Monroe County Extension Office

Learn how to prepare Spaghetti, Acorn and Butternut squash, so you can enjoy these seasonal favorites.
http://happyhealthy.ms/tips-videos/how-prepare-winter-squash-cooking



https://youtu.be/e3O1eQXoJKE

Try this quick Chicken and Rice Casserole that's loaded with flavor.
http://happyhealthy.ms/recipes/chicken-and-rice-casserole



https://youtu.be/NmQrSDNyHMo

When you choose to spend time with family grocery shopping, cooking, or being active you are HappyHealthy Living!



https://youtu.be/LxyQV0Q-4UQ

Packed with flavor, this Cabbage Stir Fry recipe is a great way to add vegetables to a meal.
http://happyhealthy.ms/recipes/cabbage-stir-fry



https://youtu.be/XJmSxujEJeg

Easy to make Overnight Oats with Blueberries recipe is perfect for breakfast or a snack.
http://happyhealthy.ms/recipes/overnight-oats-blueberries



https://youtu.be/hMrPgQRvTQE

Walking is a great way to be active, especially when joined by a friend. This Combo Walk video has great tips to help you start today.
http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/being-active-1



https://youtu.be/TTP-IVRqleQ

For a quick meal your family will love, try this Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables recipe.
http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/recipes/slow-cooker-whole-chicken-and-vegetables



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HcjGcGoG-s

Today is a good day to start spending more time together as a family cooking, grocery shopping and being active. That’s what HappyHealthy Living is all about!
https://youtu.be/LxyQV0Q-4UQ

Soil pH and Tree Species Suitability in Mississippi | Mississippi State University Extension Service

"Suitability of the species of tree you wish to grow depends primarily on soil characteristics of your site. Among the many soil properties, pH is one of the most limiting. Soil pH provides a good indication of a soil’s chemical status and can help determine potential plant growth."

Soil pH and Tree Species Suitability in Mississippi | Mississippi State University Extension Service Suitability of the species of tree you wish to grow depends primarily on soil characteristics of your site. Among the many soil properties, pH is one of the most limiting. Soil pH provides a good indication of a soil’s chemical status and can help determine potential plant growth. This publication...

Chicken Broccoli Skillet recipe is easy to make and only uses one pan.
http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/recipes/chicken-broccoli-skillet



https://youtu.be/bU0I2nRW4Xo

Apiculture: Honey Bee Health

"Like most domesticated livestock systems, honey bees can be subject to multiple management and health challenges. Several common problems are associated with declining honey bee health. Diminishing sources of nutrition and forage result from habitat loss. Pesticides and other environmental contaminants harm honey bee health. Increased management stressors, including the increased impact and variety of parasites, pathogens, and pests, are also consistently ranked among the top concerns for beekeepers."

Apiculture: Honey Bee Health Honey bees are general pollinators that visit a wide variety of flower types while traveling an average of almost 3 miles from their hives. These characteristics make them the most important commercial pollinator in the world. The demand for honey bee pollination is increasing due to the increase in...

This Quick Chili recipe is easy to make for your family on a fall day.
http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/recipes/quick-chili


https://youtu.be/rNQbRps6qXo

National 4-H Hall of Fame welcomes Gordon | Mississippi State University Extension Service

National 4-H Hall of Fame welcomes Gordon | Mississippi State University Extension Service A man who spent his whole life helping others become their best selves is being honored this fall by induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. Harvey Lee Gordon, Sr., originally of Leland, Mississippi in Washington County, served as a 4-H state specialist with the Mississippi....

