Pirate bugs are bugging people with their pesky probing!
Month: October 2017
The Importance of Bare Ground in Pollinator-Friendly Landscapes
Gardeners know the importance of mulching around plants to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture, but are there instances when mulching is not a good idea? The answer is yes, in particular when creating a pollinator-friendly landscape. To understand the importance of bare ground, you must first be aware of just how many pollinators it…
Pollinator Habitat
Pollinator decline has been a huge buzz word the last few years and rightly so. With so much focus on the use of pesticides, viruses, mites and whatnot – leaves us feeling helpless. Welcome to the Nebraska Extension Pollinator Habitat Certification. You spoke and we listened. If you want to be a part of the…
Pumpkins: Good Eats or Evil Spits? – a bit about the pumpkins we eat…and those we don’t
This time of year, some people go pumpkin crazy. I’ll admit that I do like pumpkin — from pie and other desserts to beer.
I’m not so sure about other pumpkin items these days, like cereals, cosmetics (pumpkin spice lip gloss, anyone?) and beyond. This love affair with a tough, orange squash is definitely big business for farmers.
Goofy Gorgeous Gourds
Along with pumpkins, corn shocks and mums, gourds are symbols of autumn. Their quirky sizes, shapes, bumps, and lumps are fun and their color makes them terrific additions for fall décor. Gourds belong in the Cucurbitaceae family, which means they are related to cucumbers, zucchini, acorn squash, melons and pumpkins. Gourd seeds can be directly…