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Articles 1 - 30 of 82
Full-Text Articles in Plant Sciences
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Welcoming Pollinators, Kaitlin Cambell, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Welcoming Pollinators, Kaitlin Cambell, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle
All Current Publications
This fact sheet is part of a series about creating sustainable school and home gardens. It focuses on welcoming pollinators to the garden by providing a safe and effective habitat, and lists recommended plantings and resources.
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Raised Bed Gardening, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Raised Bed Gardening, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle
All Current Publications
This fact sheet is part of a series about creating sustainable school and home gardens. It provides information and resources on raised bed gardening, which can help gardeners maximize space and increase food or flower production, all with fewer weeds.
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Vertical Gardening, Tyelar Haines, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle
Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Vertical Gardening, Tyelar Haines, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle
All Current Publications
This fact sheet is part of a series about creating sustainable school and home gardens. It provides information and resources on vertical gardening, which can maximize space, increase food production, and improve plant health.
Simple Sprinkler Performance Testing For Rich County, Kelly Kopp, L. Neil Allen, Dallen Smith, Lauren Thomson
Simple Sprinkler Performance Testing For Rich County, Kelly Kopp, L. Neil Allen, Dallen Smith, Lauren Thomson
All Current Publications
This fact sheet describes how to perform a site inspection and a sprinkler test so you can irrigate your landscape more efficiently. It also provides an irrigation schedule for Rich County, Utah.
Commercially Available Products In Increase Soil Water-Holding Capacity, Shital Poudyal, Jake Powell, Rowe Zwahlen, Grant Cardon
Commercially Available Products In Increase Soil Water-Holding Capacity, Shital Poudyal, Jake Powell, Rowe Zwahlen, Grant Cardon
All Current Publications
Although adding organic matter is traditionally the most effective way to enhance soil water-holding capacity, several commercial products in the market also have the potential to increase soil water-holding capacity. In this fact sheet, we discuss the properties and characteristics of those commercially available products and recommended application rates. We also explore some limitations of using these products.
Seed Viability Testing Guide For Common Wetland Plant Species, Rae Robinson, Sandra E. Johnston, Elana Feldman, Maddie Houde, Samantha R. Kurkowski, Amanda Mast, Jes V. Braun, Karin M. Kettenring
Seed Viability Testing Guide For Common Wetland Plant Species, Rae Robinson, Sandra E. Johnston, Elana Feldman, Maddie Houde, Samantha R. Kurkowski, Amanda Mast, Jes V. Braun, Karin M. Kettenring
All Current Publications
Seeds are used in many aspects of plant research as well as in applications such as ecosystem restoration. However, not all seeds are living (i.e., viable). To successfully work with seeds, it is essential to know how many seeds are viable. Seed viability can be assessed through a few different avenues, such as a basic cut test (i.e., is the embryo fully developed), germination assays, x-ray imaging, or the most common—a tetrazolium (TZ) test. This document focuses on best practices for TZ testing for a wide array of common wetland species that have been the focus of research and restoration …
Understanding Cut Flower Consumers, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock
Understanding Cut Flower Consumers, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock
All Current Publications
This fact sheet provides information on cut flower consumers, such as floral preferences and consumer demographics and psychographics. It discusses possible ways to enhance perceived value and interest in cut flowers.
Cut Flower Markets And Marketing In The Intermountain West, Makylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock
Cut Flower Markets And Marketing In The Intermountain West, Makylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock
All Current Publications
This fact sheet discusses different markets for cut flowers in the Intermountain West, including wholesale and direct-to-consumer markets. Farmers markets, community-supported agriculture and subscription services, u-pick operations, farm venues, and online options are explored, as well as using social media to advertise and build clientele.
An Overview Of The Cut Flower Industry, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock
An Overview Of The Cut Flower Industry, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock
All Current Publications
This fact sheet provides an overview of the cut flower industry. It provides information about traditional and specialty cut flowers, comparing flowers sourced locally in Utah and internationally.
Maple Sap Collection And Sap Processing Systems, Jesse Mathews, Youping Sun, Steven Price, Darren Mcavoy, Michael Farrell, Paul Harris, Kelly Kopp
Maple Sap Collection And Sap Processing Systems, Jesse Mathews, Youping Sun, Steven Price, Darren Mcavoy, Michael Farrell, Paul Harris, Kelly Kopp
All Current Publications
Starting a maple syrup operation as a hobby or a business can be a daunting task. This fact sheet can help a new maple syrup producer get started on their sugaring journey with information on sap collection methods and processing equipment.
