Experts Offer Advice On Summer Vegetable Harvesting In North Escambia
June 26, 2010
Early summer vegetables are nearing harvest time, but when is the perfect time to pick? Dan Gill and Allen Owing, Louisiana State AgCenter Horticulturists offer the following tips for picking the perfect time to pick your vegetables in the North Escambia area:.
Harvest sweet corn when the silks turn light brown or darker. Peel back the shuck to see how well the kernels have developed before removing the ear. The juice of the kernel should be milky when you puncture it with your thumbnail.
Cucumbers can be harvested at your desired size; however, harvesting should be done before the cucumber begins to lose its green color. When old cucumbers begin to yellow, they’ll have well-developed seeds and become bitter. If the fruit is allowed to mature and turn yellow on the plant, the plant will stop producing new fruit.
Eggplants should be harvested when they are one-third to two-thirds of their full, mature size. The skin should be glossy. If the skin is dull, this indicates over-maturity, and the fruit will be seedy and often bitter. Harvest eggplants using pruning shears because the stem is tough.
Peppers, both sweet and hot, can be harvested at any size or color. Most peppers will turn red at maturity, but some may be green, purple, yellow or orange along the way.
Tomatoes can be harvested any time after green fruit begin to turn pink. Best quality, however, is obtained when fruit fully ripen on the plant. If you harvest early, often to get the fruit out of harm’s way from birds and insects, you can ripen the fruit at room temperature and still expect excellent quality. Tomatoes don’t need light for ripening, so there’s no need to put them in a window.
Okra should be harvested every two to three days. Most types should be harvested when they are young, tender and less than 3 inches long. The pod snaps easily from the plant when it’s harvested at the proper stage.
Summer squash, including zucchini, should be harvested small (one-half to two-thirds the mature size) and immature while the skin is still tender. The more frequent the harvesting, the more fruit the plant will produce. Use a knife to remove the fruit and leave 1 inch of stem attached.
Harvest the pods of Southern peas – purple hull, black-eyed and others – when they’re well-filled and have changed to a light straw, silver or purple color, depending on the variety. They shell easiest at this stage.
Harvesting watermelons is a bit tricky. Look at the tendril or “pigtail” closest to the melon. When this tendril turns brown and dries out, it is a good sign that the melon is ripe. Also look at the bottom of the melon where it lays on the ground. When this area, sometimes referred to as the “color spot”, turns from white to a light yellow, there is a good chance the watermelon is ripe. The thump test is done by thumping the top of the melon. If the watermelon has a dull thud when thumped, it is very possible the melon is ripe. Unripe melons will usually have a tighter, ringing or hollow sound.
It’s Hard To Say Goodbye: Reader’s Pensacola Beach Oil Photos
June 24, 2010
It was the day that the World’s Whitest Beaches were no more. It was the day that the oil began to wash onto the shores of Pensacola Beach. It was the day the sands were stained black with oil; it was the day the tears of the locals stained the remaining sugar white sand.
It was Wednesday, June 23, 2010. Masses of oil began to wash onto Pensacola Beach from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Walnut Hill resident Regina Hare was there and submitted a gallery of photos for NorthEscambia.com readers. She titled the photos “It’s hard to say goodbye”.
Click here for the photos “It’s hard to say goodbye”.
Submitted photos by Regina Hare for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Still Time To Register For Camp Fire VPK
June 23, 2010
Voluntary pre-kindergarten registration is still underway for the 2010-2011 school year the the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center. For more information about VPK, contact Pam Townson at (850) 256-0953. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Hot First Day Of Summer (With Cool Bee Photos)
June 21, 2010
Pictured: Bees enjoying our NorthEscambia.com crepe myrtles. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
A Father’s Day Miracle: Family Speaks About 3-Year Old’s Near Drowning
June 20, 2010
In the heart of every little girl, her daddy is her hero. For a 3-year old Walnut Hill girl found floating lifeless face down in a pool, her daddy truly is her hero.
