The United Nations worst-case scenario calculation assumes that global food prices will increase by a further 8.5% by 2027. More expensive fertilizers are contributing to these higher costs, with some fertilizers up 300% since September 2020, according to the American Farm Bureau. “Last year [fertilizer] was about $270 a ton and is now over $1,400 … Read more
By JESSICA DAMIANO – Associated Press Many people try to save water just to do the right thing (and save money too). But when a severe drought hits and state and local governments enforce restrictions, water conservation becomes non-negotiable. So far this summer, nearly 65% of the United States and Puerto Rico have experienced “unusually … Read more
Tom Ingram Ask a master gardener “I have friends who have been gardening for a long time and they all seem excited to start their fall vegetable gardens. In fact, they are already starting sowing, although it is only July. Is that correct?” —DD Yes, although we’ve recently transitioned into summer, it’s time to get … Read more
Avid gardeners weren’t the only visitors when I hosted a stop on the Omaha Rose Society tour last weekend. A few people shared that they had seen Japanese bugs on some of my roses, disappointing news for everyone. “We’re not sure what the population will be like this year,” said Scott Evans of Nebraska Extension … Read more
Brian Jervis Ask a master gardener “My tomatoes are not bearing fruit. What’s going on?” — CO Tomatoes are like the prima donnas of the garden. If everything is not right, they will not bear fruit. For better or worse, we had a cooler spring, then rain for a couple of weeks, and then we … Read more
From Pat Eby Special to mailing A boy walks in the protective cover of his father’s footsteps as they plow forward through a sea of grass. Bright cut-outs swirl around their heads to celebrate this everyday moment captured for all time in Yard Work. Artist Amy S. Miller’s narrative, figurative, and colorful paintings are just … Read more
“We hope that as the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them on all our picnics.”– Bill Vaughan Our June weather has been throughout – from cold and wet to hot and humid – making it difficult to do gardening chores when I’m home. The good working weather … Read more
Scott Evans Nebraska Extension With the summer heat upon us and the National Weather Service forecasting temperatures in the upper 90’s and low 100’s, we’re going to have stress in the vegetable garden. One of the best things you can do is mulch your garden. This helps maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds Grass clippings … Read more
Drought is becoming an increasingly common problem. According to NASA, the past 20 years have produced some of the driest conditions in the American West on record. When a drought does occur, it is now more severe and pervasive than it used to be, underscoring the importance of planning for drought before it occurs. Government … Read more
Damage from Tuesday night’s hailstorm can be delayed, so John Porter recommends gardeners inspect their plants again in a couple of weeks. Porter, who works for Douglas-Sarpy Counties’ Nebraska Extension, said the impact of the hail may have caused bruising that doesn’t show up immediately. “Even the smallest little crack is an entry point for … Read more