Home & Garden

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Spring is in the air. Temperatures are beginning to rise, and flowers will soon begin to bloom. The fair weather and abundant supply of nectar will spring bee and butterfly populations upward. Homeowners may also find a hummingbird that has...

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.— The recent introduction of new diseases and lack of cold hardiness can make citrus a challenging fruit to grow in some parts of Alabama. However, many homeowners in the southern portion of the state have a backyard citrus tree that can...

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – With spring creeping in, home gardeners are preparing to plant some of their favorite things. Soil sampling is a quick and easy way to ensure plants are getting the nutrients they need. “Different plants have different fertilizer requirements,” said Audrey Gamble,...

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Farmers and gardeners have been using compost for thousands of years, but that doesn’t mean it always has to be the same old food scraps, pet scat and lawn clippings. Wheat straw bales make great compost—and great planters. What is straw...

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Roses and Valentine’s Day go together like bread and butter. Unfortunately, some roses can begin to droop and wilt after only a few days. Make the love last this year by choosing long-lasting roses, or even growing bushes full of...

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s partnership with Simply Southern TV is expanding. In 2022, viewers can learn ways to transform their landscapes into Alabama Smart Yards. Partnership Expanding Becky Barlow, the interim assistant director for Alabama Extension’s agriculture, forestry and natural resources programs, said...

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — People across the nation are looking forward to a more normal holiday season this year. To keep this holiday safe and healthy, a food safety regional agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System says thaw your turkey correctly to ensure...

CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex hosted the Cullman County Master Gardener’s meeting Wednesday morning. The Gardeners welcomed Adrienne Standridge, coordinator for the Society of St. Andrews, to give a presentation on the project for the day “Gleaning and Gratitude.” Ben Johnson introduced...

With all the tomato varieties available, deciding which ones to plant can be fun yet confusing. Alabama Extension has conducted many tomato programs over the years and included a tomato taste test as part of the program. Choosing which variety can be overwhelming, but...

 AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Deer in residential areas—homeowners either love the friendly visitors or wish they would leave plants alone. While hunting season has come and gone, traces of white-tailed deer in residential areas or on landowners’ property are nearing their peak. According to...

 AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Wouldn’t it be nice if house plants could talk? That would certainly make caring for them easier. Many people feel helpless as they watch their house plant struggle, not knowing whether it is receiving too much or too little water....

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – When purchasing seeds in the store, there is a general trust that what is on the packet is what will grow. However, is the same true when purchasing seeds online? Various sellers offer almost any seed the heart desires on...

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Spring has sprung. The weather is warming up and nature is starting to teem with new life. Since Friday was National Picnic Day, it is the perfect excuse to enjoy the spring weather with a family picnic. So, grab a...

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – After enjoying a hot cup of joe in the morning, what can be done with all the used coffee grounds? Throwing them away just creates extra waste to dispose of later. Instead of aiming for the trashcan, shoot straight for...

VINEMONT, Ala. - The Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) Horticulture faculty and students are ready to put their green thumbs on display as they gear up for their annual plant sale at the CATA greenhouse, 17640 U.S. Highway 31 in Vinemont. According to Horticulture teacher...

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—In anticipation of enjoying summer vegetables, gardeners often plant too early causing them to struggle. In Alabama the often-warmer temperatures in late winter and spring can fool gardeners into planting too soon. Alabama summer vegetables According to Alabama Extension agent Jack LeCroy, of the...