Packing lunch for work, grocery shopping or being active at home are all great ways to spend time together as a family - and that's HappyHealthy Living!
https://youtu.be/LxyQV0Q-4UQ

Children often are hungry on weekends; HappyHealthy invites you to donate healthy foods to local food pantries or organizations for Backpacks.
http://happyhealthy.ms/tips-videos/how-backpack-buddies.




https://youtu.be/4Kf_Jcmc1u4

With just 3 ingredients, these Energy Bites are a perfect after school snack.
http://happyhealthy.ms/recipes/energy-bites



https://youtu.be/eIGu1r4BerE

Here are some ideas for Simple Family Fun so you can be more active with your family. All you need is 20-30 minutes.
http://happyhealthy.ms/being-active-3

https://youtu.be/k_OPElb_ncM

Hot, dry summer reduced state’s average corn yield | Mississippi State University Extension Service

"The state’s corn crop suffered through a very hot and dry summer after a later-than-usual planting season, so yields will be lower this year."

Hot, dry summer reduced state’s average corn yield | Mississippi State University Extension Service The state’s corn crop suffered through a very hot and dry summer after a later-than-usual planting season, so yields will be lower this year -- but not much lower overall. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated the crop was 71% harvested as of Sept. 11. Frequent rains in late August and earl...

Are you ready to start HappyHealthy Living? Today is a great day to spend time together as a family cooking, grocery shopping and being active.
https://youtu.be/LxyQV0Q-4UQ

We are getting ready for the holidays! Online ordering opened today. Get your , while quantities are available. Visit msucheese.com

They are Nekkid ladies around here! What do you call them?

What do you call these?? There’s so many nicknames! Fall heralds the appearance of one of the most fascinating flowering plants we can enjoy in our landscapes and gardens...Lycoris! You might recognize them as those flowers that seem to pop up out nowhere.

Now, we realize that most gardeners don’t call this plant by its botanical name.

Most of the common names for Lycoris rely on the fact that this plant has a unique way of growing. In the early spring, strap-like foliage appears and looks very much like daffodil foliage, but without any flowering. It disappears after a few weeks.

Then, in the fall, tall flower stalks seem to magically appear and surprise many folks.

This gives rise to some of the popular, common names for Lycoris: surprise or resurrection lilies.

Another name more commonly used in the coastal region is hurricane lily. This name is from the fact that they bloom during hurricane season, not because they are storm predictors.

Botanically, when a plant blooms without any leaves, the flowers are referred to as being naked. So, you may have called Lycoris “naked ladies,” or as some horticultural aficionados say, “nekkid” ladies.

Lycoris flowers are very fine-textured and delicate. Their exotic and spidery look leads to yet another common name: spider lilies. They remind many folks of the spidery flowers of our spring-blooming native azaleas.

In Mississippi, we primarily see the red Lycoris radiata, which is a long-lived heirloom and a popular pass-along plant with gardeners. There are also beautiful yellow selections and even a white variety.

There are many other Lycoris species, but most need a colder winter than we typically have in Mississippi.

🌱Plant Lycoris bulbs in the fall. Some independent garden centers will have the bulbs for sale, but if you have friends with Lycoris growing in their landscapes, ask if you can dig up a few to take home. Most gardeners will be willing to share this wonderful plant.

☀️Plant in the full sun. Since Lycoris has such a unique growth habit, be careful to choose a site where the emerging flowers won’t get trampled or cut with the lawn mower.

Whatever you call Lycoris, this is one plant everyone should have at least a couple of in their landscape. They’re easy to care for. Proof of this is the fact that they are commonly seen growing completely unattended at old home sites long after the house is gone!!

Use these tips for Handwashing so you stay healthy and your food is safe to eat.
http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/tips-videos/how-handwashing



https://youtu.be/YsnYdDbGWAk

An easy recipe for you and your family to make together! Fiesta Taco Pizza is perfect for lunch or dinner.
http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/recipes/fiesta-taco-pizza

https://youtu.be/CnuWO2r7EXY

Timeline photos

MSU Extension will be closed on Monday, September 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 6 at 8 a.m. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!

