Articles written by Dean Fosdick
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Home gardeners can help the hungry by donating some harvest
Gardening's popularity has surged during the coronavirus pandemic; it provides exercise, outdoor time, emotional well-being and wholesome produce. Home gardening also can provide some hunger relief to others during a time of rising food insecurity....
Cooperative Extension adapts to a less agricultural America
In its century of existence, the Cooperative Extension System has been a valuable resource distributing university-driven, science-based information — mostly about farming and gardening — to the public. But in today's less agricultural America, t...
Err on the side of caution when the refrigerator loses power
When storms knock out the power, what's the best way to handle refrigerated or frozen foods? Err on the cautious side. When in doubt, throw the food out. "Food can be very expensive to throw away but not as costly as food-borne illnesses, which can...
Ladybug, where have you gone? Aphid fighters tend to roam
To some casual observers, ladybugs (or lady beetles) are colorful symbols of good luck — harbingers of fortune and fame. Gardeners value them for their utility as ravenous insects that prey upon plant pests. They buy them by the hundreds online or...
From drones to phones, new tech is making gardening easier
New technology is easing the way we garden, store equipment, monitor watering and re-shape landscapes. And some of those tasks can be done remotely, using phones or tablets. The innovations extend well beyond downloading a few apps. New to the...
Efforts aim to limit the spread of fire ants in the US
They sting, damage crops and wildlife, and are extending their range in the United States. Imported fire ants are unwelcome guests here, and careless plant shipping helps them spread. A colony was discovered this spring in palm trees sent from Florid...
Saving seeds also saves money and plant history
Seed saving is precisely that. Gathering seed saves money for the next planting season and also saves genetic strains that may have originated generations ago in family gardens. But it takes planning and good timing. "Seed saving has always been a...
Livestock guardian dogs help protect poultry, herd animals
Livestock guardian dogs (sometimes called LGDs) can be lifesavers, not only for herd animals and poultry but also for farmers and ranchers trying to build a profitable business. Laura Faley owns Hidden Meadow Ranch near Mount Vernon, Washington,...
Weed control starts with the seeds
Weed seeds are among the most patient organisms in nature. Many weeds can produce thousands of seeds per plant per year, and those seeds might lie dormant for decades, just waiting for the right conditions to sprout. If you want to control weeds,...
