Winter squashes are the perfect side for your fall meals. Pumpkins, acorn, butternut, and other winter squashes are a great source of beta carotene which is converted to Vitamin A. The deeper the yellow/orange color, the higher the concentration of the beta carotene in the squash.
Lou Ann Jopp, a food science educator with the University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension, says that winter squash are known for their hard, inedible skins. Signs of a good quality squash include a smooth, dry skin that is dull in appearance. Ms. Jopp recommends that consumers test for maturity by pressing against the skin with a thumbnail; the skin should be hard and not easily punctured.
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By the look of things outdoors right now, one might think polka dots are all the rage.
Orange and black may be the colors of the fall/Halloween season but most homeowners don't want that palette crawling around their houses. How do we cope with the migration of the ladybug?
As the seasons change from summer into fall, insects adapt to prepare for the winter. Ladybugs are no exception. They are searching for places to hibernate.
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The autumn season is when gardeners begin to plan for the coming spring-summer growing seasons. This involves both plantings and some clean-up chores.
Now is the time to plant garlic. Garlic is not only good for your health; it makes other foods taste better.
Planting
Garlic is easy to grow because it has few pest problems and does well in both wet and dry years. Apply a small amount of fertilizer at planting and again May 1. Plant cloves from garlic that was grown locally or grown in a cooler region. Individual garlic cloves should be planted about 4 inches apart and about 1-1/2 inches deep. Plant only the larger cloves.
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People with diabetes know that diet plays a crucial role in managing their disease. But many diabetics are confused about what they can and cannot eat to control diabetes. To clarify some of the common misconceptions about diabetes and diet, The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension busts some some common myths.
Myth 1: You need a special diabetic diet if you have diabetes.
Fact: There's no special diet just for diabetes. The dietary guidelines that help manage blood sugar and prevent diabetes complications like blindness, kidney failure and limb amputation are basically the same ones that help control weight and lower the risk of chronic diseases. There are four general guidelines:
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Halloween is the third most expensive holiday of the year, right behind Christmas and Valentine's Day. Because of the poor economy, retailers expect consumers to spend about $56 on costumes, candy, decorations and cards, which is $10 less than last year.
If you'd like to scale back your Halloween spending, here are some ideas to save money from Nicole DeMarco, Penn State Cooperative Extension program assistant.
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