Evapotranspiration And Precipitation Data For Calculating Irrigation Requirements In Utah, Shital Poudyal, Anju Chaudhary
Evapotranspiration And Precipitation Data For Calculating Irrigation Requirements In Utah, Shital Poudyal, Anju Chaudhary
All Current Publications
Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and precipitation data are essential for developing water budgets and calculating irrigation water requirements. However, it is crucial that the data used for such purposes are recent and easily accessible to stakeholders. In this fact sheet, we calculated average reference evapotranspiration and precipitation data for multiple locations in Utah, USA. To accomplish this, we collected the data from the Utah Climate Center and compiled it to show an average of 20 years of data by month in an easily digestible format. We compiled data for 69 locations in Utah, making it easy to find one close to …
Controlling Soil Erosion After Wildfire And Guiding Recovery In Southern Utah, Kristina Young, Kara Dohrenwend, Matt Mcettrick, Henry Grover
Controlling Soil Erosion After Wildfire And Guiding Recovery In Southern Utah, Kristina Young, Kara Dohrenwend, Matt Mcettrick, Henry Grover
All Current Publications
Wildfire is a natural part of many ecosystems in the Four Corners region (Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, Southwest Colorado, and Northwest New Mexico). However, after decades of fire suppression, the intensity and size of wildfires is increasing. This fact sheet is intended to help those in dry, monsoonal regions understand what happens to land after a wildfire and explains the processes of soil erosion. It outlines factors that influence how wildfire can affect soils and plants and provides suggestions for reducing soil erosion when necessary. The information presented is relevant to both private landowners and public lands managers whose landscapes …
Floating And Submerged Plants Of Utah: Pocket Field Guide, Kate Sinnott, Karin M. Kettenring
Floating And Submerged Plants Of Utah: Pocket Field Guide, Kate Sinnott, Karin M. Kettenring
All Current Publications
This is a field guide to identifying floating and submerged plants of Utah. We include a page for each species and also a dichotomous key at the end for the pondweeds. Submerged and floating plant species play critical roles in aquatic ecosystems. They provide habitat to aquatic organisms, improve water clarity by trapping sediment, and absorb excess nutrients from the water column, among other vital services. However, they have been threatened and degraded by pollution, land conversion, and introductions of harmful species. Identifying native and non-native plants is an important component of tackling this degradation and promoting the conservation and …
Utah Florist Preferences For Local Cut Flowers, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock
Utah Florist Preferences For Local Cut Flowers, Kynda R. Curtis, Melanie Stock
All Current Publications
This fact sheet provides crucial information on wholesale florist needs and preferences for local cut flowers. The information here will enhance the ability of current and potential cut flower growers to properly assess the profit potential of their decisions and assist with the long-term sustainability of their farming operations.
Establishing Big Sagebrush Seedlings On The Colorado Plateau, Kari E. Veblen, Eric Thacker, Mark Larese-Casanova, Kyle Nehring, Mike Duniway, Colby Brungard
Establishing Big Sagebrush Seedlings On The Colorado Plateau, Kari E. Veblen, Eric Thacker, Mark Larese-Casanova, Kyle Nehring, Mike Duniway, Colby Brungard
All Current Publications
Factors such as soil type and precipitation vary across rangeland landscapes, and these factors affect restoration outcomes and ultimately mean that “one size fits all” management strategies are not effective across large, complex landscapes. Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is a foundational rangeland species that is important to wildlife habitat across the western U.S. On the Colorado Plateau, sagebrush is important browse for ungulates, such as mule deer and pronghorn, which motivates a great deal of restoration effort. However, most scientific knowledge of big sagebrush comes from the Great Basin, and we know much less about how to restore sagebrush on …
Comfrey In The Garden, Emmalee Rolfe, Dan Drost
Comfrey In The Garden, Emmalee Rolfe, Dan Drost
All Archived Publications
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a very hardy perennial herb adaptable to most conditions. Comfrey grows best in partial to full sun in moist, fertile soil. Comfrey is propagated by root cuttings or crown divisions. Comfrey can be planted throughout the growing season but establishes best when planted in the spring. Maintain moderate soil moisture, especially when plants are young. Once established, comfrey outcompetes weeds and does not have any reported insect or disease issues in Utah. Some leaves and roots are harvested after the first year of growth. It should be noted that consuming high doses or excessive …
Dwarf Bunt In Winter Wheat, Justin Clawson, Claudia Nischwitz, Margaret Krause, Will Krause
Dwarf Bunt In Winter Wheat, Justin Clawson, Claudia Nischwitz, Margaret Krause, Will Krause
All Current Publications
Dwarf bunt or stinking smut is a disease that impacted Utah winter wheat production in the 1930s, resulting in fields with 95% infections. Breeding and selection of resistant varieties has irradiated the disease. As organic production of winter wheat increases, selecting resistant varieties will become of utmost importance to prevent crop loss.
