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Cathy Bylinowski, M.S. Horticulture
Horticulture Instructor University of Missouri Extension- Jackson County, MO written by Bethany Bachmann Description Apples are in season from July-November in Missouri. Apples contain a significant amount of vitamin C which is an antioxidant that may play a key role in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin C also aids in the body’s healing process. Consuming foods that contain a significant amount of vitamin C can also help the body to absorb iron. Apples are also a good source of fiber and potassium. Selection A ripe and ready-to-pick apple should be firm and easily detach from the tree when harvesting. Choose apples that are free of blemishes and bruises when purchasing from the farmers market or grocery store. Storing Apples prefer cool, dark places for storage. Consider a cellar, cold basement, or temperature-controlled garage. Apples can be stored in the refrigerator. Spoilage will happen more quickly in areas above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Preparing Apples should be rinsed under cool, running water to remove surface bacteria and dirt. A scrub brush or cloth can be used as well. Apples are most commonly consumed raw, but can be baked, roasted, grilled, or sauteed. There are wide variety of recipes that call for apples. Here is one that may be new to you. Fall Fruit Compote 2 medium apples ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 3 medium pears ¼ cups apple juice or cider 1 cup seedless grapes ¼ cup water 1 cup raisins 2 Tbsp cornstarch 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1. Rinse pears, apples, and grapes. Do not peel fruit. Remove core from pears and apples. Cut fruit into 1-inch pieces. 2. In a medium pot, add pears, apples, grapes, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add apple juice and water to pot to barely cover the fruit. Bring fruit and juice to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat. 3. In a colander, strain the fruit over a small bowl, reserving the liquid. Return liquid to the pot and bring to a simmer. Add a small amount of water or apple juice to the cornstarch and mix. Add cornstarch mixture to simmering liquid. Cook on low to thicken slightly. Remove from stove and let cool. 4. Pour thickened juice mixture over fruit and stir. Cool and serve or store in an air-tight container for up to one week. Written by Bethany Bachmann 321 N. Main Street, Suite 1 | Perryville, MO 63775 O: 573-547-4504 | E: bachmannb@missouri.edu For more information on growing apples in Missouri, check the following MU Extension Publications, available as free downloads: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6022 Apple Cultivars and Their Uses https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6021 Home Fruit Production: Apples https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6026 Disease-Resistant Apple Cultivars
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As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, now is a good time to prepare a home for the coming colder months – and add a little seasonal beauty too. Westlake Ace Hardware offers these nine essential tips to help transition any home smoothly into the months ahead.
INSIDE YOUR HOME:
OUTSIDE YOUR HOME:
BEAUTIFY AND ENJOY THE SEASON:
by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation
Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native with tree and shrub seedlings from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. MDC’s George O. White State Forest Nursery offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for sale for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, buttonbush, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. MDC recommends ordering early for the best selection. “The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly,” said Forest Nursery Supervisor Mike Fiaoni. “And some seedlings occasionally succumb to harsh weather or hungry wildlife, despite the nursery staff’s best efforts.” Fiaoni added that even if a species is listed as “sold out,” customers can still place an order for those seedlings because other orders may get cancelled, freeing up inventory. Customers won’t be charged for seedlings unless they are available to ship. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 34 cents to $1 per seedling. Sales tax will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is a shipping fee and a $9 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery, located near Licking, from February through May. Orders can be placed beginning Sept. 1 through April 15, 2024. Place orders online at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-seedlings. by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation Ponds can be managed to improve fishing and to reduce problems from nuisance aquatic vegetation. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a pond management workshop from 10 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Powell Gardens. The botanical gardens are east of Kansas City and west of Warrensburg off U.S. 50 in Johnson County.
