×

Field and Forest, by Richard Gast

Building a better apple

Apples are the most-consumed fruit in the United States. The annual estimated total value of the American apple industry is $23 billion, with just five cultivars — Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Red Delicious — making up two-thirds of production. Of these, Honeycrisp is easily the ...

It’s pumpkin season

“There are three things that I’ve learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.” — Linus (from “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”) I can’t think of any horticultural crop that signals the arrival of autumn more than pumpkins. ...

Heating with wood this winter

I need to preface this article by assuring readers that, contrary to what many people are saying, New York state is not considering passing legislation that would prohibit burning wood or woody biomass products (pellets, scrap wood, sawmill and forest residues) at this time. There is a ...

A zucchini is not a cucumber

Cucumbers are a part of any summer vegetable garden. And from salads and dips to sandwiches and smoothies, crunchy, refreshing, water-rich cucumbers are an indispensable part of any summer diet as well. I suppose much the same can be said for zucchinis. And, given their similar ...

Sustainable firewood production

It’s the time of year when North Country homeowners and renters start to think about, and prepare, for the upcoming heating season. The price of heating oil, propane and natural gas all reached record highs earlier this year. And what we’ll be paying for those fuels during the winter is ...

4-H at the Franklin County Fair

The 172nd annual Franklin County Fair kicked off on Sunday, Aug. 7, with poultry judging, horses in place, Holstein and red and white cattle in place, and a demolition derby. It will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 14, with an open beef show and tractor pulls. You can still take a spin on the ...