How-To Library

During equine fly season (April-September) horse flies can terrorize your pasture & horse barn. They can also hurt your horses & bring disease. Our horse experts provide details to keep flies off your horses this season.

Every horse owner is familiar with the annoying insect pests that sometimes lurk in the stable or swarm in the pasture. These flies and mosquitoes are more than irritating; they can spread disease and cause health problems, too. Fortunately, horse owners have a variety of tools and management practices at their disposal to help keep these pests at bay.

Use the following guidelines for a feeding program for your hard keeper.

Your new foal arrives and you want to provide for its proper growth and health.

As temperatures rise, so do the risks of your horse experiencing a heat related stress, such as dehydration and heat stroke. To make the most of your summer riding opportunities, keep an eye on your horse and modify your training and horse care program.

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.

If you are interested in vegetable gardening, our how-to guide will help you understand the climate of your region, a crucial first step in starting your own garden.

Fire ants are a costly and sometimes painful pest, to farmers, especially so, as fire ants make pastures difficult or even impossible to use and fields a danger for anyone working there. Research is ongoing but there are products available now that you might want to consider that may keep the fire ants at bay.

Environmental experts estimate that kitchen and yard wastes comprise 25% of the refuse in landfills. These materials can be easily and effectively recycled into rich humus that will improve any garden's soil texture and add important nutrients for vigorous plant growth.

From a little seed to potentially a half ton or more of fruit, the pumpkin is a symbol of size and vigor that can be grown in your own garden. Pumpkin growing is not difficult or complicated and could be a fun way for saving you dollars at the grocery store this fall.

All the time you’ve put into preparing for the summer growing season has paid off. Vegetables are getting larger, blooms are getting bigger, and temperatures are steadily rising. Be diligent through the summer, and your garden will remain beautiful through the fall and beyond. If you’re having difficulties, follow these 10 Mid Summer Garden Tips