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Teaching Bees to Do Math – No Kidding!!!

 I’m always amazed by science surrounding bees, but to be honest, this recent story ‘buzzed’ me away with amazement.  Scientists can teach bees to add and subtract – seriously?!  Check out a link to the story below and note the research article is linked at the very end of the story in case you want…

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Starting seeds in doors can relieve cabin fever

Cabin Fever Reliever

 Here in Utah we’ve recently experienced a small bout of warm weather inspiring many to get outside, breathe some fresh air and look for signs of spring. Unfortunately it’s still only February and if you believe the theory of the groundhog, we have a few more weeks of winter before we can seriously consider getting…

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Honeybees Get a Shot in the Arm!

 Honeybees may soon get a new form of healthcare – a vaccine – to immunize them against a lethal bacterial disease called American foulbrood.  This is great news for beekeepers and an exciting discovery for continued research that aims to improve honeybee health.  Check out the NPR article here.

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holy snow with flakes

Holy Snow!

 Wow, what a wet, wonderful winter we have had so far in the Salt Lake Valley!  Skiers and snowboarders love it, but homeowners sometimes loathe it – shovel after shovel load of winter wonderland!  Streets can be difficult to maintain and driving/walking conditions slippery which brings up a concern for gardeners – deicing salts.  Salts…

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The Art and Science of Arachnids!

 Are you looking for a fun, family friendly indoors activity this weekend?  Check out the “Art and Science of Arachnids” exhibit at Swaner Eco Center in Park City, Utah.  This exhibit ends Monday so now is your last chance to see the spooktacular exhibit!  Click on the link below for more details! Swaner Eco Center…

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spider on leaf in the garden

Don’t Get Spooked Over Spiders! – Redux

 Some things are erringly predictable; as the nighttime temperatures dip; spiders start showing-up inside the house and in protected areas around the garden.  Although spooky to some, it is important to remember that spiders are great generalist predators of common garden insect pests and are therefore considered beneficial in the garden. It is important to…

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mower with leaves

Leave Your Leaves!

 If you are like me, you have been inundated with leaves of late – and with cold wet weather moving in, getting out to rake them is starting to sound less and less enticing.  I’ve always found great humor in the fact that many gardeners rake up leaves and pick to sticks to ‘donate’ to…

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What Went Wrong…..

 Problems in the garden are inevitable, but they also present a learning opportunity for savvy gardeners.  It’s really easy to want to just check out and retire yard and garden problems until next growing season, but give yourself a leg up next year and spend a little time learning about how to avoid problems in…

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leaves in flower beds

Why Do Leaves Turn Colors in the Fall?

 Hmmmmm?  These are the mysteries of our life!  Thanks to JayDee Gunnell, USU Extension Horticulture Faculty in Cache County – now you know why! What Causes Autumn Leaves to Change Color?   Plus Taun Beddes, USU Extension Horticulture Faculty in Utah County, provided some fall projects and pruning pointers!  Geez Louise – so much you…

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fall in an orchard

Fall Orchard Clean-up

 Ahhh, fall colors, crisp fall air and sweet fall apples – what’s not to love about this time of year?  Well, one thing, maybe fall clean-up – if you’re not a lover of yard and garden chores!  But fall maintenance is very important for fruit trees!  Check out the latest Utah Pests Team pest advisory…

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Happy volunteers at Wheeler Farm

So you want to be a Master Gardener?

 It’s the time of year again when the harvest is in full swing, kids are back to school and the Extension office is flooded with phone calls from those eagerly inquiring about the upcoming Master Gardener program. Throughout the year we keep an interest list with names and emails of those who would like to…

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A New Buzz Around Bees

 In case you happened to miss the recent radio program “The History and Necessity of Bees” – that aired on KUER Radio West on September 26, 2018 – I want to make sure you know about this EXCELLENT discussion on honey bees, native bees and bee habitat.  Take time to listen to the archived podcast…

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Scarecrow displayed in USU Demo garden

Summer 2018 Is Coming to an End!

 Summer months are often FULL of garden surprises, pests, disease, drought, hail and more!  This summer was no exception – we really saw some crazy stuff this growing season, but savvy gardeners will tell you it is important to take time to reflect on past season problems and learn how to avoid repeating the same…

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people applying biochar

The Skinny on Soil Testing

 Here at the Salt Lake County Extension office, we get oodles of questions on soil testing – how to, why do, and um what am I supposed to decipher from these results!  I like to stress that soil testing does not give you all the answers, but is important baseline information for properly managing soils…

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