News Stories - Page 429

Home gardeners who want to try their hand at growing organic vegetables should lower their expectations just a little and be prepared to put in more “sweat equity.”

University of Georgia research isn’t done just by professors in laboratories in Athens, Ga. It’s also conducted in fields, orchards and gardens statewide by UGA Cooperative Extension agents, who look to solve problems for the people in their counties.

On April 3, southern gardeners will have a new tool to help them in the garden. “Your Southern Garden” with Walter Reeves, a new educational television show, will premiere to help gardeners of all levels learn new tips, get fresh ideas and visit interesting sites. The show will air weekly on Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. and repeat at 6:30 p.m. on Georgia Public Broadcasting stations and select northern and central Florida public television stations.

A University of Georgia horticulture expert will teach Gardening 101 on April 5 at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens, Ga.

Homeowners may know to inspect potted plants for diseases, insects and other signs of an unhealthy plant before buying them. But University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialists say sod should be inspected, too, before it’s rolled out and installed.

With shovels in tow, Master Gardeners across Georgia help their communities by conducting special gardening programs, writing news stories and lending their expertise wherever needed.

Chuck Leavell, the Deen Brothers and Gov. Sonny Perdue were on hand March 16 for the 7th annual Georgia Agriculture Day, the traditional kick-off of Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week, which runs March 15-19. During the event, Leavell and Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue recognized the regional winners of the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award given annually to farmers who do an exceptional job protecting their land and promoting environmental practices in agriculture. The Deen Brothers, Jamie and Bobby, announced the winners of the 2010 Flavor of Georgia contest.

As a young boy, Ted Dennard learned the art of beekeeping. Today, he uses his passion for honey to earn a living. He’s the founder of Savannah Bee Company, which sells pure, raw honey and honey products. His Grill Honey took top prize in the annual Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest Tuesday in Atlanta.

Georgia vegetable growers can provide feedback on proposed food safety standards March 25 at a special produce safety standard development meeting in Tifton.