It Turns Out Lobsters Birds and Some Primates Socially Distance Too!
I recently came across this August 2020 article in Scientific American on how some animals use quarantine to ward off infections. Fascinating stuff! Enjoy!Read more
Could the Pandemic Actually Strengthen the U.S. Food System?
My Dad sent me an interesting article from National Geographic discussing how small and mid-sized farms might flourish with the pandemic – talk about a silver lining! Enjoy!!! National Geographic ArticleRead more
We’re Set To Deliver – 2020 Farmers’ Markets at Senior Centers
Sometimes uncertain times bring out the best in people who want to give back to those in need. We are grateful that our partnership with Salt Lake County Adult and Aging Services has enabled us to continue to deliver farm fresh produce to senior citizens who pick up prepared meals outside the centers. We had…Read more
It’s Grasshopper Hunting Season!
My six year old son gets excited about catching and pinning one insect the most – grasshoppers. He is remarkably good at catching them too! It takes patience, speed, accuracy and stamina to be an accomplished grasshopper hunter because, well, they are fast! I’m seeing lots of grasshoppers this year at Wheeler Farm so this…Read more
July 4th Weekend Explodes with Color!
As the story goes, many of us are stuck at home with no fireworks show to attend. But fear not, you can see a spectacular fireworks display of colors in our surrounding mountains. Take some time in the coming weeks to enjoy a hike, breathe some mountain fresh air and admire the kaleidoscope of colors. …Read more
It’s Time to Attack Because They’re Back!
Squash Bugs!!! They are the worst pest ever! Nick Volesky from our Utah Pests Vegetable IPM advisory recently wrote a post on squash bug management. If you grow squash, it is a must read!Read more
Weather Damage to Vegetables
As if this year could be any more stressful – we are seeing injury to plants from an unlikely culprit – weather. Check out this recent Utah Pests Vegetable advisory with descriptions, images and secondary disease injury that you might be noticing in your own garden.Read more
Upcoming Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping (CWEL) Virtual Field Day
Check out this ‘cool’ upcoming virtual field day hosted by CWEL. The Center for Water Efficient Landscaping would like to invite you to attend a virtual field day on June 18, 2020. This Zoom-based field day will feature our faculty, staff, and graduate students showcasing research and Extension projects that address urban water use, turfgrass…Read more
2020 Is Certainly A Year for the History Books!
No doubt, we will all remember the year 2020! So many remarkable events have already occurred this year – and it’s only June!!! One significant event that occurred this year might have slipped by you unnoticed? What, you were distracted by an earthquake, pandemic and protests? – excuses, excuses! If you missed this article in KSL…Read more
Great Webinar Series To Keep You Informed!
Hi Folks, this one got emailed to me and I SIMPLY had to share it with you! Check out this announcement from the Xerces Society about an online Gardening for Invertebrates webinar series. Enjoy!Read more
The Pests Are Back in Town!
It’s time to monitor tree fruits! Check out the most recent Fruit IPM Advisory for updates on codling moth, fire blight and more!Read more
Murder Hornets Might Pass on Taking Up Residence in Utah
To skiers, Utah is a magnet! But to murder hornets, the verdict is out – and this is good news for local beekeepers! Utah might escape a murder hornet migration because we are 1) too high and 2) too dry. If you missed it, check out this recent article published on ksl.com.Read more
The Gardening Bug Is At Infestation Level!
Gardening is certainly in the air. I have been awed at the amount of neighbors who are out working in their gardens. If there is a year for growing plants, this is the one! I loved this recent article in BBC – it describes what we have been seeing at the Salt Lake County Extension…Read more
Farmers’ Feeding Utah
If you are looking for a way to give to those in need and Utah farmers during this COVID-19 crises, there may be an easier way. Farmers Feeding Utah is a 501(c)(5) that, well in their words “connects Utahns in need with safe and locally-grown food. 100 percent of donations will go to purchasing, processing and distributing…Read more
It’s Time to Monitor Fruit Trees!
Some things happen once in a lifetime and others return every year. This post is devoted to the later – and fruit trees. We have a recent advisory from the Utah Pests Team on fireblight risk, coddling moth and more! Check it out here.Read more
Finally Some Better News About Insect Populations!
It has been interesting that amid this COVID-19 crises some of the best news has come out of Mother Nature. One of our currently Master Gardeners passed this link onto me. Insect populations may be faring better than we thought – which is exactly what I, for one, really needed and wanted to hear! BBC…Read more
The State of Local Food Markets Revealed
So much has emerged in the news of late about the impact of COVID-19 on our local food supply and farmers and ranchers. I was made aware this week an excellent new blog written by our USU Extension Food and Agriculture Marketing Specialist, Dr. Kynda Curtis called Marketing in Motion. The most recent blog post discusses the…Read more
April Showers Bring May Flowers!
Spring is officially right around the corner and with Mother’s Day just shy of a month away, our last spring frost for 2018 is almost history! It’s time to hit the garden shoveling, pulling, planting, fertilizing, composting or whatever else lands you in your happy place. Personally, I’m excited about some new raised bed gardens…Read more
A New Threat on the Horizon
I understand, the last thing you need is more bad news. But there is a new pest in town, and it is a bad one. This threat is not viral, its an insect – specifically a beetle. And it’s name…the Japanese Beetle. It’s time to educate ourselves on the Japanese Beetle. Check out these recent…Read more
Your Corona Virus Checklist
USU Extension has put together a really helpful site on all things Coronavirus – from parenting to food to mental and emotional well being to finances. And remember, gardening is excellent therapy too! USU Extension COVID-19 ResourcesRead more