save more on the food bill than many…
Food safety: Don’t let unwanted guests spoil your summer fun
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–As temperatures rise, so does the risk for foodborne illness. So remember to treat your picnic basket, grill, and cooler as an extension of your kitchen, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.“To prevent illness, apply the same home food safety techniques whether preparing meals inside or outdoors,” said Lynda Johnson.
Thinking beyond the green bean
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Green beans are a staple in many vegetable gardens. A University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist suggests making room for other types of beans as well.“For gardeners who are looking to try something new, consider planting a few rows of dry beans,” said Marlin Bates. In addition to green beans, the legume family offers a wide range of edible seeds: black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, kidney beans and…
Raw vegetables not always healthier than cooked veggies
LAMAR, Mo. – Which is better for you: raw or cooked vegetables? The answer may surprise you, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“We’ve always heard that raw vegetables are healthier than cooked because cooking destroys nutrients. In some cases that’s not true,” said Tammy Roberts.
Call insurance adjuster to determine hail damage
MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Owners of storm-damaged homes should be wary of out-of-town roofing companies offering their services because of recent tornadoes and hail.Many of these companies offer free roof inspections but leave homeowners still wondering if they have hail damage.
Three easy steps for getting safe drinking water
MARHSFIELD, Mo. – In the aftermath of a disaster, the safety of your water supply might be in doubt. Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension, says drinking water can be disinfected by ONE of the following methods:1. Boil water for three minutes in a clean container. Water must be at a rolling or vigorous boil for the three minutes.
Saving your food when the power goes off
Reviewed June 2019LAMAR, Mo. – When the power goes off, there is a simple rule of thumb for saving refrigerated food: The colder the foods, the longer they will keep, said a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.
Follow state law when disposing of dead animals
MT. VERNON, Mo. –Rural landowners in southwest Missouri have begun cleanup after the severe tornadoes and thunderstorms on May 22. Many agricultural producers are left to also deal with the remains of livestock that were killed during the series of storms that passed through the area.
Vacationing on a budget
The summer is almost here and that usually means families hit the road. But with high gas prices and a sluggish economy, many are having second thoughts about this year's vacation. Yet family fun doesn't have to break the bank. Learn how in this video news story.
Take care using chain saws during storm recovery work
MARSHFIELD, Mo. — Homeowners and disaster-recovery volunteers who use chain saws should use extreme caution to prevent injuries. “In the hands of a careless, inexperienced or tired operator, a chain saw can be very hazardous. Injuries from a chain saw are usually ragged and traumatic,” said Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
How to replace lost documents after a disaster or loss
CARTHAGE, Mo. –Replacing important family documents after a tornado or flood can be a time consuming and costly exercise in frustration, according to Janet LaFon, family financial education specialist for University of Missouri Extension.“If a disaster recently destroyed your important papers there are ways to get new documents. The process can take a while, and there may be fees involved, but obtaining replacement copies is possible…
Avoiding injury during post-disaster cleanup
SEDALIA, Mo.– Megan Webb, nutrition and health education specialist for University of Missouri Extension, advises homeowners and disaster-recovery volunteers to be safe during the cleanup process in this video news story.
A safe room of one's own
JOPLIN, Mo. – Harold Noirfalise used to curse the big steel box in the garage of his Joplin home. It was there when he and his wife, Brenda, bought the house a couple years ago. The box shared space with a pickup, a car and a workshop where he built radio-controlled model airplanes, making for a crowded garage.
Renters rights following a disaster
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Renters forced to leave homes damaged by floods or other natural disasters do not have to continue paying rent, notes a University of Missouri Extension family financial planning specialist. “Under Missouri law, if the house or apartment you rent becomes uninhabitable through no fault of your own, you are released from the remainder of your lease,” said Brenda Procter.
To Iraq and Back
FAYETTE, Mo. – It’s not exactly beating swords into ploughshares, but a University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist spent 18 months in Iraq helping promote peace through farming.
Make a splash but don't get sick
OSCEOLA, Mo. –The chance of a swimmer in the U.S. being attacked by a shark is close to zero. But dangerous creatures do lurk in our waters, including lakes, ponds and even concrete swimming pools.Microbes such as cryptosporidium, shigella, giardia and E. coli frequently live in public swimming areas. All three cause diarrhea if ingested.
Freezing summer's bounty
LAMAR, Mo. – During the gray, cold days of winter, your garden’s bounty can be as close as your freezer. Freezing fresh fruits and vegetables now lets you enjoy them long after the growing season.
Tips for watering your lawn during a drought
GALENA, Mo. –Hot, dry weather has put lawns to the test this summer. As a result, many homeowners are attempting to keep their lawns active and alive by irrigating.It’s normal for cool-season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass to go dormant in mid-summer, said Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
Time flies, so don't waste it
CARTHAGE, Mo. – Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. However, the way you use those hours can mean the difference between getting important things done and just doing tasks.Saving time is often a balancing act between efficiency and effectiveness. Important projects should take priority over checking smaller items off your list said Janet LaFon, consumer and family economic specialist for University of Missouri Extension.