“I can swim,” Maggie Scott, 3, proclaimed Saturday morning, as she showed off her new kittens Max and Ruby.
Like most adventurous children, Maggie thought she could swim, and she decided, when no one was looking, to try. It was a mistake that would alter the lives of her family in a major way.
The afternoon of May 27 was to be a family time. They were headed to a local creek to enjoy the water, but decided to stop at a someone’s home in the Bay Springs community to use the pool instead. Maggie had played in the pool with the rest of her family, wearing arm-floats.
When Maggie and her sisters — McKenzie, 13; Madison, 9; and Mary Paige, 7; were done in the pool, it was time for skateboards and Ripstiks. The girls hit the boards, while the adults sat around talking.
Life would change in the blink of an eye.
“Maggie’s dead!”
Those were the heart-stopping words that older sister McKenzie screamed when she saw Maggie, floating face down in the pool. Mom and dad, Blair and Chad Scott, raced for the pool. Blair dove in and pulled Maggie out. No one knew how long the little girl had been in the pool.
Chad started CPR.
“My mind went where it didn’t need to go while I watched him do CPR,’ Blair said, “knowing what could be happening.”
With every thrust on his daughter’s chest, Chad said he just prayed.
“I keep telling her to come back to us; I kept telling her she was fine,” Blair said. “I wanted the nightmare to end; I wanted God to bring my little girl back to me.”
Chad continued CPR. One. Two. Three..
“Then I realized I had three little girls standing there, not knowing what was going on. Hit your knees. And pray,” she told them. “They cried, they screamed, they prayed.”
Chad continued the CPR. Breathe. Chest compressions. One. Two. Three…
Then, there was a cough.
Volunteers from the Walnut Hill Station of Escambia Fire Rescue arrived. Atmore Ambulance sped down the long driveway. LifeFlight landed. Maggie was quickly scooped up by a LifeFlight nurse who ran to the helicopter. Within minutes, she was at Sacred Heart. Blair and Scott were left behind in Bay Springs, not knowing what was happening with their little girl. A family friend drove them to the hospital, where Maggie was still in the emergency room. She was transferred to an intensive care room.
It was a serious situation. A ventilator breathed for Maggie for 28 hours, doctors and nurses standing nearby at the ready. It was a lot for a mom and dad to deal with.
Blair and Chad both knew at the time that Maggie could have permanent disabilities caused by the lack of oxygen to her brain.
“We just gave it to God,” Blair said. Their family, their church family…they all prayed. They were joined by perhaps thousands of people they will never know that prayed after reading Maggie’s story.
Miracles don’t just happen, Chad said. “God works miracles.”
There’s no doubt in Blair and Chad’s minds that there lives were changed in a big way by the whole ordeal. For Chad, it meant being saved and accepting his Savior all over again.
“I thought I got saved before, but I realized,” he said, “and I made a promise to do what He needs me to do.”
A few weeks after the accident, Maggie is a vibrant little girl, with no obvious lasting impact from her ordeal.
“We have blueberries,” she said Saturday morning as she walked through the family’s backyard in search of a cool, shady place for the photos on this page. “They are purple,” she observed. “They are not blue.”
She smiles and grabs a dandelion, blowing it into the wind toward Chad, very much to her delight. It was a prelude to her big Father’s Day plans.
“Guess what I am going to do to you for Father’s Day?” she asked Chad. Her grin grew bigger as she put her hands behind her back and twirled around. “I’m going to throw a flower at you!”
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
The family specifically asked us to offer their thanks to: the Walnut Hill Fire Department (Chris Brown, Kevin Mininger, Dennis Rigby, Gerry Steege, Tab Jernigan, Bill Eubanks, Brian Rolin, Chad Rigby, Johnathon Koehn, Diann Stewart); Atmore Ambulance (Dianna Chavers, Tom Benner); and the LifeFlight Crew (Tom Bruner, Angie Finkel, Norman Lacsamana).
