Villarino: Benefits of Soil Sampling
Farmers across Texas are familiar with standard soil testing procedures and many make use of soil tests to determine fertilizer applications for a wide range of crops and soil types. You have likely been encouraged to soil test annually and “Don’t Guess—Soil Test” to better pinpoint your soil fertility program. According to Dr. Calvin Trostle, Extension Agronomy, TAMU Soil & Crop Sciences there are considerations to help you...
How to Spot Freeze Damage on Trees, by Mario Villarino
Over a week after severe winter weather in East Texas, many landowners may just now be seeing signs of freeze damage to forest trees and having concerns that some trees may not make it. “The most common sign of freeze damage on trees is the turning of needles and leaves from a dark green to a strange reddish-gray color,” said Eric Taylor, Texas A&M Forest Service silviculturist, Overton. “Other than the strange color, the crowns...
What’s In the Bag? by Mario Villarino
On any visit to a nursery or a big-box garden center one will find many types of soil additives and amendments. It can be confusing to any gardener, as compost, mulch, potting soil, and potting mix are all commonly sold in bags. Selecting the right product for your garden will not only improve your soil, but also result in healthier, more productive plants. Knowing what is in the bag and how to use it can be the key to gardening...
How to Assess Tree Damage Due to Icy Weather, by Mario Villarino
Recently I have got several reports of tree deaths due to the recent ice-storm. According to Texas A&M AgriLife storms can leave trees looking like there is no tomorrow. Major limbs may be broken or damaged, foliage can be shredded or stripped, or the bark may be torn or gouged. But what at first glance may look like mortal wounds are not necessarily fatal to a tree. Trees have an amazing ability to recover from storm damage....
Democrats Host Two Texas Young Democrat Chairs
At the regular meeting of the Hopkins County Democrats, visitors included the current National Committeewoman for Texas Young Democrats Jara Butler and Kendall Scudder, former National Committee Chair for Texas Young Democrats. Scudder has announced his candidacy for the local seat in the Texas State Senate currently held by Republican Bob Hall. Ms. Butler, a schoolteacher in Dallas, has been politically active since high school. As a...