Austin Worth, MDC private land conservationist, will provide information on managing fish populations and aquatic vegetation in ponds. Controlling nuisance aquatic plants will be among the topics covered. Pond owners can ask questions and get specific information about dealing with problems at their pond. Participants are also asked to bring plant samples or photographs of any plants causing problems in their pond. Biologists can identify the plants and recommend options for control. Participants will also learn about aquatic plant identification. Some native aquatic plants are beneficial. But ponds can also become infested with non-native, invasive plant species that can harm fishing and aesthetics. Solutions are available. The MDC workshop is free. But Powell Gardens does have a $12 admission fee. Participants are encouraged to tour the garden’s rich floral displays and scenic ponds before and after the workshop. Registration is required. To register, visit the Powell Gardens webpage at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4s5. For MDC’s online information about pond management, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZNa. by Cathy Bylinowski, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor The plants described below are edible. They have their good and not so good characteristics depending on their location and your gardening goals. The information below can help you decide whether or not to allow them in your garden or yard and use them as cooking ingredients. Lambsquarters- Chenopodium album Human have eaten Lambsquarters for thousands of years. While this common weedy species, Chenopodium album, probably originated in Europe, ancient seeds of related species have been found by archaeologists in the U.S. Tender leaves and seed clusters are best eaten boiled, steamed, or stir fried. The taste similar to spinach and contain vitamin A and C. If left to grow it can get a woody stem that is difficult to remove. If left to go to seed, the plant can become a difficult to control weed. Lambsquarters grow in full sun, in disturbed soil and garden soil. It can be found on woodland edges and shaded areas. Do not harvest from fertilized agricultural fields or fertilized soil in your garden or yard as nitrates can accumulate in the plants’ tissues to an unsafe level if eaten in large quantities. Pay attention to the where the plants are growing and pick leaves from plants growing in unfertilized or nutrient poor soils. Concerns over oxalic acid content in lambsquarters can be overcome by cooking the greens before eating them. Rhubarb, spinach, and Swiss chard also contain oxalic acid. Lambsquarters Iowa State Integrated Crop Management Bob Hartzler Purslane- Portulaca oleracea Purslane grows close to the ground and can form a thick mat. Its leaves are flat, thick, and succulent. The edible variety has small flowers. This plant is related to Rose Moss, an ornamental annual that many people grow in their flower gardens. Purslane, known in Spanish as verdolaga, is used in Mexican and other cultures’ cuisines. It has a tart flavor and crunchy texture. It can be eaten raw or included in stir fry dishes. If you harvest purslane from your garden, yard, or wild places in your neighborhood, be sure to carefully wash the leaves and stems before using. Purslane is a plant source of omega 3 fatty acids that scientists and doctors state are beneficial for heart health. Vegetable seed companies sell cultivated varieties of purslane. Wild Violets Viola sororia Violets, with their blue and purple flowers, are a welcome spring sight in many yards unless the homeowner insists on a turfgrass-only yard. Many violets in the yard can indicate moist soil and shady areas. Too much shade makes it difficult to grow a vigorous turfgrass lawn. Some gardeners allow violets to grow in their yards and take advantage of their tender spring leaves and flowers as an addition to salads. They contain vitamin A and C. If you are ambitious, you can candy the flowers and use them for cake decorations! Wild violet leaves are the host food for caterpillars of several Midwest fritillary butterfly species. Leaving some violets in your yard supports butterfly and native bee biodiversity. Creative Commons/Wikimedia Commons, by Cbaile19 You can decide whether these plants are weeds or wonderful after educating yourself about these and other wild edible plants. Like other annual plants that produce many seeds, lambsquarters and purslane can take over disturbed and bare soil unless they are picked and excess plants are removed.
Important points when collecting wild edible plants:
by Cathy Bylinowski, M.S. Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension
“Because they are difficult and expensive to replace, your trees need attention during and after periods of drought,” says University of Missouri Extension State Forestry Specialist Hank Stelzer. “Most of a tree’s active roots are within the top few inches of soil and can extend well beyond the edge of the tree’s canopy,” Stelzer says. Not only are they competing for water during drought, but high air temperatures can actually bake the soil and severely damage or kill fragile, fine roots critical for water and nutrient uptake. “Perhaps most life-threatening to a tree suffering drought is invasion by borers and disease organisms as the tree is recuperating and still in a weakened state,” he says. Oaks are more susceptible to oak wilt, hypoxylon canker, and hardwood borers. Pines are more likely to become infested by pine bark beetles during drought. Some common symptoms of drought-stressed trees include wilted foliage, leaf scorch, leaf drop, and premature fall coloration. Closer inspection may reveal poorly formed buds. Proper watering is critical. “Slow, deep watering every five to seven days during drought is ideal for mature trees here in the Midwest,” Stelzer says. “When temperatures climb above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, water every four to six days.” A good way to water is to put a sprinkler beneath the tree canopy. Place an empty, shallow can close by and run the sprinkler slowly until 2 inches of water has collected in the can. Be sure to water the entire root zone beneath the tree canopy. The best time to water is in the morning. “If turf is underneath the