Illinois State

Columbia, MO

COLUMBIA, Mo. — On-farm strip trials are an effective way for farmers to test their nitrogen fertilizer rate on corn. “A wet May has lots of farmers wondering about the nitrogen status of their corn crop,” John Lory, University of Missouri Extension nutrient management specialist, said in a news release. “Wet conditions and warm soils can lead to nitrogen loss of fertilizer.”

Strip trials test optimum nitrogen rates on cornfields

Even though there are concerns for the corn crop in the Northern Plains with excessive rains and flooding in parts of the region, overall, the U.S. corn crop appears to be in good condition and prices are reflecting that. “Corn may be winning some awards for the worst commodity ever...

Corn prices reflect good condition of crop

Cordele, GA

A sweet, juicy slice of watermelon is one of the best things about summertime, but way too many times I’ve stared dubiously at the pile of melons at the store, trying to decide which one to choose. Often when I get home and slice it open, the melon is a disappointing light pink and not at all sweet.

The Only Way To Tell When a Watermelon is Ripe, According to a Farmer

Dealing with crabgrass in your lawn? This pesky weed can quickly take over and ruin the look of your yard, especially during the spring and summer. But don't worry—with a bit of know-how and persistence, you can effectively control and prevent crabgrass to keep your lawn looking lush and healthy all year round. We've got all the details you need to know right here, including tips from gardening experts on how to identify, remove, and prevent crabgrass.

How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in Your Lawn

Many homeowners dream of a lush, green lawn. However, over time, lawns can become patchy, thin, and worn out due to various factors such as weather, pests, and regular wear and tear. Reseeding your lawn is an effective way to rejuvenate it and bring back its vibrant appearance. This guide...

How to Reseed Your Lawn Like a Pro in Just a Few Easy Steps

This is going to sound controversial: maybe you shouldn’t fully ripen your tomatoes on the vine! All the chefs and foodies are audibly gasping, but there are some key reasons why these famous garden fruits are best picked before peak ripeness. The flavor and texture can even be superior when they are harvested half-ripe on the plant, then ripened the rest of the way on your countertop.

7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Vine Ripen Your Tomatoes

Real Simple

4 Shade-Loving Perennials That Need Barely Any Sunlight

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks and whistle pigs, may look cute and cuddly, but they are among the most destructive garden pests. Not only do groundhogs wreak havoc in vegetable beds, mowing down entire rows of peas, beans, and carrots, but they also dig unsightly burrows and tunnels in grass lawns and clamber up fruit trees in search of a sweet score. If you suspect groundhogs are making a buffet of your vegetable beds and fruit trees, this guide will show you how to safely get rid of the critters and keep them from coming back.

How to Get Rid of Groundhogs in Lawns and Gardens

July is an excellent time to plant a variety of summer vegetables that will thrive in the warm soil and produce a bountiful harvest well into the fall. Carrots and kale are perfect for a fall harvest as frosts make them sweeter. When planting your summer vegetables in July, you...

7 Late Harvest Summer Vegetables to Plant in July

The best fertilizer for tomato plants is not what you would think. If you’ve ever gone down the aisle at a garden center, there are a lot of formulations of fertilizers specifically for tomatoes. However, there are only rare instances when the premade fertilizer mixes are the right thing to add to the soil.

The Best Fertilizer for Tomato Plants

Homes & Gardens

See our guide to trees, shrubs, perennials, and more to prune this month

7 plants to prune in July – and expert tips for how to trim properly for better, bigger blooms

South Dakota State

Mitchell, SD

Five South Dakota farm and ranch women have been named finalists for the Dakotafest Woman Farmer-Rancher of the Year Award. They are Stacy Watembach of Alexandria, Sara Easton of Parkston, Kendra Olson of White Lake, Erin Yost of Wessington Springs, and Barbara Powell of Platte. These five women will be recognized during the awards ceremony as part of the Women in Ag Event, the morning of Aug. 22, at the Dakotafest grounds in Mitchell.

Dakotafest Woman Farmer-Rancher of the Year nominees named

Tomato plants are the most commonly grown vegetable in the garden because they thrive in summer temperatures and produce delicious fresh produce. Novice and experienced gardeners carefully plant and tend the tomato plants only to discover a plant wilted and dying one day. The cause can be something as simple as a lack of water or more complex like fungal wilt diseases, tomato wilt viruses, walnut toxicity, or boring insects.

5 Reasons Your Tomato Plant Is Wilting and How to Fix It

Very late and difficult planting conditions and emergence problems on a large scale are cause of concern in some of the main production regions in North-western Europe, according to North-western European potato growers (NEPG). The context for the coming season will continue to be guided by the increase in processing...

North-western European potato growers: Never such a difficult planting season, never so much uncertainties about the harvest!

Gardening Know How

Ground cover plants are the ideal solution to green up bare patches of soil. These fast-growing varieties will add a professional look to your landscaping design in no time.

8 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Plants – Hide Bare Soil And Curb Weeds

Weeding is one of the least enjoyable tasks for any gardener. Constantly battling unwanted plants can take away the joy of growing your garden. Fortunately, there are perennial flowers that not only add beauty to your garden but also outcompete weeds, making your life much easier. As a gardener who loves to see vibrant flowers without the hassle of weeds, I’m excited to share these wonderful plants with you!

No More Weeding! These 11 Perennial Flowers Can Outcompete Weeds

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. The best gardeners know that the secret to successful crops often involves more than just planting seeds and watering. Companion planting, the strategic placement of certain plants together for mutual benefit, is a time-honored technique that can take all of your crops—including your cucumber harvest—to new heights.

15 Best Cucumber Companion Plants to Grow in Your Vegetable Garden

Each crop carries its own set of guidelines. With thousands of gardeners advising different techniques, you may wonder which one is right for you. Fear not, as we cover everything you need to know about pepper pruning and let you decide what’s best for your plants. Pruning your pepper...

How to Prune Pepper Plants To Increase Your Harvest

Washington, DC

Independence Day has long been one of my favorite holidays. Sure, the bigger holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving get all the accolades with their gifts and feasts, but I actually like the Fourth of July because of its simplicity: grill some meat, take in a parade, enjoy the sunshine with friends and family and maybe shoot off some fireworks.

Freedom and the Fourth

Tom's Guide

While spring is the main time for sowing new seeds, these flowers are all well-suited to July planting and should begin to flower before the summer is up.

7 flower seeds to sow in July for bountiful blooms

NewsBreak

Planting issues lead to summer weed challenge

Above-average temperatures and excessive rain during planting season weren’t good for farmers, but they were great for weeds. The same conditions that are a boon to...

Planting issues lead to summer weed challenge

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