California Country Magazine Online Extras

July/August 2008

The summertime snip

California Country's gardening expert points out that summer pruning of fruit trees can be an excellent idea. With some pruning now, you'll see more fruit and keep your trees manageable.

Hey, shutterbugs!

Got photos? If so, we've got news for you! The California Farm Bureau's annual photo contest has a brand-new category and features nearly $5,000 in prize money.

May/June 2008

Honeybees are in danger. But what does that mean to you? If you're like most Americans, one out of every three bites of food you take is directly attributed to honeybee pollination. Find out more about the problem and how you can be active in the solution.

Citrus solutions

If you've got citrus trees, maybe you've seen firsthand the damage that pests like aphids, mealybugs, scale and citrus leafminer can cause. California Country's gardening expert tells you how to fend off these common invaders.

March/April 2008

Celebrating the Earth

California's farmers and ranchers celebrate Earth Day (April 22) every day of the year, and in a number of ways – from encouraging beneficial insects to building up their soils with composted table scraps. How will you celebrate?

Power up on tomatoes

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is linked with a lower risk of some of the world's deadliest diseases. Find out the role tomatoes can play in a healthy diet.

How's it going?

Back in January, California Country's gardening expert suggested that readers make a New Year's resolution to spend more quality time in the garden. Read his humorous follow-up.

January/February 2008

A crisis for all

California's water system is in a crisis. Find out more about the complex set of problems that threaten the future of our population, economy and environment.

Up from the ashes

Plants damaged by the 2007 wildfires may still be alive even if they appear to be completely burned. California Country's gardening expert tells how to care for these fragile plants.

Free calendar is for the birds

Did you know birds are the third most popular pet in the nation behind cats and dogs? Learn how you can protect your pigeons, chickens and other birds from disease by requesting the U.S. Department of Agriculture's free “2008 Backyard Biosecurity Calendar.”

Celery: Stalk up now!

Chances are, the celery stalks standing at crisp attention at your favorite grocery store or farmers market were grown in the Golden State. California Country's produce expert tells more about this member of the Umbelliferae family--how to choose it and how to use it (and even how to grow your own).

November/December 2007

A beautiful reminder

Want to keep the holiday spirit alive throughout the year? Get a living Christmas tree! California Country's gardening expert tells you how.

Planting healthy lives

Word games, classroom activities and links to interactive Web sites are just a few of the fun things in a new 16-page booklet developed by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. It's free and available as single copies or classroom sets for teachers.

September/October 2007

Shopping for color

It's time to buy bulbs! California Country's gardening expert explains how a little careful shopping and planning now will pay handsome dividends later.

Want to join?

Back to school means back to hands-on learning for FFA and 4-H members. While the organizations are different in many respects, a common theme is young people learning and growing in citizenship, leadership and life skills.