Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. Without a doubt this has turned into a cucumber summer. Since we are right now smack dab in the middle of the two hottest months of the…
Category: Farm & Outdoors
Regenerative agriculture makes for happier soil
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. Jefferson is an agriculturally-focused county, and as such, many of us are blessed to be able to get eggs fresh from the chickens, enjoy watermelon not only…
Leaves & limestone
Jennifer Mason Contributor These two things are essential for growing any kind of plant that you want to place in the wild world. Leaves, as they decompose, build the soil and add…
The berry best month of the year is here
Christian Peterson ECB Publishing, Inc. July is most famous for one reason: the celebration of Independence Day. However, for the agriculture community, there is another reason to celebrate. July is the height…
Palmetto Pioneers launches Monticello walking tour
Story Submitted Palmetto Pioneers Prose and the Monticello Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the launch of the first-of-its-kind self-guided walking tour of Monticello. The VoiceMap tour is designed…
How to make bathrooms safer for seniors
Metro Media Maintaining a sense of independence throughout retirement can inspire seniors to live their golden years to the fullest. For many seniors, nothing is more emblematic of their ability to stay…
Small renovations that make a big impact
Metro Media Homeowners may think they have to tear down walls or build room extensions to transform their homes with renovation projects. But small projects can yield impressive results, and that’s something…
Pruning for flowering shrubs and trees
Ed Duke and Sam Hand Florida A&M University As a general rule, pruning is best done on small growth, except for the purpose of plant restoration. Mutilating a tree, such as crepe…
4-H Wildlife Camp offers outdoor experiences
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. On June 2 through 6, 57 participating youth and nine teen counselors from Jefferson and Leon counties met at the Jefferson County UF/IFAS Extension for the 4-H…
What is lurking in your dirt?
Kathy Egan ECB Publishing, Inc. Whether you have the privilege of operating a 1000-acre farm or simply want the prettiest backyard garden you can create, resources are available at the Jefferson County…
Fun from Field to Fork
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Among the 4-H summer camps held by the Jefferson County UF/IFAS Extension Office this year was Field to Fork, instructed by Horticulture/Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent Ben…
Laura’s Garden Notes: a breath of garden air
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s July in North Florida, and this is a great time to appreciate the wonderful aromas involved in gardening. Your arm brushes a…
Non-profit provides accessible entrance for veteran
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. Bright and early on June 25, volunteers with FL Cares, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, got to work at the home of a 68-year-old Navy veteran in the Asheville-Greenville…
First Watermelon Festival Kickoff Block Party held
Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. The 2025 Watermelon Festival saw the start of something new on June 6 with the introduction of the Kickoff Block Party to the lineup of festival events,…
FWC announces start dates of scalloping season
Leah Androski ECB Publishing, Inc. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) recently announced the starting dates for the 2025 scalloping season. Bay scallop season kicks off in the Fenholloway— Suwannee River…
Home Grown Eggs – Is buying farm-fresh eggs worth it?
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. In years past, it wasn’t uncommon for an individual to consider purchasing eggs at a higher price from a local farm or homestead, rather than buying eggs…
Laura’s Garden Notes: Relishing relish
Laura Young ECB Publishing, Inc. As I headed to Alaska for vacation a few weeks ago, I left behind a garden with knee-high corn, baby winter squashes, blooming tomato plants, lush celery,…
Avoiding a summer at home that bites
Heather Ainsley ECB Publishing, Inc. Many wonderful things are synonymous with the approach of summer. As school years across the state end, and the days grow long and hot, it brings to…
Longleaf pine planting fund available for landowners’ projects
I was just informed about a program that is great for those who are trying to convert pasture into pines, or those who have cut their trees and would like help replanting….
UF offers a livestock judging camp
Leah Androski ECB Publishing, Inc. The University of Florida (UF) is offering a Livestock Judging Camp on Wednesday, July 16, through Saturday, July 19, with three different camps being held at the…