Wade in the Water Landscape & Irrigation

02/22/2026

Mississippi State entomologist professor going viral to educate others about insects >> https://www.wlox.com/2026/02/20/miss-state-entomologist-professor-going-viral-educate-others-about-insects/

02/22/2026

One professor wants to educate others about his unique field: medical entomology.

“I’m not just an entomologist, I’m a specialist in bugs that affect health, like mosquitoes, ticks, lice, that sort of thing,” says Dr. Jerome Goddard.

STORY: https://www.wlbt.com/2026/02/20/miss-state-entomologist-professor-going-viral-educate-others-about-insects/

02/22/2026

No matter how unpredictable January has been with icy mornings, cold rain or the occasional teasing warm spell, daffodils rise right on schedule!

Some daffodils thrive in Southern gardens because they prefer the same conditions many of our winter and spring plants enjoy. However, other varieties only bloom for one year because they can’t handle our Southern climate.

All daffodils perform best in well-drained soil; bulbs that sit in soggy ground are more likely to rot. If your soil is heavy, amending it with organic matter or planting on a slight slope can make all the difference in the success of your daffodils.

Full sun produces the strongest blooms, but daffodils also do well in light shade, especially under deciduous trees that leaf out later in spring.

Planting time is just as important as location.

In the South, that means the best time to plant these bulbs is fall, usually October through November. Set them about two or three times as deep as the bulb is tall and make sure the pointed end faces up.

Space the bulbs a few inches apart to allow room for daffodil clumps to expand over time.

Once established, daffodils are remarkably low maintenance. They rarely need supplemental watering except during extended dry spells, and they are naturally resistant to deer, squirrels and most pests.

If flowering begins to decline, it may be time to divide bulb clumps. Clumps that become too crowded will not bloom. Every few years, you must dig these up and replant them with more space for them to grow. This is best done after the foliage has completely died back.

Lifting and replanting bulbs not only rejuvenates bloom production but also gives you extra bulbs to spread around the garden or share with friends.

Follow our Southern Gardening page for more content like this!

02/22/2026

01/22/2026

Protect your pets during dangerous cold weather! If you have indoor pets, you’re all set, but outdoor pets need some extra love and care. 🐾

Indoors is the best place for all pets to be when temperatures stay below freezing for days at a time.

If bringing them inside the home is not feasible, provide a shelter to protect your animals from wind and moisture.

If you have a garage or shed, even if it’s unheated, keeping pets there during a cold snap is a good option.

Try to avoid blankets unless the pet will be in an indoor area. Blankets can get wet and hold in moisture, which makes it easier for animals to get frostbite or hypothermia.

Outdoor dog owners should put straw in a doghouse, large barrel, or other enclosure where the animal can keep warm.

Any shelter should be in an area that is draft and moisture-free. Windbreaks can be made from tarps or other large pieces of material.

Give your pet extra food and fresh water that isn't frozen.

If your pet is whining, shivering or stops moving, bring him/her inside immediately! These are signs of hypothermia.

12/01/2025

11/14/2025

Watering plants before a freeze can help protect them from cold injury! Soil that is well watered absorbs more heat and then radiates heat, helping to increase the elevated temperature around the plants.

Plants that grow close to the ground usually have more protection by heat radiating from the soil than plants that are tall and open.

Poorly drained soils result in plants that have weak and shallow roots, which are more susceptible to cold injury. Use mulch to help retain moisture.

More tips here: https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/protecting-plants-cold-temperatures

09/24/2025