February 25, 2021

9th Annual and Virtual Urban and Small Farms Conference!

This week the Urban and Small Farms Conference planning committee is in feverous preparations for the first virtual conference starting next week, March 1-4, 2021.  We are very excited to be online this year with micro-farming, soils, water, small fruits, cut flowers, farm finance and animal session offerings.  For more information and to register, visit diverseag.org.…

February 14, 2021

A Special Valentine’s Day Gift from the Utah Pests Team!

I’m always in awe of the great publications and resources put out by the Utah Pests Team.  A recent factsheet on vegetable diseases of Utah does not disappoint!  What a great resources for navigating potential disease problems in Utah veggie gardens! Vegetable Diseases of Utah

February 7, 2021

Preservation of Historic Orchards in Capital Reef National Park

What??? A road trip involving fruit trees and spectacular vistas…count me in!!!  In case you missed it, Ksl.com recently posted an article on historic orchard restoration plans in Capital Reef National Park.  A park official reached out to me and they REALLY want public input on the project.  It is beyond cool, both from a…

January 31, 2021

Flower Power with Fawn Rueckert

It had been a while since I checked in with KUED’s Modern Gardener but when I did, I was excited to see the latest episode featured our very own Master Gardener graduate and Sego Lily Flower Farmer Fawn Rueckert.  Check out her interview on growing cut flowers – I promise you’ll be inspired! How to…

January 24, 2021

Register Now for Upcoming February Webinars!

Upcoming February Webinars Native Bee Conservation in Urban Areas (“Cultivating Healthy Plants” Webinar Series) Pollinators, especially bees, are known for providing valuable ecosystem and agricultural services. Although the honey bee is gaining recognition for its vital role in our agricultural systems, the United States is home to more than 3600 different bee species, most of which…

January 17, 2021

Thriving Hive Beginning Beekeeper Series

After a chaotic year in 2020, are you ready to slow things down a bit and get back to the basics.  If so, perhaps beginning beekeeping is just what the doctor ordered – after all, a spoon full of honey helps the medicine go down!  Lucky for you,  USU Extension is hosting a virtual beginning…

January 10, 2021

What Positive Change Will You Make in 2021?

Dear Utah – I love New Years’ Resolutions!!!  I think the start of a new year is a great opportunity to make much needed (or maybe just desired) personal change.  The year 2020, with all of its challenges, had one very bright point – at least from my perspective – many new people decided to…

January 3, 2021

Whew, 2020, What a Year of …… Weather?

No doubt, 2020 was full of challenges!  However, weather events beyond the earthquake, fires and windstorm, do not top most people’s list as most remarkable.  But 2020, dare I mention it, was a remarkable weather year and savvy gardeners know remarkable weather can sustain future impact on gardens.  As we move forward in 2021, it…

December 27, 2020

Happy New Year Y’all!

May 2021 enter like a lion and exit like a lamb, happy new year everyone!  Let’s all make it a great year in the garden!  

December 20, 2020

Give the Gift of Knowledge!

Truth be known, it’s totally fine to self gift, and a great option is the gift of quality, practical and FREE knowledge!  The Utah Pests Team has come to our rescue once again with their Vegetable IPM Winter Webinar Series.  The webinars are free, but you must register.  Click here for more information and Happy Holidays everyone!…

December 6, 2020

Cleaner Manure – You Bet!

Truth be told I don’t usually attribute manure with the word ‘clean’ but if it turns out manure, hog manure specifically, can produce clean energy to power homes.  What a great idea – and soon to be a reality.  If you missed this article in KSL.com, make sure to check it out here.  

November 29, 2020

Utah Vegetable Production and Pest Management Website is NOW LIVE!!!

Wow, what a tremendous new online resource!  The following is from Nick Volesky, our USU Extension Vegetable IPM Associate, happy reading! The USU Extension IPM program is excited to share that the brand new Utah Vegetable Production and Pest Management website is now live! This resource is a comprehensive guide for small and large vegetable producers across…

November 22, 2020

Our Food System and the Impact of COVID-19

I recently came across an article and podcast in USU’s Cultivate Magazine about the impact of the pandemic on our local food supply.  It featured Dr. Kynda Curtis, USU Professor of Agriculture and Food Marketing, who discusses food distribution and disruptions.  Check it out here.

November 1, 2020

Now That’s One Tough Beetle!

Nature and engineering are often a magical combination.  I loved this recent article in CNN.com about the diabolical ironclad beetle and what the information locked in his body can do for humans.  Check it out! CNN.com Ironclad Beetle Article

October 25, 2020

Our Numbers Are In!

2020 was a challenging year to say the least, but our Farmers’ Markets at Senior Centers numbers are in and they are impressive if I must say so myself.  Drumroll please… We serviced 2,500 seniors in 2020 during 40 markets with 9,610 pounds of fresh produce estimated at $22,747. We gave away (amongst other things):…