A flowering tree is best planted for spring blooming in the fall when dormant, however, container flowering trees can be planted any season, but preferably fall and winter is best. Gardeners can buy many colors of flowering trees: red, white, yellow, peach, pink, plum, lavender, blue, and apricot. You can buy a flowering…[more]

TEXARKANA, Ark. - How bland life would be without onions! Lucky for us, onions are available year-round. Onions, with their pungent taste and odor, transform so many dishes and are prized around the world for the variety of ways they can be used. Also, they are low in calories and nutritious!

“You can find onions in area gardens and at local farmers markets,” said Carla Haley, Miller County…[more]

PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Blackberries are an ideal fruit crop for gardeners and small acreage farmers, says Dr. Obadiah Njue, Extension horticulture specialist, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program.

Blackberries fetch a good price at farmers’ markets and are also a good crop for pick-your-own operations. Blackberries tolerate a wide range of soil types, are adapted to all regions in Arkansas and require fewer inputs…[more]

Roses are back, thanks to new carefree varieties released in the last few years, says Dr. Jim Robbins, extension horticulture specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

These carefree roses require minimal attention, come in a variety of colors and levels of disease resistance.

“Roses are making…[more]

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Cucurbitaceae is one of the most cultivated plant families in the world. From this family come watermelon, cantaloupe, casaba, honeydew, muskmelon, cucumber, summer and winter squash, and pumpkins, to name a few. Unfortunately, cucurbits aren’t just popular with people: Several common insects are also fond of the plants, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist.[more]

Vertical gardening is a unique and practical method of maximizing all of your garden space. When plants such as tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and melons are left to sprawl on the ground; they will take up to 10 times as much space as growing them vertically. With the exception of tomatoes and pole beans, too few gardeners take advantage of this gardening technique.

In addition to saving space, there…[more]

SEARCY, Ark. - Blossom-end rot of tomatoes and other vegetables is caused by a calcium deficiency in the fruit, according to Sherri Sanders, White County extension agent-agriculture for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Anything that interferes with calcium uptake by the root system of the plant, including lack of calcium in the soil, low moisture levels and root pruning, can cause the condition, Sanders said.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - “Hey county agent!” Uncle Ray’s voice boomed over the phone. “You’ll be real proud to know what I did.” That was the bait and I bit, “I’m always proud of you, but what did you mess up now?”

His rebuttal came fast, “Looky here! I go to the trouble to keep you up to speed, and that’s the thanks I get?”[more]

SEARCY, Ark. - July is the ideal time to enjoy the garden with minimal hassle, says Sherri Sanders, White County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“July is a time when you can sit back for a moment and enjoy the fruits of your labor in the garden,” she said, adding that there are a few ongoing tasks to perform to keep the garden…[more]

It’s time we started showing some respect and gratitude for the underappreciated earthworm and his boy back-up band, fungi & bacteria. They are the true humble heroes and workhorses who do the necessary dirty work to keep your soil full of nutrients.

Yet, in our home gardens, we’re constantly killing earthworms with synthetic fertilizers. We’re baking them to a crisp with unnatural, high-levels of nitrogen and salts. Worms…[more]