Water Recommendations For Vegetables, Sheriden M. Hansen, Taun Beddes, Burdette Barker, Ashley Butler
Water Recommendations For Vegetables, Sheriden M. Hansen, Taun Beddes, Burdette Barker, Ashley Butler
All Current Publications
Traditionally, we irrigate using overhead sprinklers and/or flood irrigation. However, these methods can be wasteful, and so a way to conserve and still have a healthy garden is to use drip irrigation. It can reduce water use by up to about 50%. This fact sheet reviews water recommendations for growing vegetables.
Invasive Fruit Pest Guide For Utah: Insect & Disease Identification, Monitoring & Management, Claudia Nischwitz, Diane G. Alston, Lori R. Spears, Clint Burfitt
Invasive Fruit Pest Guide For Utah: Insect & Disease Identification, Monitoring & Management, Claudia Nischwitz, Diane G. Alston, Lori R. Spears, Clint Burfitt
All Current Publications
This invasive fruit pest guide covers insects and diseases affecting fruit in Utah and reviews monitoring and management.
Anemone Cut Flower Production Budget, One High Tunnel, Northern Utah, 2022, Shannon Rauter, Melanie Stock, Ruby Ward
Anemone Cut Flower Production Budget, One High Tunnel, Northern Utah, 2022, Shannon Rauter, Melanie Stock, Ruby Ward
All Current Publications
This budget contains costs (preplant and site preparation, establishment and maintenance, and harvest and processing) and returns for the production and sale of anemone cut flowers that were grown in a high tunnel (14 feet by 40 feet). Production methods, yield, costs, and pricing were determined from Utah State University (USU) research trials, as well as feedback from Northern Utah producers. The costs and returns represent typical production in Northern Utah but should be adjusted where necessary for individual situations. Site selection, tunnel use, variety, harvest timing, pest management, and other practices will impact costs and returns to a cut-flower …
The Backyard Garden - Pea Pests, Bridger Carey, Nick Volesky, Marion Murray
The Backyard Garden - Pea Pests, Bridger Carey, Nick Volesky, Marion Murray
All Current Publications
As part of a series, The Backyard Garden, this fact sheet reviews pea pests. It includes general information, symptoms, and management for the following pea pest issues: thrips, spider mites, pea weevil, aphids, pea leaf weevil, damping-off, powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, fusarium root rot, and bacterial blight.
The Backyard Garden - Bean Pests, Nick Volesky, Bridger Carey, Marion Murray
The Backyard Garden - Bean Pests, Nick Volesky, Bridger Carey, Marion Murray
All Current Publications
As part of a series, The Backyard Garden, this fact sheet examines bean pests. Insects and other pests include thrips, spider mites, cutworms and armyworms, Mexican bean beetle, and seedcorn maggot. Diseases include bean common mosaic virus, damping-off, beet curly top virus, common bacterial blight, and halo blight. The fact sheet includes general information about these issues, signs and symptoms on plants, and management.
Lisianthus Cut Flower Production In Utah, Melanie Stock, Sheriden M. Hansen, Maegen A. Lewis, Anna Collins, Brent Black, Dan Drost
Lisianthus Cut Flower Production In Utah, Melanie Stock, Sheriden M. Hansen, Maegen A. Lewis, Anna Collins, Brent Black, Dan Drost
All Current Publications
Lisianthus is a florist staple and excellent crop for local farms. Its limited cool-storage period, long vase-life, and broad range of pastel- to jewel-tone colors are superior to wholesale imports. This fact sheet reviews lisianthus groups, site preparation, germination, transplanting, fertilizing, and irrigation and disease and pest management. It also provides information on trellising, harvest and storage, and economics as a specialty crop option for local farms.
