Fall mums: A survival guide
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Mums, or chrysanthemums, are a universal signal of fall in the South. While their beauty and vibrant colors can add a lot to a porch or landscape, mums are known to be a little tricky to keep alive throughout the...
Watermelons: A treat to beat the summer heat
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — When the summer sun is scorching, there is little more refreshing than a juicy slice of watermelon. Whether from a farmers market or straight from the garden, it’s important to pick watermelons at peak ripeness.
Bethany O’Rear, an Alabama Cooperative Extension...
ACES: Extension’s Grow More, Give More project improving lives
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Grow More, Give More (GMGM) project is changing the lives of Alabama senior citizens one container garden at a time. Since 2020, the GMGM project — led by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System home grounds, gardens and home pests...
Mountain lions: Alabama’s big-cat mystery
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The existence of Bigfoot is wildly debated across the country. However, in Alabama, another creature’s existence takes center stage in many discussions: mountain lions. The presence of these big cats is well documented in other parts of the country, but...
Alabama Extension launches 2nd annual Marble Bowl competition
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Grab your smart phones and buckle your chin straps. The 2023 Marble Bowl is kicking off this fall. In its second year, this competition continues to take the popular Iron Bowl football rivalry between Auburn University and University of Alabama...
Caring for garden pollinators during summer
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Summer is an active season for pollinators, but it doesn’t mean humans should count on the garden to provide everything that pollinators need to survive. It is up to gardeners to make sure these pollinators have what they need to...
New team of 4-H state ambassadors ready to serve
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - With the upcoming new school year comes a new group of talented, young leaders ready to serve Alabama 4-H. Thirty-one members from 20 different counties make up the 2024-2025 team of 4-H state ambassadors. Those selected as ambassadors serve as...
Garden and garnish with Alabama Extension’s Harvest of the Month
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — This year, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Grow More, Give More program is helping gardeners in a brand-new way. Each month, the program will feature a Harvest of the Month. From the garden plot to the sauté pan, these features...
Alabama Extension celebrating Sweet Grown Alabama Day today
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - There is something special about home-grown tomatoes, freshly picked okra and local honey. Add to that dairy products from just down the road or self-care items made by your neighbor and you have a winning combination. At first glance, these...
ACES: Amid industry, environmental struggles Christmas tree prices remain relatively steady
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — There is nothing quite like the scent of Christmas trees. These natural living room centerpieces are beloved and provide an aesthetic that fits the season. However, choosing the right tree and caring for it can be a daunting task. An...
ACES: Guide to cooking the Thanksgiving turkey
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — At Thanksgiving, the turkey is the star of the dinner table. However, it does no good if it is frozen, burned to a crisp or makes your guests sick. Safely cooking the perfect turkey takes time and planning.
Thawing takes time
If...
Tune up flower beds now for stronger spring color
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The calendar may officially signify the arrival of fall, but Alabama’s temperatures have not gotten the memo. Flowers are still blooming and fall color is on full display. As the growing season comes to an end, there are things a...
ACES: Get those pumpkins planted
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Halloween season starts in July, at least according to gardening standards. For those wanting to grow their own pumpkins for spooky jack-o’-lanterns or festive fall centerpieces, early to mid-July is the time to get those pumpkin seeds in the ground.
Getting...
Poison candy: The urban legend of Halloween
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Every Halloween, parents are warned to keep their children safe from intentional candy poisonings. While there are always risks, the facts of intentional poisonings reveal few incidents. From covering up crimes to illnesses, there are several factors that have propelled...
ACES: Prepare outdoor plants and gardens for lower fall temperatures
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — While September signifies the beginning of fall, October is often the month that brings lower temperatures to Alabama. As temperatures drop, homeowners may have concerns for outdoor plants and wonder how to help them survive and acclimate. Alabama Cooperative Extension...
ACES: Get outside with Alabama Smart Yards webinar series
Join the Alabama Cooperative Extension System for the Get Outside with Alabama Smart Yards webinar series. This online series is brought to you by the Extension Home Grounds, Gardens, and Home Pests team. Throughout the year, the team will provide weekly, 30-minute segments on...
