Food is many things. It nourishes our bodies, delights our senses and gives us something to gather around. Food is also a powerful cultural symbol, reflecting traditions, values and histories of communities around the world. But for a researcher in the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture & Life Sci...

The summer months are a time when many of us enjoy lawns. From playing sports to picnicking, lawns can be an important part of our summer experience. With all of this activity, lawns can be sensitive to overuse, and soil compaction may become an issue. What is soil compaction? It’s when the amount o...

It’s tempting to write about spring still, but I have to remind myself that it’s now June and we will soon be in the thick of summer. There shouldn’t be any doubt about that in the context of quickly climbing temperatures, but it’s been an odd transition. We haven’t had much of a “spring” this year ...

The start of spring brings the beginning of another growing season for Northeast farmers. Farmers and home gardeners alike have been busy tilling up their fields and sowing different seeds. You may be itching at the chance to pick that first fruit of the season or to find the farm stand with the fre...

The “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” brand serves up burger recipes and tips to keep grills fired up all summer long. With the weather heating up and cookouts on the horizon, grill masters everywhere are sharpening their skills and preparing to kickoff summer with beef on the grill. In fact, most men...

There’s no denying they’re pretty, but did you know there are practical reasons to plant flowers among the vegetables in your garden? Pollination is a vital component in a successful vegetable garden. Planting flowers is like ringing the dinner bell for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. They’...

A silent auction of small quilts and quilted items at the May 31 – June 2 North Country Quilting Guild Biennial Quilt Show in Clayton, NY, will benefit the needs of cancer patients across a four-county region. The auction proceeds will support the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund that serve...

The Delaware Department of Agriculture recently launched the “Delaware Grown Road Trip” to encourage residents and visitors to hop in their cars to experience Delaware’s rich and flavorful agricultural heritage as they travel rural roads to explore Delaware’s many produce farms, farmers markets and ...

Amelia Evans-Brown from Highland Mountain Farm in Milton, NH, is very passionate about her family’s business, especially when it comes to her 27 Suffolk sheep. Not only does Amelia enjoy shearing, washing and dyeing her own sheep’s wool, she enjoys teaching others to do the same. She teaches wool cl...

Many people equate travel with high prices and some overindulgence. After all, for a lot of people, vacations come but once or twice per year. While it’s true the “go big or go home” mantra is never far from the mind while on vacation, ensuring a fun trip does not require emptying one’s wallet. The ...

Raising a family is an expensive endeavor. A recent report from the USDA estimated that the cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is $233,610. Though parents know that’s a small price to pay for all the joy their children bring into their lives, those same moms and dads also wouldn’t mind a l...

It’s that time of year again. Sunny yellow blossoms pop up all over the landscape, bringing smiles to children’s faces – and frowns to those who favor manicured lawns. Love ‘em, hate ‘em or don’t pay them much attention, there’s a lot to be said about dandelions. Its common name comes from the Frenc...

Many people have rediscovered the great outdoors in the past few years. Social distancing measures greatly restricted indoor gatherings, but outdoor activities, particularly once parks were reopened, allowed people to get out of their homes while still keeping their distance from others. Remote hiki...

Mother’s Day is a time to express love and appreciation for mothers, sentiments that are often expressed with gifts. Flowers are a popular present to bestow on Mother’s Day, as they can brighten a room and bring a sweet aroma to any household. While any flowers may ultimately suffice on Mother’s Day...

Landowners who feel connected to the great outdoors on their all-terrain vehicles should keep some critical safety tips in mind. Safety is especially important in regions with more hills and mountains, according to Curt Porterfield, training coordinator for Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Saf...