Have you ever wondered why plant names are in Latin? Latin, a language originating from Italy, spread throughout Europe with the expansion of the Roman Empire. It was widely spoken during the Middle Ages and used by scholars in science and literature as early as the fifth century. Although scientist...

October is peak season for admiring fall foliage and soon those leaves will begin to fall, if they haven’t already done so. Before you start to clean them up, Virginia Tech turf experts suggest that you try a different approach instead of bagging and tossing. “If you collect leaves, it’s ideal to co...

Every gardener has a fall to-do list to complete: pulling annuals, raking leaves and storing hoses and other garden tools. They aren’t the most exciting tasks, but planning for your spring garden now saves time next year. While you have your garden journal out to record this year’s observations (see...

The county, regional and state fairs are some of our most anticipated and beloved traditions, especially for rural folk. Some families work all year long to have their animals, quilts, canning and other entries ready for the local fairs. For years, we went as a family to see the sights, check our ri...

After your lawn gets its last cut before winter, it will be time to put away spring and summer outdoor power equipment, like lawn mowers, leaf blowers and trimmers. It’s also important to ready snow throwers, generators and other small engine equipment for winter use. How and when you prepare your e...

No matter carrots, turnips or potatoes, the scope of my experience with preserving garden vegetables was fairly limited growing up. We usually put up and froze a few bushels of corn, but that was usually about it. Aside from a few frozen items, my family subsisted on a lot of canned food, both store...

No, we’re not talking about that maze you need to drive through if you want to get to Logan International outside of Boston. Low tunnels are an inexpensive and ingenious way to extend your growing season. Check out the information on these short-statured wonders provided by West Virginia Extension: ...

Here at Country Culture, we like to share relevant information with you – the things we know will help set you up for success in your rural lifestyle and homesteading adventures. We also like to provide you with some facts that may be outside the box. For example, there are certain breeds of pigs th...

It wouldn’t be autumn without the bright orange sighting of pumpkins. Some pumpkins are for decorating; others are for eating. Pumpkins are one of the most nutrient dense fruits that you can eat. Health Benefits of Pumpkins Pumpkins are high in fiber – Pumpkin is a high fiber food with 2.7 grams of ...