Columns

What’s That White Stuff On My Plants? Mealybugs Could Be To Blame

If you’ve noticed the presence of white, fluffy, cotton-like formations on your plants, chances are you’ve encountered one of the most common garden pests: mealybugs. These insects are often found on the leaves, stems and flower buds of your plants, leaving you wondering about the identity of this white substance.

Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that belong to the family Pseudococcidae. They are common garden pests known for their ability to infest a wide range of plants both indoors and outdoors. Mealybugs are typically small, ranging from 1/16 to 1/4 inch (1.5 to 6 millimeters) in length, and they are covered with a white, waxy, cottony substance that gives them a distinctive appearance.

Many of you who have followed these articles know the writer’s second interest besides DeSoto Parish history is Western History. Today’s story is on the Chisholm Trail. Not only is this a very important part of the Western History it has a certain sentimental value due to the background related to my wife. Her mother was born and reared in Kansas and related to John Chisholm who was one of the trailblazers of the noted cattle drive trails.

Helen and I just returned from a two weeks vacation that we took in Mississippi. We stayed at Helen’s old home place that she and her first husband built out of pine logs cut on their property over fifty years ago. The house is covered over with brick and looks very nice. There is always upkeep to it, which keeps us busy.

Support Local Farmers When Fall Decorating

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 NKJV When David wrote this psalm he was repenting of sins he committed against God, the people he hurt and against himself. David is giving us two words that are essential for our daily walk with God. These words should be an integral part of our conversation and walk with God so we keep ourselves from falling into repeated sin and crushing our spiritual life. Why is it so important for us to stay away from sin? Why is it so necessary that we stay focused on the things of God? Because we know that the moment we step out of the boundaries that God has set for us we will experience consequences that are not be beneficial to us or others.

What can people that are down and out, nobodies, and people who are dying offer to the rest of mankind that will help them with their lives and perhaps save lives? That is what this lesson is about for 2 Kings, Chapter 7.

“And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate and they said one to another, why sit we here until we die? If we say we will enter into the city, then the famine, is in the city and we shall die there, and if we shall sit here until we die here. Now therefore come and let us fall to the Syrians, if they save us alive, we shall live if they shall kill us, we shall but die.”

DeSoto Extension Agent

The Root of Gardening Success Starts with the Soil

The foundation of our gardening success lies in our soil health. Soil is, of course, the root of all things good in the garden. This is the place where plants anchor their roots, and it is a dynamic ecosystem that impacts the growth, health and vigor of our plants.

Soil health is crucial for providing plants with the necessary nutrients, water and physical support they need to grow and thrive. When the soil is healthy, plants are healthier, more productive and better equipped to resist pests, diseases and other stressors. Soil helps plants be more resilient to environmental stresses such as extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall and drought.

Out of Box

There are days we run across a recipe that puts you on the fence. It sounds intriguing, but at the same time, you question whether it will really be good or not. Do you make it? Or keep searching for something else for dinner? What about when you are invited over to a friend’s house for dinner, and you are served a dish you have never tried, but it looks amazing. So you put a small spoonful on your plate, taste it, and immediately ask for the recipe – it is just that delicious. I am always looking for something different to serve for the holidays. When searching for something last year, I remembered going to a friend’s house one Sunday after church. Her mom was pulling a dish out of the oven that looked amazing, and I couldn’t wait to try it. After I had the first bite, I knew I wanted the recipe.

It has been said, “Don’t ask a question that you don’t know the answer to”. Historical buffs who follow this article like to read history that they know but certain parts of it had slipped their mind – especially dates. Mansfield’s history is one of the writer’s favorite things to reminisce about.