COLUMBIA, Mo.- Cases of bark splitting on trees, perhaps due to excessive trunk expansion spurred by this year’s heavy rains, have been reported in some areas of the state, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

“We don’t know what exactly is causing the bark splitting, but maples seem to be the most commonly affected. Environmental conditions over the past year have probably contributed to this,” said Chris…[more]

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Hidden deep in the classifieds was an ad: “Antique Pea-Sheller.” No price or description was listed, only a phone number. Uncle Clyde, down on a visit from Holts Summit, Mo., caught the ad. An old farm boy from Clay County, he began to reminisce about how every family once grew southern peas and every kid hated the boring task of shelling.

Southern peas owe much…[more]

Taking care of your lawn this fall

LITTLE ROCK - The hot, muggy days of summer have many Arkansans looking forward to fall. As the temperatures cool and daylight hours shorten, homeowners need to make adjustments in their lawn care practices to keep their lawns green and healthy.

Dr. Aaron Patton, extension turfgrass specialist and assistant professor for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said,…[more]

COLUMBIA, Mo. -Homeowners dismayed by unsightly stands of crabgrass in their lawns should forgo any chemical applications to control the pest this time of year, said a University of Missouri turfgrass researcher.

“Most people are concerned because this time of year crabgrass is seeding and putting out multiple shoots,” said Brad Fresenburg. “It gets tall and bunches out so that homeowners think it is a serious problem and…[more]

Has your late summer garden seen better days? If your outdoor paradise is getting a little ragged, and you would like some easy and cheap gardening tips to get it back into shape in time for fall, keep reading!

Most gardens, no matter how well they are designed will have periods without a lot of bloom. But a late summer garden is more than just lack of bloom;…[more]

ALTUS, Ark. - It’s nearly harvest time in Arkansas’ grape country and this year, there will be a substantial amount of grapes and muscadines to bring in from the field.

In 2007, Joseph Post with Post Winery in Altus, said around 90 percent of the grape crop and 40 percent of the muscadine crop were lost.

Growers saw “three consecutive freezes culminating on Easter Sunday. It…[more]

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – I would wager that, in regards to fences or fence posts, your historical reference point is tied to Abe Lincoln. His oft-told story, after all, has since required that every successful politician make attempts to endear themselves to voters by developing similar grassroots connections.

The history of fencing is an interesting story of people learning to make do with natural materials. In Ol’ Abe’s case,…[more]

SEARCY, Ark. - Good cultural practices can provide 60 percent to 70 percent of turfgrass weed control, according to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“Maintaining a dense, vigorous lawn is essential to prevent lawn weeds. Herbicides should be considered a supplement, not a stand-alone weed control practice,” said Sherri Sanders, White County extension agent.

“If herbicide use isn’t accompanied by proper cultural practices, the…[more]

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Bits and pieces of this occurrence filtered to me during the last week. My first reaction was one of surprise because, like most of you, I only see or read of these situations as they occur in other countries. The operative in this case was a 7-year old girl who lives in a neighboring county.

Biological materials exist all around and periodically cause problems in…[more]

TEXARKANA, Ark. - When it comes to picking a melon, everyone has his or her own style, said Carla Haley, Miller County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

First is the sonar method, more commonly known as “thumping.” “When choosing a perfect watermelon, people use different methods, and the most popular is probably ‘thumping,’ “ she said. “In the process, an individual will thump…[more]