News Stories - Page 254

While spring has sprung in much of Georgia, the state may see one last frost this weekend. CAES News
Late cold snap predicted for this weekend in northern Georgia
Even though we’re past the average date for last frost in parts of the Southeast, it is still possible for a cold blast to move through the area. By following the provided tips from UGA Extension, gardeners and homeowners can prepare their vulnerable plants for the worst.
Onion center rot is a devastating disease for Vidalia onion producers in south Georgia. CAES News
UGA researchers develop technology to find rotten onions, prevent spread of disease
Onions, one of the biggest vegetable crops in Georgia, risk disease when they are harvested and stored. To solve this issue, University of Georgia researchers have developed new technologies, including a gas sensor and imaging methods, to detect diseases in onions.
Shamika Robinson, an 11th-grade 4-H'er in Hancock County, Georgia, sent letters and made phone calls that resulted in an ambulance being donated to the Nhyira Medical Relief organization.



Robinson's search for an ambulance ended rather quickly when Jim Adkins, CEO of SouthStar EMS in Augusta, donated a fully equipped ambulance stocked with medical supplies. Having been on eight mission trips to Romania, Adkins had seen firsthand the great need for medical services in developing nations. CAES News
Georgia 4-H student's project gains ambulance for Ghana community
Many teenagers spend their afternoons watching television or playing video games. Georgia 4-H'er Shameka Robinson spends hers helping others, and her efforts recently led to the donation of an ambulance to a community in Ghana, Africa.
Cotton is dumped into a trailer at the Gibbs Farm in Tifton on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013. CAES News
Cotton variety selection key to overcoming low prices
With cotton prices plummeting below 60 cents this winter, selecting a variety to plant for the upcoming season is a critical decision for Georgia farmers. The University of Georgia Cotton Variety Selection Program provides growers with the research-based information they need to produce the state’s No. 1 row crop.
UGA Extension has researched-based resources for those who want to raise backyard chickens. CAES News
Smart purchasing, safe handling help ensure healthy backyard chickens and keepers
This time of year, there’s more than spring in the air. At local farm supply stores, there’s also the urgent peeping of chicks. Who hasn’t been charmed – and tempted – by those adorable downy babies?
Here's a closeup picture of blueberries being grown in Alapaha. Picture taken in May, 2013. CAES News
Early blueberry varieties impacted by deep freezes in January, February
Early blueberry varieties felt the chill of deep freezes during January and February, according to University of Georgia blueberry specialist Erick Smith.
Building a raised bed garden can be the perfect way to have a garden in limited space where the soil conditions are poor. But there are drawbacks to raised bed gardens, like the soil dries out quickly. CAES News
Raised bed gardening comes with pros, cons
Backyard gardeners with limited space may want to try gardening in raised beds. University of Georgia horticulturist David Berle says they are perfect for gardeners who have a “tough, urban site” where the soil conditions are not ideal.
Photos of seeds available at a recent seed swap at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. CAES News
Shop seed catalogs and try new and heirloom varieties in this year's garden
Starting seeds indoors and growing transplants allows home gardeners to try some new varieties that are not available at local garden centers. Check catalogs produced by seed companies and try some new vegetable varieties that are easy to grow and mature quickly.
A vegetable garden in Butts Co., Ga. CAES News
Search for a level, sunny spot when selecting a vegetable garden site
The ideal place for a vegetable garden is a level, well-drained site that receives full sun all day. The site should also get good air circulation and the soil should be loose, fertile and easy to work.