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Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
When is the first day of summer 2025? What to know about the summer solstice in NY
While consistent rainfall has dampened New York in recent weeks and months, the official start of the summer season is thankfully ushering in some more seasonal weather. Temperatures are expected to rise into the 90s throughout the state after the summer solstice on June 20, according to National Weather Service forecasts. Here's what to know about this year's summer solstice. The Summer 100: Summer means farmers markets, street fairs. Westchester, Rockland folks like these spots The astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, also known as the longest day of the year, is Friday, June 20, 2025, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Meteorological summer begins on June 1 and runs through the end of August, while astronomical summer is June 20 through Sept. 22. During the summer solstice, the sun is traveling along its northernmost path in the sky and the Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt toward the sun, the Almanac says. This results in the Northern Hemisphere receiving the longest period of sunlight hours and the most direct angle of sunlight all year. It will begin at 10:42 p.m. EDT, according to the Almanac. Summer 2025: Have fun, stay safe this season. Check out our guide to summer safety Here's a look at how much sunlight some cities in New York will get on June 20, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac: Watertown: 15 hours and 32 minutes Rochester: 15 hours and 26 minutes Syracuse: 15 hours and 25 minutes Buffalo: 15 hours and 24 minutes Albany: 15 hours and 22 minutes Binghamton: 15 hours and 18 minutes White Plains: 15 hours and 11 minutes New York City: 15 hours and 8 minutes Find out how much sunlight you'll get on the longest day of the year by using the Almanac's sunrise and sunset calculator: Emily Barnes on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network's New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@ This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: First day of summer 2025: What to know about summer solstice in NY
Washington Post
18-05-2025
- Washington Post
Spring onion kebabs with romesco celebrate the season in Spanish style
Every year about now, my heart skips a beat the first time I spy those gorgeous spring onions in farmers markets and grocery stores. You know the ones, I hope? They look like scallions that have gotten as swole as a tech bro. And every year, I think to myself: Why am I not in Spain right now? Or, more accurately, why wasn't I in Spain a month or two ago? That's when restaurants in Catalonia host dinners celebrating calçots, their version of spring onions that are planted twice to bulk up their greens, too. At these calçotadas, the onions get charred on the grill by the hundreds, if not thousands, then wrapped in newspaper to steam and served to hungry diners who peel off the blackened exteriors and swipe the sweet, soft interiors through the classic Spanish romesco sauce. Wine is involved.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
South Africa: How soil health unlocks greater yields for small-scale farmers?
In South Africa, over two million smallholder farming households form the backbone of the nation's food system. These small-scale farmers, cultivating plots often less than two hectares, are pivotal not only in rural areas but increasingly within urban and peri-urban settings. This shift is fuelled by the growing demand for organic, locally sourced produce and a desire for self-sufficiency. Across cities and suburbs, more people are embracing farming to support their families and communities, often starting in their backyards. Farmers' markets are on the rise in response to a growing demand from consumers who want to know where their food comes from. At the core of every successful farm is healthy soil. Soil is a living, dynamic ecosystem that supports plant growth, stores water, and cycles nutrients. Healthy soil improves crop yields, enhances resilience against pests and diseases, and sustains long-term productivity. When soil health declines, yields drop, costs rise, and land becomes less viable. Many smallholder farmers, however, face challenges in maintaining soil health – challenges that often mirror those faced by commercial farmers. Chief among these is soil degradation from over-fertilisation or repeated planting of the same crop, also referred to as monocropping, which can skew soil health and promote diseases that reduce yields. This issue can be compounded by limited access to resources and agronomic knowledge. Over-fertilising, for instance, is a common mistake rooted in the belief that more is better. In reality, soil can become imbalanced or depleted. Simple, strategic solutions Fortunately for small-scale farmers who may just be starting, effective soil care doesn't require expensive equipment or commercial-scale investment. We recommend starting with simple, sensory-based methods like looking at and touching your soil to determine its composition. Sandy soil, for example, may suffer from nutrient runoff, while clay-heavy soils can become compacted, making root growth difficult. A good rule of thumb in this instance is if you can't dig a spade into your soil easily, neither can your crops' roots. Farmers can also use cost-effective tools like soil ph kits to ensure that nutrients are available at optimal levels. Nutrients are only accessible to plants within certain ph ranges, so balancing this is key. When starting, your nutrient needs will depend on what you're growing. Applying the right nutrients at the right time will be one of the most important things a smallholder farmer can do. Organic matter is another critical input. Many small-scale farmers raise animals, and their manure can be used to naturally enrich the soil. This protects soil life and structure while replenishing nutrients taken up by crops. Fertilisation isn't about dependence but sustainability because if your crops keep taking nutrients from your soil without replenishment, your soil will die. Proof of life Strategic fertilisation can help sustain soil life by making nutrients available for longer periods, especially when it includes both macro- and micronutrients and is paired with biostimulants. Earthworms are a good indication of a healthy soil as their presence indicates a vibrant, balanced environment. Long-term, these practices not only protect soil integrity but also improve yields and resilience against climate shocks. Some of South Africa's most remarkable farming stories come from dry, rocky landscapes like the bush vine wine farms in arid regions, where low water availability results in smaller, more flavour-concentrated grapes. In the Western Cape, farmers have even learned to grow crops in what appear to be rocky soils, using deep agronomic understanding and soil-smart techniques. This proves that with the right approach, soil of any type can be nurtured into something productive. Omnia, for example, plays a crucial role in supporting smallholder farmers through a mix of hands-on expertise and practical tools. Our agronomists work with farmers in the field to understand local conditions, recommend appropriate interventions, and share knowledge that's grounded in local realities. While information is freely available online, it doesn't always apply to a farmer's specific context. Whether they're growing for their own families or their entire communities, farmers must have access to climate and location-specific advice and access to quality fertilisers and biostimulants. We also support small-scale farmers across South Africa through our Nutriology model, which includes soil testing via our Chemtech laboratory, tailored fertiliser solutions, and crop-specific nutrient strategies, which are all designed to improve soil health and unlock yield potential in a practical, accessible way. The future of small-scale farming in SA The country's upcoming premier agricultural expo, Nampo 2025, will shine a spotlight on innovations adapted to South African conditions. Omnia will be there, sharing insights and solutions, while celebrating the role of small-scale farmers in driving food security, community upliftment, and agricultural innovation. As the local farming landscape evolves, so too does the importance of nurturing the very ground beneath our feet. Ultimately, healthy soil is more than a farming tool, it's the foundation for healthy communities, thriving families, and a more resilient, food-secure South Africa.
