Have you ever wondered what is in the soil that supports a plant to survive, reproduce, and complete its life cycle? Where do all those nutrients present in your breakfast corn flakes, […]
Why do farmers need to test their soils?
Why is pennycress a good cover crop?
Soil is a living thing. It sustains life in many ways and plays a vital role in providing us with food, fuel, fiber, and shelter. Therefore, it is important to think about […]
How do nutrients in leaves inform farming practices?
Last fall, I spent hours washing leaves as I would wash my hands – first, I dunked them in soapy water and wiped off any residues. Then I rinsed the leaves with […]
What are drain tiles?
Drain tiles are pipes buried in the ground at a shallow depth, to remove excess water from saturated soils. Modern drain “tiles” are actually perforated plastic drain tubes typically placed at a […]
How do rootstocks help tomato growers under heat and drought?
No matter the location, plants can experience stress. This can be in your home garden, the local community garden, or on a farm miles away. Stresses include heat or drought, and they […]
How do nutrients get into my vegetables?
Like all living organisms, vegetables need nutrients for their proper growth and development. But where do they get their mineral nutrients from? The answer is soil. Okay, the next question is, how […]
What is some current research in growing strawberries?
Peak strawberry season depends on what region of the U.S. you live in. In Louisiana, strawberry harvest begins in April. In the upper Midwest it’s July. But no matter where you live, […]
How does wind erosion affect farming in Washington state?
Farming is reliant on soil to produce food. The main long-term threat to the soil is erosion by wind and water. Wind erosion is a soil health thief. In both sandy and […]
How are vineyards in California following sustainable practices?
Sustainable wine production uses practices that are environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically viable. Grape growers and vintners, the people who make wine, follow sustainable practices throughout California to grow and make […]
What are seeds made of – and how can they grow into fruitful plants?!
Every year when I plant my garden, I feel a tinge of doubt. Shaking out lettuce seeds from the packet, they seem hard and lifeless. I drop the seeds into a trench […]