The perennial plant northern sea oats offer visual appeal throughout the year. The ornamental grass also provides seeds for wildlife during winter.

With two snowfall events coming right after oat planting, conditions are looking promising for a good start to the crop.

However, some farmers are still planting during October. Cover crops have been encouraged through the H2Ohio program, which asks area farmers to plant oats, alfalfa, rye and wheat over the winter ...

Quick growing choices include buckwheat, field peas, fava beans, winter oats or annual rye, and blends are a good way to get the most from these helpers.

Winter wheat planting is underway. Oat planting continues, and some fields have already germinated. The cotton harvest is winding down, and new alfalfa planting is almost complete.