Cotton has traditionally been an extremely important crop in the southern United States, and for a long time, the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) has been its nemesis. This fast moving, quickly reproducing pest made its way from Mexico to Texas in the late 1800s, spread quickly and has wrought havoc on cotton crops ever since.

These days homesteaders and hobby gardeners have begun trying to grow crops that are typically grown commercially. One popular crop for home gardeners and homesteaders is cotton; although, it is important to point out that there are restrictions on non-commercial growing of this plant in many states. In this article, we provide sound advice on

Cotton hasn’t always been a domestic plant. Throughout history (and even before) it has grown naturally in the wild in such far flung places as Brazil, Africa, Australia and the Americas. Ancestors of modern day cotton can also be found growing on a number of different tropical islands. This information is important to keep in

Cotton is an important commercial product in the United States and around the world. In addition to using cotton to make textiles, the plant is also used as a landscape plant in states that allow it. Cotton plants have surprisingly pretty, hibiscus-like flowers that start out white, turn deep pink and then become cotton bolls.

Professional cotton growers have aggressive measures in place to combat boll weevils. If a backyard grower allows the pests to get established, it could threaten the commercial cotton crop. Read on to learn more on why is it illegal to grow cotton in some states. Backyard Cotton Growing Is Illegal In Several States Cotton is