Northview Grad Timothy Gardner Graduates From Basic Training
June 20, 2010
Air Force Airman Timothy J. Gardner graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the grandson of Micheal and Carolyn Cook of Corley Road in McDavid.
Gardner is a 2008 graduate of Northview High School.
Father’s Day Wishes
June 20, 2010
For Father’s Day, NorthEscambia.com invited our readers to submit stories about their fathers. We’ve selected a few and included them below.
If you would like to tell your father’s story, or just wish dad a (late) Happy Father’s Day, please do so in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Jeff Phillips, Barrineau Park
submitted by Kayla Phillips, Age 9
My Daddy Jeff Phillips is very special to me. These are my reasons.
He plays with me, he teaches me, and I think he is cool.
One of my reasons that my daddy is special is because he plays with me. He plays softball with me all the time. He even helped coach my team one time. Sometimes we play baseball outside its really fun. I love my daddy because he plays with me that is what makes him special to me.
My second reason my daddy is special is because he teaches me. He teaches me to do the right things, and its really important that I learn to do the right things. He helps me keep my grades up because I want to be in a good school. Plus I also need a good education and I am sure he will help me while I go into new grades.
My third reason why my daddy is special because I think he is cool. I think he has a cool job. He works on boats and I think that is awesome and he also does alot so we can have our house and pay the bills. I also think he is cool because I love him and he loves me.
Pictured: Kayla and Jeff Phillips.
Matthew Cufr, Century
submitted by Maggie Mae Cufr, Age 6½
Let me tell you about my dad. First, he plays Chinese Checkers with me. I am not good at it. He wins all the time.
It’s funny sometimes that I move my marble the wrong way.
Next, he teaches me how to play guitar. He teaches me a hard note.
I can’t even remember it. I can’t do it, but I can play the easy notes and sing a song.
Last, my dad helps me ride my bike. Sometimes I stay up for about two minutes.
That made me feel good. When he lets go of the bike, I fall down and get hurt on my hand, but not anymore. I’m getting gloves.
That is why my dad is special.
Pictured: (L-R) Maggie Mae Cufr, Jackson Anderson Cufr, Emma Faith Cufr and dad Matthew Cufr.
Randy Smith
He’s is the best dad ever. He goes and makes money for shopping money for food. He loves us so very much. My dad’s name is Randy Smith. I love you daddy.
John White, Century
submitted by Kimberly White Burkett
My daddy is such a special person. He has always been so unselfish giving of himself to be there for our mother and us children. Just to think of my daddy puts a smile in my heart and on my face.
Growing up I have only good memories of my dad. He worked shift work at the paper mill in Brewton and worked hard to provide for our family. Not once can I remember hearing my dad complain even though I know it had to be a hard job. Daddy retired from the mill after working there 39 years.
Now my daddy stays busy doing honey do’s for my mom and works hard at his church. Every Saturday morning you can pass Beulah Chapel in Byrneville and you will see my daddy faithfully working hard to keep the church grounds and cemetery nice and clean. Once again though, I have never once heard him complain.
When I tell him that I worry about him getting too hot out there doing that, he just smiles and says he does it for the Lord. Everyone that knows my dad knows that when you see him he will make you laugh with his sense of humor. What a special man, I am so blessed to have such a wonderful daddy that I can be so proud of.
Pictured: John White and his wife Ann White, grandson Johnathan Burkett.
Wayne Perry, Molino
submitted by Lynsey Perry
We want to wish our Father Wayne Perry Happy Father’s Day. He is the best Father my brother Wayne and I could ask for. He has always been there for us. We can always depend on him no matter what. If he makes us a promise, he always keeps it. He is smart, strong, funny and dependable. We are so lucky to have him in our lives.
