Planning the perfect picnic
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...
Hydroponic gardening class coming Feb. 6
As my mobility has decreased, I have looked for ways to keep gardening at some level. I think vegetable gardening in particular is both enjoyable and therapeutic in a number of ways. I shifted to mostly container gardening a few years back and now...
‘This is the future of growing’
CULLMAN, Ala. – The North Alabama Agriplex talked hydroponic gardening this week, welcoming Cullman County Master Gardener Michael Weems to its Living Landscapes program. In his “Hydroponics- the How and Why” class, Weems taught attendees the basics of constructing and maintaining a hydroponic growing...
Cullman Master Gardener’s distribute sweet potatoes to non-profit organizations in Cullman
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...
Taking care of tomatoes
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Tomatoes are by far the most popular plant in the vegetable garden but can also be the most problematic. Eliminate the questions and begin the official summer season with proper tomato care.
Weather, garden insects and environmental disorders–as well as viral, fungal and...
Soil sampling isn’t just for farmers
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,...
Pruning roses promotes vigorous growth
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Roses are red, violets are blue. Roses need pruning; ensure that you do.
Warm weather in January has gardeners itching to grab a pair of pruners and head to the flowerbeds. While pruning roses promotes growth in the plant, gardeners must...
A home gardener’s guide to corn
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – As many home gardeners know, there are many varieties of corn to choose from. Essentially there is sweet corn and field corn—with a lot of different varieties falling within these two categories.
As a home gardener, there are plenty of things...
Picking the perfect Valentine’s Day roses
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...
Over vs. under watering house plants
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....
Plan ahead to ensure your turkey is ready to roast
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...
Straw bale gardening great alternative to planting a garden
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...
Gardening in January
CULLMAN, Ala. – While January may feel like a good month to be as dormant as our gardens appear, this is the month that lays the foundation of the upcoming season’s bounty. From seed starting to drawing up plans for this year’s garden, tasks...
Time to control pesky, painful pest of the lawn
In the winter months, we look forward to the days we can go barefoot on the lawn. However, lawn burweed is a pesky, painful weed that will cause us to put those shoes back on in a hurry. The drought that plagued Alabama this...
Selecting which tomato plants to grow
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...
Deer: Attract or deter?
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...
Coffee grounds – from the mug to the garden
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...
Avoid planting summer vegetables too early
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...
CATA greenhouse sale starts April 5
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...
Springing into hummingbird season
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...
Cullman Forestry Planning Committee plant sale Feb. 20
The annual Cullman Forestry Planning Committee plant sale will take place Thursday, Feb. 20 at the North Alabama Agriplex, 1714 Tally Ho St. SW (across from the Cullman Bowling Center). The sale will begin at 8 a.m. and will last until the plants are...
Choosing a citrus tree for the backyard
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...