All or nothing: Managing white-tailed deer predators in the Southeast
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Predators play an important role in wildlife ecosystems. You can think of them as nature’s own regulatory service. Without their presence, prey populations would quickly overtake habitats, leading to mass areas of depleted resources. Predators also remove injured and diseased...
ACES: Enjoy Halloween without running amok, amok, amok
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — From the Winifred Sanderson point of view, All Hallows’ Eve has become a night of frolic, where children wear costumes and run amok. However, with some tips from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, people can tone down the running amok...
ACES: Extension entomologist encourages families to get outside during cicada emergence
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Generations of children living in the Southeast have long listened to the sound of a cicada’s song and collected their exoskeletons in yards and wooded areas. With the expected emergence of Broods 13 and 19, Meredith Shrader — an Alabama...
ACES: Pesticide safety: Always read the label
Pesticides can be important management tools in crop production. It is important to use pesticides correctly to manage the pest, protect the environment, and to keep the applicator safe.
On a pesticide label users will find the Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI). The PHI is the minimum...
ACES: Mistletoe- holiday friend or forest foe?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — At Christmastime, many people may find mistletoe to be a natural ornament that signifies the holiday season. However, forestry experts with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System may not botanically consider it romantic, merry or bright. This is because mistletoe, in...
How to dispose of your Christmas tree in the city of Cullman
CULLMAN, Ala. – While city of Cullman residents prepare to ring in 2024, many are itching to properly dispose of live Christmas trees that may be shedding countless needles in their living rooms. Between typical brush disposal, composting or boosting habitats, there are plenty...
Azaleas: An Alabama beauty
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Springtime is showtime for azaleas in Alabama landscapes. Bursting with blooms and color, azaleas are the stars of spring. Lucy Edwards, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s coordinator for Chilton County, said azaleas may be the most popular flowering shrubs in...
How to ‘sleigh’ your holiday card
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The holiday-card season is here. Soon, mailboxes will be filled with greetings and warm wishes. When it comes to making a holiday card, there are several things that can go wrong. From blurry pictures to misspellings, your card can quickly...
ACES: Alabama timber market trending upward after rocky year
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — After a rocky 2023, the Alabama timber market is expected to begin trending in the right direction in 2024. However, there are several factors to keep an eye on as the year progresses. An Alabama Cooperative Extension System forest economics...
Coaches and parents, keep your athletes hydrated in late-summer heat
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – With fall nearly one month away, the temperatures of late summer are not letting up anytime soon. Adding that to an average annual humidity of more than 85%, the struggle is indeed real for Alabama residents. Many Alabama high-school and...
Alabama Extension agents help parents, students get back into healthy school routine
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — After a few months away from the classroom and a regular school routine, the summer fun is winding down and it’s time to get back to alarm clocks and school bells.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University and the...
Start the new year with a pantry cleanout
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Take advantage of the cold weather and make the time spent indoors productive. Angela Treadaway, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System food safety and quality regional agent, said the new year is a great time to inventory canned food items and...
ACES: What’s the buzz about honey?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The arrival of fall generally signifies the end of honey harvest for most beekeepers in the United States. Always a popular sweetener, honey has made a comeback as consumers shift their preference toward local products. September is National Honey Month,...
ACES: Pinkeye in cattle: Combating an expanded list of viruses and bacteria
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Pinkeye is a well-known bacterial infection that cattle producers watch for each year. The number of cases often increase during the summer and into the fall. The bacterium Moraxella bovis is most associated with pinkeye infections. However, an Alabama Cooperative Extension...
ACES: 4-H BIGGEST Catch contest featuring new categories for 2024
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama 4-H BIGGEST Catch contest is back for another year with some new competition categories. Emily Nichols, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System 4-H natural resources specialist, said she is excited to add new components to this year’s competition.
“This is...
ACES: Controlling horn flies in cattle: Is garlic’s pungent power the answer?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Horn flies can become a major issue for cattle during the summer. Commonly used fly control methods include sprays, drenches and dusts. However, a recent trend within the livestock industry is the search for alternative fly control methods. Among the...
ACES: Is nicotine pouch use the next vaping?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — From Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League to news networks and social media, nicotine pouches have made their presence well-known. Like many vaping products, people see these pouches as an alternative to tobacco. Could these pouches be...