One of the most important things you can do for your children's future is to spend time with them cooking, grocery shopping and being active. That's what HappyHealthy Living is all about!
https://youtu.be/-reSmHxnHTY

The Monroe County 4-H Club will be hosting an interest meeting on August 23 at 5:30 pm at the Extension office to discuss launching a brand-new kayak and canoe club. 4-H'ers ages 10-18 as of Jan. 1 are invited. This is a very different program than anything we've ever offered. Since this program will eventually have kids in the water, there are strict rules that will be enforced at all times. Failure to abide by any of these rules will lead to IMMEDIATE dismissal from this program. Students MUST know how to swim to participate. If your student doesn't know how to swim, please do not bring them to this meeting. Also, if students meet the initial requirements, parents MUST commit to being at each and every meeting for this club. If you cannot arrange for you or another guardian to be present at all times, please do not sign your child up. This first meeting will just be to gauge interest, but if you do not meet the initial criteria, there will be no need to come. We are looking forward to launching this program, but safely.

*We realize this is short notice, but if you plan to attend the meeting tomorrow, please call the Extension Office by 5 pm today. We do have some guest speakers coming and need to let them know a headcount.

Check out ways your children can be active with this new Play It Up video.
http://happyhealthy.ms/being-active-11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeeOMuBNFtM

Going back to school is a good time to start HappyHealthy Living. From after school snacks to spending time as a family cooking, grocery shopping and being active together, today is a great day to begin.

https://youtu.be/-reSmHxnHTY

Although delayed, look out for annual fall armyworm arrival | Mississippi State University Extension Service

"Area pastures, hay fields and lawns are threatened annually by fall armyworms, and close observation and quick action are the only ways to successfully battle the pests again this year."

Although delayed, look out for annual fall armyworm arrival | Mississippi State University Extension Service Mississippi pastures, hay fields and lawns are threatened annually by fall armyworms, and close observation and quick action are the only ways to successfully battle the pests again this year. Keith Whitehead works in Franklin County with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. He said n...

4-H 4 HOMESCHOOL!
Calling all homeschoolers! You are invited to participate in our monthly meetings at the Monroe County Extension Office. We meet the last Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am.

Please make plans to join us August 30!!

With school back in session, this a great way to get involved and meet other homeschoolers! Please RSVP by August 25.

HappyHealthy Living means spending quality time with your family and teaching them good habits about cooking, grocery shopping and being active. Today is a great day to start!
https://youtu.be/-reSmHxnHTY

For a quick snack and a new way to use chickpeas, try this Roasted Chickpeas recipe that's crunchy and delicious.

http://happyhealthy.ms/recipes/roasted-chickpeas

https://youtu.be/Y5sx8ug1pog

Being active for 20 minutes each day makes you feel better and relieves stress. Use the Aim for 20 video to get started.

http://happyhealthy.ms/being-active-2

https://youtu.be/2G0d_M_Nd1o

Try this great summertime recipe - Baked Tomatoes - a great way to add flavor and vegetables to a meal.


http://happyhealthy.ms/recipes/baked-tomatoes

https://youtu.be/fKH84Z89JUs

extension.msstate.edu

"Home canning gives a great feeling of pride and accomplishment. It brings family members together in creative activity. It provides security in having food within an arm’s reach. It offers a supply of food prepared according to family preferences and special dietary needs."

https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p1152_1.pdf

extension.msstate.edu

Try this Spring Roll in a Bowl recipe that's quick to make and packed with flavor.
http://happyhealthy.ms/recipes/spring-roll-bowl



https://youtu.be/Un88pgjLof0

Here's a Quick Lasagna recipe that's easy to prepare for your family.
http://happyhealthy.ms/recipes/quick-lasagna



https://youtu.be/CqNCh_Nvc_A

For National Pollinator Week, don't forget to include host plants in your pollinator gardens! These host plants are the nurseries of the pollinator garden, where the eggs and immature insects grow before metamorphosis into butterflies and moths.

Some examples include:
Dill, fennel, and parsley- Eastern black swallowtail
Cassias- sulfur butterfly
Hollyhock- painted lady
Passion vines- Gulf fritillary butterfly
Milkweed- monarch butterfly
Bean plant- long-tailed skipper