We enjoy spending time with our dad. He is fun to just be around. He is always making jokes about things or talking about all the memories he has of us growing up. He is always making memories for us too. It is a treasure to spend time with him. I’m so lucky to be so close to my Father. A lot of kids don’t have that bond with their Father. I don’t see how a kid could not have their Father around. I could not imagine not having mine in my life.
His main goal in life is to make us happy. He always puts us first, instead of himself. He would do and has done anything for us. He tries to make sure we have a safe and happy life. He has made me the strong and independent person that I am. He always makes us feel safe when we are with him.
If you were to ask him how he would like to spend this special day he would be quick to tell you nothing would make him happier than to spend the whole day with his two kids and wife. He always says we are the best thing that ever happened to him. But the truth is he is the best thing that ever happened to us.
If you think that I am a Daddy’s girl, then yes, I am proud to say that I am. We love you Daddy and hope that we make you half as happy as you make all of us.
Pictured: Wayne Perry, Sr., Wayne Perry, Jr., Lynsey Perry.
Mike Helton, Richard Stuckey, Bruce Shue, Adam Respress
submitted by Michelle Shue
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!! I would like to personally wish a happy Father’s Day to my dad Mike Helton he is a super person and a wonderful provider for his family he has three daughters and has always been there to support all of us…Happy Father’s Day daddy! I love you Michelle
Happy Father’s Day to my stepdad Richard Stuckey. He is currently serving in Afghanistan we all love and miss you and can’t wait till you return home!
Happy Father’s Day to my husband Bruce Shue. He is a wonderful dad to all of his children!!!
Happy Father’s Day to my son on his very first Father’s Day! Have a wonderful day Adam!!
Learn How To Troubleshoot Tomato Problems
June 20, 2010
There’s a reason why farmers and avid gardeners watch the weather so closely. Climatic conditions such as temperature, rainfall and humidity can greatly influence which disorders are likely to affect a crop.
Currently, conditions exist that are ideal for several tomato disorders. If you are growing tomato plants, be on the lookout for blossom-end rot and late blight.
A dark water-soaked area on the blossom end of the tomato may indicate a calcium deficiency
The uptake of calcium from the soil by the plant can be reduced by fluctuations in soil moisture – either excessively wet soil or excessively dry soil. Fluctuations in soil moisture may cause blossom-end rot.
Prevent blossom-end rot by maintaining a soil pH around 6.5 and uniform soil moisture by irrigating and mulching, and avoid heavy applications of nitrogen.
If you do experience blossom-end rot, spray the plant’s foliage with 2 level tablespoons of 96 percent calcium chloride in 1 gallon of water at seven to 10-day intervals. Several convenient “stop-rot” products are available at local garden centers. Begin spraying with the first appearance of symptoms. Overdosing plants with calcium chloride may result in leaf burn. Spray on cloudy days or wait until the sun is low.
Blossom-end rot
Blossom-end rot is a common problem on tomatoes but can also occur on peppers, squash, and watermelons. It is more common on fruit that is one-third to one-half grown, and it occurs on the blossom end of the fruit. It is not a disease but a calcium deficiency.
As the tomato develops, water moves rapidly into the developing fruit. However, calcium moves slowly in plants and even slower into the fruit. Calcium is an important component in plant cells and a lack of calcium will result in small, water-soaked spots that develop into dark brown, leathery spots that may involve half the fruit.
Late blight
Late blight is a disease caused by a fungus. It is best known as the disease that was responsible for the Irish potato famine in the mid-nineteenth century. It affects many plants in the Solanaceae family, including tomato, potato, pepper, and eggplant.
Since the pathogen does not survive in the soil, it usually enters the garden on infected transplants or live spores that are blown in with wind or rain. It spreads most rapidly during moderate temperatures (60° to 80°F) and high moisture conditions such as rain, fog, heavy dews or high relative humidity.
Recent climatic conditions have caused an outbreak of late blight in southeast Louisiana.