canopy of the tree, more water will be needed because the turf will absorb much of the water that is applied to the surface,” he says. The goal is to get the water through the turf roots and down to the tree roots. Removing the turf around the base of tree and replacing it with mulch can help eliminate competition for water between the turf and the tree. “For young or newly planted trees, slow, deep watering every two to three days is a good gauge,” Stelzer says. “There are also a number of soaker products available to keep newly planted trees from drying out.” Soil moisture check. “When watering any tree, remember that soil type and method of water delivery have a big impact on how successful the general recommendations might be,” he says. Trees planted on a slope may need some type of soaker hose or drip emitter, as water can run off. Sandy soils need shorter watering intervals, and clay soils should have longer intervals. Clay soils are hard to wet, and water will not infiltrate but puddle if applied too quickly. “The puddling of water may make one think sufficient water has been applied, but often only the top inch may be wet.” “The depth to which water has infiltrated the soil must be checked by hand,” Stelzer says. “It is always advisable to physically check soil moisture by hand to a 1-foot depth instead of using watering intervals or relying upon automatic timers.” Proper tree care during drought includes watering, mulching and pest management. Applying organic mulch such as wood chips to a depth of 2 inches will help the soil retain moisture. But if the soil does not have any moisture, mulch will have little effect as there is no water to retain. Inorganic mulch like rocks or crushed granite might help the soil retain moisture but may not be as effective as organic mulch, and it can add to the heat stress as temperatures climb above 90 degrees. “Routine pruning is not recommended during severe drought,” Stelzer says. Pruning can cause tree stress, which can make the trees even more prone to borer attack. Late-season fertilization is not recommended. Fast-release fertilizers like urea will utilize water first and make the effects of drought more severe. Slow-release fertilizers can encourage new growth when the drought breaks and make it susceptible to an early frost. Planting or transplanting trees is not recommended during drought conditions. Missouri drought map- https:// droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MO by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension- Jackson County
Pollinators are one of the most important residents of the garden, farm, backyard, woods, and prairies. These tiny members of the community include butterflies, beetles, flies, honey bees, bumble bees, and even hummingbirds! Many organizations and individuals are spreading the word about the importance of pollinators and the difficult situation many pollinators are experiencing due to habitat loss, pollution, and the misuse of pesticides. Why are pollinators important? Because they assist in spreading the plant part called pollen, which often looks like orange or yellow dust, from flower to flower allowing fruits and seeds to develop. People and wildlife depend on the pollination for food. Did you know that about one third of the food we regularly eat depends on pollinators for successful production? If you and your family like to eat apples, blueberries, cucumbers, cherries, eggplant, okra, peaches, plums, strawberries, pumpkin, or squash, you have pollinators to thank for those delicious additions to our diet. Pollination ensures future generations of fruit and seeds for food, plant survival, and adaptation to environmental conditions. Forest, prairie, and savannah natural communities depend on pollinators for survival, too. Pollinator Conservation- What are the most important steps we can take to protect and ensure the survival of pollinators? Here’s a list of some important actions we can take:
Want more information on pollinators? Here are some events, resources, and activities to help you learn more:
Master Pollinator Steward Program publications are available as free downloads to individuals- https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/m405
·Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Hotline-Call or Email Your Home Gardening Questions816-833-TREE (8733) – 24 hour voice mail. Email: mggkc.hotline@gmail.com (Please include your county, phone number and any pictures that would help Extension Master Gardener volunteers assist you in answering your questions.) by Bethany Bachmann, Field Specialist in Horticulture, bachmannb@missouri.edu Additional information from Dr. Trinklein, MU Adjunct Professor, and Cathy Bylinowski, MU Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu Rhubarb is in season May to June in Missouri. It is rich in vitamin K which helps in blood clotting and bone formation. Rhubarb also contains vitamin C. How to Grow Rhubarb- Spring is a good time to plant rhubarb, a perennial vegetable that favors cool weather. It produces large leaves attached to succulent stalks or petioles that grow from short, thick underground rhizomes. Rhubarb is a full-sun plant that needs at least six hours of direct sun each day. Since it favors cool weather, rhubarb benefits from some afternoon shade in Missouri. It does not grow well in most of southern Missouri because of higher summer temperatures. It tolerates a variety of soil types but prefers those high in organic matter. Like most perennial plants, rhubarb needs excellent drainage. Do not grow rhubarb where water will stand at the base of the plant or in soils with high clay content. Garden beds with composted manure and other forms of organic matter improve poorly drained soils and create ideal growing conditions for rhubarb. Add about 2 to 2.5 pounds of a complete garden fertilizer such as 10-10-10 per 100 square feet of garden area at the start of growing season. A light side dressing of a fertilizer high in nitrogen or application of 2-3 inches of compost or manure after harvest also helps rhubarb stay healthy. Crown divisions of rhubarb become available in the spring at garden centers, nurseries, and from online nursery catalogues. Plant rhubarb in a shallow trench. Each dormant growing point, or bud, should be about a half-inch below the soil’s surface. Mature rhubarb plants are large. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart in rows separated by at least the same distance. Firm the soil around the crowns, then water. Keep plants uniformly moist during establishment and avoid overwatering. Do not harvest rhubarb the first year. Do not use rhubarb leaf blades for cooking. They contain oxalic acid, which crystallizes in the kidneys. Only the leaf stalks of rhubarb can be eaten safely. Harvest from healthy rhubarb plants lasts about two months. To harvest, grasp the leaf stalk near its base and pull it to one side while twisting the stalk. Since cuts encourage crown rot, avoid harvesting rhubarb with a knife. Remove the toxic leaf blade soon after harvest. Refrigerate in plastic bags and use the stalks within five to seven days or freeze. Frozen rhubarb lasts about one year. Remove flower stalks when seen. This forces the plant to put its energies into the leaves and roots instead of flowers and seeds. Selection of stalks for cooking- Choose stalks that are firm and crisp. Avoid wilted or very thick stalks which can be woodier than others. Unwashed rhubarb should be wrapped with a paper towel and stored in the crisper drawer for best results. Rhubarb stalks can last up to three weeks stored in this manner. Recipe of the Month Some people love the sour flavor of rhubarb, as in the recipe below. Others like to combine rhubarb with other fruit, such as strawberries, to lessen the intense sour flavor. You can experiment and see what you like the best. Rhubarb Muffins Ingredients:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. 2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients with a whisk. 3. In another bowl, mix the yogurt, butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the rhubarb. 4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. If desired, sprinkling tops of each with sugar. 5. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. The Mid-America Regional Council is working to reduce air pollution through the new Mow Electric lawn mower rebate program. Mow Electric works to reduce air pollution from gas-powered lawnmowers by recycling and replacing them with electric mowers. The shift from gas to electric mowers will result in a reduction in harmful emissions, like ozone, typically brought on by gas mowers.
Gas-powered lawnmowers are major pollution producers and can be harmful to our air and health. Alternatively, electric mowers are carbon neutral and give off zero emissions, resulting in cleaner air and lower ozone levels. They get the job done like a gas-powered lawn mower – and in a sustainable manner. There’s no need to fear about running out of power because an electric mower battery will run anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour and can last up to 5 years or 500 charging cycles. Ready to start mowing your way to cleaner air? The steps are easy:
To learn more about the swap-out events and participating ACE Hardware locations, visit the AirQ website. To share any questions or comments, email AirQ@marc.org. Rebates are paid in part by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. (StatePoint) It can be tempting to think that bugs simply disappear in the cooler months. The truth is that many bug species have evolved to survive all year long, sometimes hiding in the warm nooks and crannies in and around homes. Others go into a hibernation-like state.
“Bugs can be a lot smarter and more resilient than you may realize. Even if you don’t see household pests right now, some may still be waiting in your home for those first warm days to signal them to become active, search for food and find a mate,” says Emma Klingman, senior products research at Zevo, a maker of pest control products with naturally-inspired ingredients you can feel good about. To prep your home for bug season and outsmart pests, follow these three steps: 1. Tidy up: Household pests love snacking just as much as people do, but you don’t need to play host to them. After meals, wipe down tables, counters and other kitchen surfaces. Be sure to regularly sweep and vacuum crumbs, as well as mop up to eliminate sticky food residue. Keep a tightly-fitting lid on your garbage bin, and rinse cans and jars before recycling them. 2. Be ready: Even an immaculate home will face pest problems at some point. That’s why it is important to have tools on hand to catch a problem early, before it becomes a much bigger one. Zevo’s Instant Action sprays target and shut down biological pathways found in insects, not in people or pets. Likewise, the brand’s traps use a UV and blue light system to attract and capture flying insects, and they have a discreet design that can serve as a bouncer at your home’s entry points. It’s also smart to use these traps in potential problem areas, such as near trash cans and fruit bowls and near toilet bowls and drains. 3. Safeguard the yard: Defending your yard from pesky pests will not only improve the comfort of your home’s outdoor spaces, it will help prevent insects from finding their way indoors. Be sure to eliminate standing water by properly tending to your lawn and by periodically clearing downspouts of debris. Any water feature in your garden should use running water. If you have a patio or deck, consider screening it in. If you don’t love the look of screened walls, installing ceiling fans can be an effective alternative. Run the fans whenever you entertain to deter unwanted guests, such as mosquitos, from crashing the party. Of course, it’s always a good idea to apply bug repellant when spending time outdoors. Find a formula that will be easy to use, such as the new on-body products from Zevo, which include a pump spray, aerosol and lotion. They offer eight hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks and are lightweight, odorless and not sticky. For more usage tips and more information, visit https://zevoinsect.com and follow on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram (@ZevoInsect). “As we usher in gorgeous spring weather, it can be an especially challenging time of year to keep bugs at bay at home. But with the right tools and strategies, you can help prevent and combat infestations as they arise,” says Klingman. |
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