ACES: Plant bugs dominate cotton fields; weather forces management tweaks
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - The 2023 Alabama cotton crop had a late and slow start. Spring rains and cool temperatures caused planting delays, then slowed emergence and seedling growth. Summer was a tale of two Junes. Early June brought extended dry weather. However, abundant—sometimes...
Type 2 diabetes risk factors: What you need to know
Diabetes is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases in the United States. It affects over 37 million Americans, and most people are unaware that they have it. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of the disease. Like many conditions, there...
ACES: Selecting the right blackberry cultivar for your landscape
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Blackberry cultivars are prime examples of selective plant-breeding modifications to fruit and wild-blackberry growth. While the fruit from a blackberry cultivar is superior in comparison to wild blackberries, these plants require significant maintenance in a cultivated setting.
Blackberry cultivars require specific...
Beekeepers monitor hives for Africanized honeybees after confirmed detection in Alabama
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Apiary Protection Unit of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) confirmed the presence of Africanized honeybees (AHBs) in beehives in Jackson and St. Clair counties through genetic testing.
Officials at ADAI are developing a strategic monitoring plan for...
ACES: Fall armyworm outbreaks impacting Alabama producers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Fall armyworms are plaguing pastures and hayfields in many areas of Alabama. These pests can quickly invade and destroy a stand of healthy forages in a manner of hours. This makes scouting extremely important for producers to be able to...
Black panthers: Uncovering another big cat mystery
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — From high-school mascots to the Marvel Universe, black panthers have appeared in many forms in today’s culture. However, is this big cat real or just an illustrated piece of fiction? Alabama Cooperative Extension System wildlife experts are here to help...
Alabama residents anticipating fall color as temperatures drop
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The weather is not the only thing that is changing in Alabama. Along with lower temperatures, fall colors are also making an appearance. The reason for the season is rooted in science and emphasizes the effects that day length and...
Extension agent gives tips for taking care of tomatoes
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Tomatoes are a popular garden crop, but they can be high maintenance. It can be difficult to make decisions about tomato care without a solid plan. Eliminate the questions and begin tomato season with proper care.
Weather, insects and viral, fungal...
ACES: Enjoying fall festivals while keeping blood sugar in check
As the crisp autumn air settles in, seasonal festivals begin and are filled with tempting treats and indulgent foods. From apple-cider doughnuts to pumpkin-flavored cookies, these fall festivals are packed with delicious and exciting foods. For individuals managing blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, navigating...
ACES: 4 ways to participate in National Bird Feeding Month
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - February is among one of the most important months for feeding birds in Alabama, as backyard songbirds have limited access to their favorite foods during the winter. Grab a camera and join the Alabama Cooperative Extension System outdoors to participate...
Live the pumpkin spice life
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Fall is the season of spices. People looking for a little extra warmth on a cool, fall day have several options to turn to. From lattes to baked goods and beyond, there are a lot of great uses for these...
ACES: Buzz surrounding 29th annual Beekeeping Symposium and Honey Show
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Calling all beekeepers! Registration for the 29th Annual Alabama Beekeeping Symposium is now open. The symposium is set for Feb. 3, 2024. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System beekeeping team is excited to offer a packed agenda in Clanton, Alabama at...
Cullman County’s Grayson Randall attends inaugural 4-H Leadership Academy
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Five Alabama 4-H members are among the 25 students selected nationwide to attend the inaugural 4-H Leadership Academy. The academy is made possible through the National 4-H Council’s partnership with Joel Roth, an Atlanta-based businessman and philanthropist. Roth provided a...
ACES: Plastics in the environment
While plastic was invented in 1909, it did not become popular until Tupperware was invented in 1946. The creation of this novel product brought plastics to the forefront as an affordable, durable, lightweight product that could be used for many things. By 1976, plastics...
ACES: Kick off summer with the 4-H BIGGEST Catch contest
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Alabama 4-H invites you to make a splash this summer with the 4-H BIGGEST Catch, a virtual fishing competition. The contest is May 26 through June 5, and all Alabama youths ages 9 to 18 are welcome to participate.
