July 2014 sets a record for cool temperatures (Graphic by Pat Guinan, climatologist for University of Missouri Extension’s Commercial Agriculture Program) If you thought July in Missouri was a bit on the cool side, you’re right. Shots of cool air from

“She turned to the sunlight And shook her yellow head, And whispered to her neighbour: “Winter is dead.” ~ A.A. Milne from “When We Were Very Young” Nothing signals the end of winter like bright daffodils and colorful tulips. Spring flowering b

Seed pods on chestnut trees grown at the MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center in New Franklin, MO (photo by CAFNR’s Kyle Spradley) Finding alternative crops for small to medium size farms can be daunting. In the Midwest one crop is emerging

Tornado near Trenton, MO. Photo credit: Amy Madden Nearly 31 days  of low temperatures in March saw a month that was more lion than lamb. There was even a temperature record set. April is bringing somewhat milder temperatures, but is shaping-up to be sto

“Carrots are divine, you get a dozen for a dime, it’s maaaaaaagic!” ~ Bugs Bunny (Photo from the National Garden Bureau) Bugs Bunny was never seen without a carrot at hand. Could it be the nutritional boost he got from his favorite food that kept hi

“In my garden, care stops at the gate and gazes at me wistfully through the bars.” ~ Alexander Smith, Scottish poet (Photo from the National Garden Bureau) Peas are one of first vegetables that you’ll plant and harvest. The crisp texture and sweet t

“A flower blossoms for its own joy.” ~ Oscar Wilde (Photo by National Garden Bureau) It’s small wonder that petunias continue to rank among the most popular flowering annuals. With over 75 varieties available from different companies, these bright a

“The cucumber is about as close to neutrality as a vegetable can get without ceasing to exist.” ~ Waverley Lewis Root, author (Photo by Jessica Salmond) Love them or hate them, cucumbers are an interesting vegetable. They’re a fruit, but classified

“A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” ~ Carl Reiner (Chart from The Missouri Climate Center) I saw a robin red breast today. Hopefully it is an indication that winter will soon release its grip on the Show-Me S

“The income tax has made more liars out of Americans than golf.” ~ Will Rogers (Photo in the Public Domain) Scam artists are always on the look-out for ways to steal somebody else’s money. Income tax is another avenue they can use to rip you off and