On tomato leaves, the symptoms of late blight initially consist of light brown to purplish spots that rapidly enlarge to purplish, blighted areas. Early in the morning and under wet conditions, a white growth of the fungus may be visible on the lower leaf surface. Stems may become infected, as well, with large purple to black sections that make stems look as if they were burned.
Several preventative and control measures are required.
- Scouting: regularly inspect your tomato plants and try to catch this disease as soon as possible to prevent its spread.
- Sanitation: eliminate infected plants as soon as the disease is identified.
- Applying fungicides: spray plants on a regular basis with fungicides such as chlorothalonil, mancozeb, copper or a combination of mancozeb plus copper. When using the mixture of mancozeb and copper, allow it to sit for about 30 minutes before spraying and stir it frequently. Chlorothalonil may be used up to and including the day of harvest, whereas mancozeb cannot be used within five days of harvest. Because these fungicides are protectants only, thorough spray coverage is essential for control.
With any luck, warmer weather will slow this disease but gardeners should keep an eye on their prized tomato plants.
For more information, contact Theresa Friday at 850-623-3868 or email tlfriday@ufl.edu. Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blueberries Are Ready For Picking At North Escambia Farm
June 19, 2010
The blueberries are ripe for the picking this weekend at A & N Blueberries in Molino.
Sweet, plump, perfect-color blueberries are just $1 per pound at the u-pick farm that has become a North Escambia tradition.
“They are sweeter than the blueberries you find in the stores,” Sarah Miller of A & N Blueberries said. “Plus it is just a fun atmosphere to bring the family to pick. We even have some families that will bring a lunch and have a picnic.”
“I love blueberries. I love blueberry jam. Blueberries on toast, on bagels,” she said. “Blueberries are just good.”
The blueberry farm sits on about six acres, with rows and rows of trees nearly two decades old. Miller and her husband Eli purchased the farm from his grandparents last year. The blueberries are top quality, good enough that Apple Market and other stores in Pensacola sell A & N Blueberries.
Sarah said that now is the time to pick blueberries for the freezer, and freezing blueberries is easy.
“You go straight from the farm to the freezer; you don’t even wash them first,” she said. “You wash them after you take them out of the freezer.” She said blueberries frozen fresh from the farm can last for a few years in the freezer. Fresh blueberries, she said, will remain at peak quality for about five days.
The blueberry crop is expected to be available until about July 14. The farm also has watermelons, cantaloupes , squash and tomatoes ready now.
In addition to the u-pick blueberries for $1 per pound, A & N also offers pre-picked blueberries for $3 per pound, and fresh blueberry jam.
A & N Blueberries is located on Suncrest Lane, just off Sunshine Hill Road about a half mile north of Molino Road. Click here for a Google map. A & N Blueberries is open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. until dark.
For more information and blueberry recipes, visit www.anblueberries.com.
Pictured middle: Sarah and Eli Miller with son John Parker Miller. Pictured top and below: Farm-fresh blueberries at A & N Blueberries in Molino. NorthEscambia.com and submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA’s Food For America Program Named Best In Florida
June 18, 2010
The Northview High School FFA’s Food For America program was named the best in Florida Thursday during the 82nd Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando.
The North Escambia Food for America Program, sponsored the National FFA Organization and conducted by the Northview FFA in March, gave hundreds of elementary school students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. About 600 elementary school students and about 200 volunteers took part in the program.
The program is designed to encourage FFA members to participate in Agricultural Literacy and Awareness projects on the local level. The awards were announced Thursday during the General Session of the 82nd Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando.
The Northview FFA has participated in the program for 15 years, placing second in the state in 2007 and 2009. Northview has placed in the top five in the state for the last ten years.
Pictured top: Students pets a horse at Northview High School FFA’s Food for America Program last March. Pictured inset: Northview FFA students. Pictured bottom: Students taste homemade butter during the NHS Food for America program. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
