Forrest County Extension Office

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

Packing lunch can save money and support healthier choices. Try Easy Homemade Granola—great for snacks or lunch boxes. 👉 http://happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/recipes/easy-homemade-granola

05/22/2026

New Soil Testing Information! Soil testing is the first step to healthy soil and productive crops, pastures, turf and gardens.

Follow the steps below to submit your soil sample:

Order online. Visit soiltesting.extension.msstate.edu and follow the instructions to complete your order. Enter your contact info, sample names and crop or intended use.

Choose payment. Cost is $12 per sample. You may pay by cash or check sent with your soil sample or choose to receive an invoice to pay by credit card. Your payment options are cash, check or invoice.

Prepare and label your sample. Collect the soil to be tested. Fill the sample collection container to the fill line and close the container. Write the “sample name” (and your name, if desired) on the outside of the container. Clearly write your order number and sample name on each container. This information must match what was entered online.

Ship or drop off your sample. The new shipping address and drop off location is:
Southern Soil & Plant Lab, LLC.
117 Haley Barbour Parkway
Yazoo City, MS 39194

Receive results. Results will be sent to you and your county Extension office. You can contact your Extension agent for assistance with the sample report and recommendations.

Important Reminders

Cost is $12 per sample.

You may pick up your soil sample containers from your county Extension office.

You are responsible for shipping samples to the soil testing laboratory.

Contact your local Extension office for help with collecting soil samples, understanding crop codes, interpreting soil test reports and general soil fertility questions.

05/22/2026

The Forrest County Extension Office will be closed Monday 5/25/26 in observance of Memorial Day. The office will reopen at 8am Tuesday 5/26/26.

05/20/2026

Picking fruits and vegetables is a fun way to stay active. Grab friends or family and enjoy being outdoors today!

05/19/2026

Interested in learning how to grow house plants?
Come attend our House Plant Workshop on May 21st!🪴

05/19/2026

Harvesting blueberries at the peak of ripeness ensures you get the greatest health benefits and the best taste!

Depending on location and cultivar, rabbiteye blueberries begin to ripen in mid-May to June and are ready for harvesting after they have turned a uniform light blue. Redness indicates the berry is not fully ripe.

A uniform blue color means the berry is ready to be picked. Especially look toward the stem end where it may still be green, white, or rose colored even though the rest of the berry looks blue.

Once harvested, blueberries can be eaten immediately, refrigerated for a short time, or frozen for longer. Always wash the fruit before you eat it. If you are storing the berries for use later, wait until just before you want to use them to wash them. Washing berries before refrigerating or freezing will make them break down and leak.

05/15/2026

If it’s safe to do so, try biking to work or school today. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh air and boost heart health.

05/13/2026