• " "
  • " "
  • " "
  • " "
  • " "

Environment Blog Posts

Lovebug on green leaf with green background

February 14, 2025

In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about love… lovebugs, that is!

Rose bush being pruned with pruners

February 4, 2025

If you have rose bushes in your landscape, now is the time for pruning! Heavy pruning needs to be done mid-February to mid-March while the plants are still dormant.

Several human hands hold dirt

January 24, 2025

Are you already thinking about what you will plant this spring and summer? If you are, don’t forget to test your soil. It’s the best way to know if your garden or lawn needs critical nutrients and how much.

Eastern redcedar needles and berries

December 6, 2024

The Eastern redcedar, scientifically known as Juniperus virginiana, is a versatile and resilient evergreen tree native to North America. 

gifts wrapped in fabric scraps, recycled paper, raffia, and homemade embelishments

December 3, 2024

It’s the holiday season, and many of us like to celebrate this time of year by decorating our homes and gathering with friends and family to enjoy fellowship, food, and gift giving. But it is also a time of increased household waste. These tips can help you have a more sustainable holiday.

Water dripping from faucet

November 15, 2024

Colder weather is just around the corner! Do you have a plan to winterize your home for when freezing temperatures arrive? Preparing your home for the cold not only ensures comfort, but also helps protect your home from damage. 

Ginkgo yellow leaves in the fall

November 4, 2024

The ginkgo tree, scientifically known as Ginkgo biloba, is an incredible species that stands out because of its unique characteristics and beauty.

Black Widow spider

October 25, 2024

It’s spooky season, and there’s nothing as spooky to some people as a creepy-crawly spider! Many people have arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders.

Homemade pumpkin, bat, monster Halloween decor with a toilet paper roll, tin can, and water bottle.

October 18, 2024

Halloween spending is expected to reach $11.6 billion this year, and many of those purchases will become waste. Check out these tips for ways to have a more sustainable holiday.

Sun shining through red maple tree branches

October 4, 2024

In the fall, I love driving down the road to see beautiful trees changing color as they prepare to drop their leaves for the winter. My favorite trees, however, are magnificent, fiery red maple trees. Their color stands so boldly against the yellow and brown background of the other fall colors.

Person applying lime to yard.

September 24, 2024

As summer comes to an end, the time for fall lawn care approaches. Warm-season grass growth is beginning to slow down while temperatures become slightly cooler. 

Sycamore leaves and fruit

September 6, 2024

Next time you’re walking in the woods or in the park, take a moment to look up. If you see a tree that is over 100 ft tall, there is a good chance you are seeing a sycamore tree. 

A pesticide technichian applies a termite treatment around a home foundation.

September 3, 2024

Termites exist all over Mississippi and will eventually infest and damage any structure that contains wood or other cellulose components unless you properly protect those structures.

Irrigation watering system in a garden

August 15, 2024

If there’s one thing that’s important in gardening, it’s proper watering. Vegetable gardens need about 1 inch of water each week.

A person throwing a trash bag into a trash can.

July 31, 2024

If you’ve heard the term “zero waste,” you may be wondering what that is and how it can be possible. Zero waste is aimed at reducing waste throughout the production chain – from the time materials are gathered for production to the time the product is purchased and used by a consumer. Get tips on how to implement the principles into your lifestyle.

Magnolia bloom with dark green leaves.

June 28, 2024

Close your eyes and think back to your childhood.

A well maintained landscape.

June 21, 2024

When it comes to lawn care, summer is one of the busiest times of the year.

Sassafras Tree Leaves

June 3, 2024

This tree is quite a unique specimen. Its qualities – name, oil, habitat, and how it reproduces – make sassafras a tree to marvel at. 

A group of zinnias with the sky in the background.

May 28, 2024

Do you enjoy having cut flowers around the house? With the right preparation and some gardening labor, you can harvest your own blossoms just outside the back door.

White flowers blooming on a tree.

May 7, 2024

We’ve talked about a few trees this year. We hope you’ve learned a thing or two about how to identify different trees! 

Pages

 

 

 

About Extension for Real Life

Extension for Real Life is a product of the MSU Extension Service’s Office of Agricultural Communications.

That’s a long way of saying we are professional communicators who get to talk about food, families, 4-H, flowers, and farming for a living. Pretty good gig, right?

The three main writers for the blog are Ellen Graves (Seamstress of Social Media Strategy), Susan Collins-Smith (Content Connector) and Keri Lewis (Captain Cat Herder). But we get by with a lot of help from our friends in Ag Comm and Extension!

You can reach us at 662-325-2262 or extreallife@msstate.edu

Recent Posts

Lovebug on green leaf with green background
The lovebugs’ enduring bond is seen as a symbol of deep, lasting companionship, making them the perfect representation of love.
What are Lovebugs?
A woman stands in a kitchen.
Show your heart some love with these 7 tips from Extension dietitian nutritionist Qula Madkin.
7 Tips for Heart Health
Rose bush being pruned with pruners
Photo by Adobe Stock
Tips for Pruning Roses