Category Archives: Uncategorized
Snapdragons are an underused cool-season flower
Nearly everyone who desires fall color in their yards in eastern North Carolina plants pansies and mums. A few grow ornamental cabbage and kale. They’re pretty, but I like variety, and snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) can provide a wide array of … Continue reading
Epsom salts are an old time and probably over-rated remedy
Over the years Epsom salt has been recommended to treat so many ailments it is mind boggling. For generations this simple chemical composed of magnesium sulfur and oxygen has been used on humans, livestock and plants. Some gardeners swear by … Continue reading
Does anyone remember horehound candy?
When I was young I remember eating this strange hard candy. A few of my elderly newspaper customers usually had it around. Whenever I had a cough, this one lady always gave me some. You’re supposed to suck on the … Continue reading
Sometimes beauty is only skin deep
There are many plants in our landscape that we don’t want, at least in that location and we call them weeds. A major one in soybean and other crops is one from that same bean family. It’s called sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia). … Continue reading
My problems with cell phones
This is not my typical column, but anyone who knows me knows I don’t carry a cell phone. I have numerous reasons for not totally joining the 21st century. Some may not make any sense to anyone. I used to … Continue reading
Water Hemlock is a common poisonous native plant
We’ve all heard the story of how Socrates was forced to drink a potion containing poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). All parts of it are toxic, and the plant is relatively common in many places including this region. Plants are deathly … Continue reading
Cattail pollen is a fleeting delicacy
A few years back I wrote a column about the survival uses of cattails (Typha latifolia). There are many. This time I want to focus only on cattail pollen. It has been shedding now for over a week and if … Continue reading
So, when do we plant?
I hear that question so often. The obvious answer is another question; what do you want to plant? Things can get complicated. Shrubs and trees can be planted pretty much any time the ground isn’t frozen. Dormant perennials can usually … Continue reading
Dementia is something we all worry about
I was racking my brain trying to come up with a timely column this week. Somebody suggested dementia. I laughed. After a little musing I decided it was a fair topic to discuss. I’ve noticed memory lapses, particularly short-term in … Continue reading
Modern farmers must possess many skills
Occasionally I hear someone refer to an individual as a dumb farmer. It really irks me. Farmers of today must be on the cutting edge of technology, proficient in math and experienced in marketing. In our area we have farmers … Continue reading
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