Backyard Fruit Production In Utah's High Mountain Valleys, Maegen Lewis, Jaydee Gunnell, Michael Pace, Teryl Roper
Backyard Fruit Production In Utah's High Mountain Valleys, Maegen Lewis, Jaydee Gunnell, Michael Pace, Teryl Roper
All Current Publications
Utah’s population has seen significant growth in recent years resulting in population increase outside of the Wasatch Front and into Utah's high mountain valleys. These locations include Bear Lake Valley, Ogden Valley, Morgan and Henefer, Park City, Wasatch Valley, and Sanpete Valley. Much of the information presented here would also apply to the Uintah Basin and other high elevation locations in eastern Utah. Common characteristics of these valleys include high elevations (greater than 5,000 feet) leading to short growing seasons. Many homeowners who are new to these regions wish to establish perennial fruit crops in their gardens. This publication outlines …
Shallots In The Garden, Emmalee Rolfe, Dan Drost
Shallots In The Garden, Emmalee Rolfe, Dan Drost
All Current Publications
This fact sheet provides information about growing shallots, a cool-season vegetable that grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. The fact sheet offers reliable information about varieties, soil preparation, planting and spacing, fertilization, harvesting and storage, nutrition facts, and problems like weeds and insects and diseases that affect shallots.
Lamb's Lettuce In The Garden, Evan Christensen, Dan Drost
Lamb's Lettuce In The Garden, Evan Christensen, Dan Drost
All Current Publications
This fact sheet provides information on lamb's lettuce, also known as mâche, corn salad, fetticus, and Nüssli salat. It is native to southern Europe and a cool-season vegetable grown for edible leaves that add a mild, nutty flavor to any salad. This fact sheet offers reliable information about recommended varieties, how to grow lamb's lettuce, harvesting and storage, nutrition facts, and problems such as weeds, pests, and diseases.
Landscape Tree Irrigation Calculator, Shital Poudyal
Landscape Tree Irrigation Calculator, Shital Poudyal
All Current Publications
Trees, undoubtedly, are the most valuable plant in a landscape and must be prioritized for irrigation in drought conditions. Grass easily recovers from a period of long drought; hence, it must be placed last on the priority list for irrigation. Many resources are available online that explain ways to irrigate landscape trees. However, growers and homeowners in Utah are still confused about quantifying and applying the appropriate amount of water a landscape tree needs. This Excel spreadsheet is an irrigation calculator designed to determine the amount of water a landscape tree needs in Utah’s hot and dry summer months. Find …
How Much Water Do Landscape Trees Require In Utah? An Irrigation Calculator, Shital Poudyal
How Much Water Do Landscape Trees Require In Utah? An Irrigation Calculator, Shital Poudyal
All Current Publications
Trees, undoubtedly, are the most valuable plant in a landscape and must be prioritized for irrigation in drought conditions. Grass easily recovers from a period of long drought; hence, it must be placed last on the priority list for irrigation. Many resources are available online that explain ways to irrigate landscape trees. However, growers and homeowners in Utah are still confused about quantifying and applying the appropriate amount of water a landscape tree needs. This fact sheet includes a simple calculator designed to determine the amount of water a landscape tree needs in Utah’s hot and dry summer months.
Oaks In The Landscape, Sheriden M. Hansen, Jaydee Gunnell, Andra Emmertson
Oaks In The Landscape, Sheriden M. Hansen, Jaydee Gunnell, Andra Emmertson
All Current Publications
Oak trees (Quercus sp.) are generally a tough, drought tolerant, and beautiful addition to Utah landscapes. There are roughly 450 known species of oak, with about 60 cultivars that are native to North America. Oaks are known for slow growth, sturdiness, and easy care and can be used to create a focal point and ornamental interest in the landscape. This fact sheet reviews recommended cultivars for the Intermountain West and how to grow them, including site selection and preparation, planting and spacing, irrigation, and addressing challenges such as weeds, fertilization, pruning, and diseases and pests.
High Tunnel Construction Cost Calculation Workbook, Shannon Rauter, Melanie Stock, Brent Black, Dan Drost
High Tunnel Construction Cost Calculation Workbook, Shannon Rauter, Melanie Stock, Brent Black, Dan Drost
All Current Publications
The cost of building a high tunnel fluctuates over time with supply prices. This Excel workbook accompanies the USU Extension fact sheet, "Constructing a Low-cost High Tunnel" by Black, Drost, Rowley, and Heflebower (2011) and allows users to input local supply costs. The workbook then calculates the cost to build a USU low-cost high tunnel with several design options according to high tunnel length and door structure. It also provides an example calculation based on April 2022 pricing for reference.