Understanding the New USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Changes

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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently updated its Plant Hardiness Zone Map, an essential tool for gardeners and landscapers. These changes reflect significant shifts in climate patterns and are vital for successful gardening and farming. This article explores why the USDA made these changes, the specific alterations, and how they will impact gardening and landscaping practices.

Why the Change?

The primary reason for updating the hardiness zone map is climate change. Over the… Read more »

From Farm to Feast: A Guide to Choosing and Cooking Your Thanksgiving Turkey

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Just a little over a week until Thanksgiving, so you need to get your orders placed if you are buying fresh birds from a local retailer. This year, getting a bird should be easier than before since the supplies are less tight than they have been. This year, the American Farm Bureau Federation expects a decline in turkey prices of -22% from last year, falling from $1.63 a pound in 2022 to $1.27 in 2023…. Read more »

Thanksgiving: How Much Water Does It Take

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Before accusing anyone of being a Thanksgiving Scrooge, please consider that the most significant food holiday in the U.S. is an ideal opportunity to discuss water use for food. Water is used in all steps of the Thanksgiving process and every meal. What we eat can collectively make a huge difference in water use and waste. It may be the simplest and most effective way to approach today’s water challenges. The Ground Rules Water use… Read more »

How To Save Irrigation Water During Winter

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Surprisingly winter is one of the best times to save irrigation water. From now through April-May, your JAIN Unity smart irrigation controller provides significant payback toward annual water and cost savings. Depending on geographic location in the U.S., you may shut down your irrigation system altogether or only need to water minimally. A unique Unity feature, precious in the winter months, uses forecasted weather to eliminate unnecessary irrigation. It automatically adjusts your schedule… Read more »

How To Evaluate A Landscape Irrigation System

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Evaluating a landscape irrigation system can be overwhelming, and putting a priority on water management sets companies apart. It would be best if you had a plan for finding a point of connection, checking a meter, locating controllers, valves, and developing retrofit opportunities. It’s a lot for most contractors to handle, and the information below will give you a good start.

Start With A Checklist For The Landscape Irrigation System

A checklist needs some necessary information about… Read more »

No-Till November (No-Till Farming)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-iqGOTalIQ

What is No-Till Farming?

The United States Department of Agriculture is celebrating No-Till November again this year. To till or not to till is a controversial subject for many growers, and the USDA is doing an excellent job promoting the no-till practice. The USDA is using social media, email, and a fun photo campaign promoting the no-till practice. No-till farming has been around for 10,000 years but has increased in popularity more recently. No-till and… Read more »

3 Easy Improvements For Your Garden

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It’s time to apply some easy improvements for your garden. Winter is one of my favorite times of the year for the garden because it provides time for spring planning. Spring, summer, and fall are the perfect times to work in your yard, and winter is time to work on the garden. You don’t need to be a famous garden designer to make changes and improvements. You already know what you like…. Read more »