How-To Library

Learn which Cover Crops are ideal for planting in the fall.

Making and canning your own blueberry jam is not as tricky as you might think! Whether you have years of experience making preserves or just a little, this simple recipe will tantalize you with the taste of summer blueberries year-round!

Watermelon Rind Pickle is an old southern favorite. There are many variations on how it is made. This recipe is a two day process.

Sometimes, even those who have been home canning for years may run into problems with their food-filled jars. Some problems are related to the condition of the jars or lids and/or how they were filled. Others relate to spoilage of the food or changes the food may have undergone during processing. We

Unsure what to do with that bumper crop of vegetables and fruits from the garden this summer? Southern States will guide you through preserving your fruits and vegetables by canning them in Mason jars to enjoy year round.

If you are new to home canning, don't be intimidated by thoughts of using a pressure canner. When used properly, pressure canners are very safe. At Southern States, we want to take the mystery out of pressure canning and provide you with answers to your pressure canning questions.

Bird feeders can benefit the local bird population, but without proper maintenance, they have the potential to do more harm than good. Cleanliness is key in preventing the spread of diseases. This article provides information on the best practices in bird feeder maintenance.

If you've decided to start feeding birds at home, one of the first questions you may be asking is: “What should I feed them?”. The wide array of seeds, birdseed mixes and other choices can be bewildering. This article provides an overview of the many common feed types and what birds they attract. It's a good review for both beginning and veteran bird feeding enthusiasts.

Bird feeding can help benefit the local bird population and provide hours of enjoyment for homeowners. The first step in making your backyard a paradise for hungry birds is choosing the best type of feeder for you.

You may have heard the myth that feeding birds in the summertime can be detrimental to wild birds because it causes them to avoid seeking their natural food sources and become dependent on feeders. However, birds search for food in a variety of places and typically receive no more than 25 percent of their daily food from feeders. Summer is a wonderful time for birders to enjoy the vibrant plumage of feathered friends, especially through the longer days.

Managing your backyard, forests or fields to increase wildlife populations has numerous benefits beyond the simple pleasures of interacting with nature. This article has tips and techniques to help you improve the wildlife habitat on your land and attract species such as songbirds, squirrels, owls—perhaps even a fox or two. With some basic management techniques, and a little patience, you'll soon be seeing the benefits of increased wildlife populations on your land.

Forest areas offer opportunities for recreation, attracting wildlife, providing firewood and harvesting timber. With careful planning, you can successfully establish and maintain a forest or woodlot that will meet many or all of your goals.