Beef Grades
You, as the consumer, may be overwhelmed by your choices when you approach the meat counter at our local grocery stores. No matter what you are looking for, there is a delicious and nutritious option… Read More
Handling Meat Safely
Let’s talk about how to safely handle your meat before, during, and after cooking. Start by storing your meat appropriately. Refrigerate raw meat, poultry, and seafood in containers or sealed plastic bags to prevent their… Read More
Highlands County 4-H Wraps Up Summer Camps
Cooking spaghetti, creating painted masterpieces, and becoming leaders. Those are a few of many exciting adventures that took place as thirty-one youth took advantage of Highlands County 4-H’s Summer Camps this year. On June 19-23,… Read More
Q: I have some plants I want to be sure survive any freezing temperatures. What should I do to protect them?
A: Watering landscape plants 24-48 hours before a freeze can help protect plants. A well watered soil will absorb more solar radiation than dry soil and will reradiate heat during the night. This practice elevates… Read More
STEM+Agriculture and 4-H!
What is “STEAM”? Science, technology, engineering, agriculture (or art!), and math! It is important that youth have opportunities to engage in these fields, as they instill critical thinking, curiosity, global engagement, and the confidence to… Read More
Benefits of Trusting Youth as Scientists
A review of Ballard (2017) Growing up in 4-H, I saw myself as a real scientist. I took water quality samples for LakeWatch, informed fellow 4-H youth about deadly amoeba in Florida lakes, and used… Read More
Mosquito Season is Upon Us!
“Water, water everywhere….” Goes Coleridge’s Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner. He may as well have been talking about Highlands County lately. Lots of rain and more on the way. Mosquito hordes procreated in all… Read More
Older Trees and Older Growers
Written by: Ernie Neff, Senior Correspondent at Large for Citrus Industry Magazine Florida’s older citrus trees are disappearing due to HLB and other problems, and the most prominent varieties being grown haven’t changed in many… Read More
How to Make Your Garden Hummingbird Friendly
How to Make Your Garden Hummingbird Friendly An article written by Highlands County Master Gardener Volunteer: Charlie Reynolds Hummingbirds are a great addition to any garden and are beautiful to watch flitting hither and thither…. Read More
Growing Summer Plants in South Central Florida
Contrary to popular belief it is not possible to grow everything anytime in South Central Florida. The seasons are distinct and make it imperative for newcomers to check with their University of Florida Extension Office… Read More