Emily Nichols,...
Alabama Extension agent gives tips for starting school garden
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Starting a school garden is not as far out of reach as some may think. Knowing how to secure funding, get started and maintain the garden are great things to consider but are not something to fear.
“I’ve been working in...
ACES: Join the Great Backyard Bird Count
Join fellow birdwatchers worldwide in the Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 16-19. Each year people come together to observe, count, celebrate and educate themselves about birds. Now in its 27th year, this popular citizen science project helps researchers learn more about fluctuations in bird populations....
ACES: A home gardener’s mum survival guide
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Many people associate garden chrysanthemums, or mums, with the beginning of autumn. These floral features are already occupying garden centers and front porches around the country. There are tips and tricks to make sure that every mum has maximum longevity....
ACES: Choosing safe plants for pets
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — For some people pets are like family. They provide love and support that is important for a family bond. The same way parents protect their children, furry, four-legged family members require some of the same precautions. To keep them safe,...
ACES: Can you name these 4 Alabama animals?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Imagine seeing a lizard with no legs or a giant salamander that can go years without eating. No, this isn’t an April Fool’s Day joke. These creatures are real. While they can’t confirm sightings of Bigfoot or the Loch Ness...
ACES: Manage now for next year’s blueberries
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — As summer continues to sizzle, blueberry season is fizzling out in Alabama. Most blueberries in central Alabama hit peak production near July 4, then berry production begins to decline. Mallory Kelley, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System home grounds, gardens and...
A sweet celebration: National Honey Month
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — National Honey Month is a celebration of the vital role honeybees and apiculturists play in pollination and honey production. As beekeepers across the country work to support bee populations amid a myriad of challenges, this month highlights the importance of...
ACES: Operation Grow for Military Veterans
Operation Grow, in partnership with the Alabama Department of AG and Industries, provides special emphasis on the training needs of military veterans interested in agriculture for health and employment benefits. Alabama Beginning Farmer is led by the Alabama Extension commercial horticulture team. Overall, Operation...
Alabama Extension expert: Learn how to make kombucha from the comfort of home
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - What is all the hype about making kombucha? While this fermented drink is available at many retail locations, Alabama Cooperative Extension System experts say it can be less expensive and more convenient to make your favorite drink at home.
What is...
ACES: Fall hummingbird feeder etiquette deters wasps and bees
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Hummingbirds make a much-anticipated arrival in the spring, but keeping them around in the fall takes a little effort on the part of residents. By the time August rolls around, they’re ready for a sweet treat to help them power...
ACES: USDA releases new hardiness zone map for United States
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — For the first time in more than a decade, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released new hardiness zone maps. These new changes bring a new level of climate accuracy, allowing people to intelligently select plants that thrive best...
ADCNR: Registration for 2023 youth dove hunts opens Aug. 21
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) provides several youth dove hunt opportunities throughout the state each fall. A simple hunting setup combined with a fun, family-friendly atmosphere makes WFF’s youth dove...
Seasonal shopping for fruits and vegetables
As summer ends and fall begins, it brings with it not only a change in weather but also a change in fresh produce. Typical summertime finds at your local grocery store may not be as readily available in the upcoming weeks. While summer produce—such...
ACES: Fall hummingbird feeder etiquette deters wasps and bees
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - The first hummingbird sighting in spring is cause for celebration, but keeping them around in the fall takes a little more effort. By the time August rolls around, they are ready for a sweet treat to help them power through...
Alabama Extension’s Brodbeck appointed to national USDA council
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Beau Brodbeck, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System associate director for field operations, has been appointed to the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) by Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack. Effective immediately, Brodbeck will serve as a voice for...
BOARsighted: A look into wild pig management
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Wild pigs are arguably one of the most detrimental wildlife species. These animals have the potential to decimate crops, wildlife habitat and food plots. Virtually every natural resource can be affected by these creatures. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System encourages...
ACES: Relief on the way? Extension economist says inflation approaching pre-pandemic levels
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — While many Americans are still battling an increased cost of living, the economic outlook for 2024 shows promise, as markets in the United States continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inflation and economic growth
This figure shows real GDP growth —...
