Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

E. coli can live for weeks around the roots of produce plants and transfer to the edible portions, but the threat can be minimized if growers don’t harvest too soon, a Purdue University study shows.

Purdue scientists added…[more]

Although the weather has cooled off considerably, gardeners can still find plenty to keep them busy.

David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulture specialist, said November is the time to fertilize cool-season grasses.

“Grass…[more]

Maybe this fall you don’t have to rake all those fallen leaves from around your home.

“Raking leaves is an autumn ritual and may make the gardener feel productive, but it is not necessarily good for trees and…[more]

Erosion and sediment pollution due to storm runoff are growing problems in most urban areas. Excessive storm runoff results in loss of topsoil, nutrients and water as well as sediment buildup in nearby lakes and streams.

“Homeowners and…[more]

Blueberry aficionados will soon have a tasty, colorful new variety for their backyard gardens. Blueberry experts D. Scott NeSmith and Mark K. Ehlenfeldt introduced ‘Blue Suede™’ in a recent issue of HortScience. The new southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium hybrid) was…[more]

The most beautiful landscape trees are those that are kept neatly trimmed and pruned.  While fall pruning is advised for many trees, the maple tree is one exception.

“Because maple trees bleed sap, it’s best to prune when…[more]

People across the Ozarks have been feeling a bit of a chill in the air lately. When the weather cools down it is time to bring in the houseplants that have been outdoors all summer.

Kim Rebek, Oklahoma…[more]

Practice good garden hygiene and maintain a healthy environment for your vegetables to reduce the risk of plant diseases.

Keeping a garden healthy and attractive requires attention to soil, water, sunlight and air circulation, said David Trinklein, a…[more]

A prolonged hot, dry spell may be pushing some landscape trees closer to their demise, said Jon Barry, extension forester for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Some trees have suffered through a string of dry summers…[more]

As the dog days of summer are upon us, now is the time for gardeners to think about planting of that fall vegetable crop.

“Fall is an excellent extension of the vegetable garden season and a vital period…[more]