April 13, 2005
Brown Needles on Evergreen Trees
The warm spring days have encouraged plant enthusiasts to venture outdoors and enjoy the bright colors of spring. It can be disappointing to find a favorite plant showing symptoms of distress.
Evergreens that show abnormal browning are especially noticeable in the spring. This injury is given different terms, including winter desiccation, scorch, or winter burn. The damage tends show up as it begins to get warm in the spring. In addition to needle browning, some branches may die.
Growing Okra in the Home Garden
Widely grown in the southern United States, okra is commonly used in soups and stews. It can also be steamed, boiled, baked, fried, grilled, or pickled. While okra thrives in the heat of the South, it can also be successfully grown in Iowa and other Midwestern states.
Okra is a member of the Malvaceae or mallow family. Other plants in this family include cotton, hollyhock, and hibiscus.