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.
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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 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat or almond flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 8 Tbsp melted, unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups rhubarb, cut to ¼ inch pieces

Directions:
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:

• Come to one of the three participating Westlake ACE Hardware stores on April 29 to receive your rebate. Visit AirQKC.org for participating store locations.
• Bring in your gas-powered mower for recycling and fill out an application. 
• Purchase your new electric mower to receive your $50 rebate. 

     Rebates will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. 
     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.

by Cathy Bylinowski, M.S. Horticulture, Horticulture Instructor
University of Missouri Extension- Jackson County, MO


     Spring is here. If you are interested in gardening outdoors, now is the time to start.

     Cool Season Vegetables, those that thrive in cooler temperatures can be sown into moist, crumbly garden soil now. Follow the planting information on the seed packet or use the MU Extension Vegetable Planting Calendar for successful planting:
     Arugula- A nutty flavored salad green when it is young and tender; as the plants get older and the temperatures start to rise, the leaves become spicy hot. They are still good for stir fry dishes.
     Beets- Wait until temperatures are above freezing to plant. Thin seedlings to 1-2 inches apart.
     Carrots- Plant carrots seeds as soon as garden soil is workable. Seedlings take two weeks to germinate. Thin to at least 1 inch apart.
     Collards- Some gardeners prefer to purchase transplants of collards, but you can direct sow seeds in the spring.  If you keep the pests off the collards, you should be able to harvest leaves until a hard freeze.
     Kale-  Improved Dwarf Siberian Kale, a hardy cold tolerant variety with curly leaves, is a nutritious crop that can be directly sown. The plants continue to produce edible leaves throughout the growing season. It is also a great fall crop.
     Mustard Greens- Do you like mixed greens? If you do, mustard greens are an essential ingredient. There are broad leaf and curly leaf varieties. It loves cool spring or fall weather, but bolts (goes to seed) in warm weather.
     Onions- During April, you can plant onion sets, which are small bulbs, or onion plants. Be sure to plant onion sets with the pointy end of the bulb up and the fuzzy root end in the soil. Plant 1-2 inches deep.
     Potatoes- Plant seed potatoes as soon as possible this month. Plant quarters of larger seed potatoes with eyes (small indentations where sprouts will grow) or entire smaller seed potatoes, 3-5 inches deep in furrows and 1 foot apart. Some gardeners like to rake soil around the base of the potato plant to keep the tubers from turning green. You can harvest early potatoes and leave the green plant to continue growing. And, you can harvest potatoes after the plant has died back. Consult MU Publication Vegetable Planting Calendar and MG5- the Vegetable Gardening Chapter of the Missouri Master Gardener Core Manual for more information. 
     Radishes- Radishes are another cool season crop that should be planted as soon as possible this month. If planted and harvested too late, they will get too hot to eat. They also will start going to seed as soon as the weather warms up. Radishes can be planted in the fall, too.
     This is a short list of spring vegetable crops.  Seed catalogues, the MU Extension Vegetable Planting Calendar, and gardening friends are sources of information on more spring crop possibilities.
 
  
Cool Season Flowers-
     Pansies and Violas- While it is too late to start these flowers from seed now, transplants of these lovely flowers can be purchased. Both will flower until early summer. The plants wither during summer heat. Careful watering, as well as shade from surrounding plants may allow pansies and violas to survive until fall when they might bloom again.
     California Poppies- These small yellow and orange cool season annual flowers are easy to grow from seed. They are native to the western United States. They do well in full sun, poor soil and droughty conditions. If allowed to flower and go to seed, they can reseed themselves the following year.
     Bachelor Buttons- These hardy, cool season annual flowers are also called corn flowers. They come in a range of colors from white to dark blue. The light blue varieties are perhaps best known. Seed for Bachelor Buttons can be planted now in prepared soil. They prefer full sun. They will flop over if planted in too much shade.
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     For more information about cool season vegetables or flowers, contact MU Extension Horticulture Instructor Cathy Bylinowski, bylinowskic@missouri.edu or Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Hotline at 816-833-TREE (8733). 

     As you head outdoors this spring to enjoy the warmer weather, it’s likely you’ll encounter a variety of newborn animals. Young wildlife can pull on our heartstrings as they appear to be abandoned, but that’s rarely the case. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds the public that interfering with wildlife does more harm than good.
     According to MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Sherri Russell, young animals are rarely orphaned.
     “When we see newborn wildlife alone, that means the parents are likely out searching for food and will return,” Russell explained.
     A common newborn species people can come across in the spring season is young birds.
     “If you see a chick with feathers hopping on the ground, leave it alone because it’s a fledgling and the parents are nearby keeping watch,” said Russell. “Fledglings can spend up to 10 days hopping on the ground learning to fly. If you find one that has no feathers, you can return it to the nesting area if possible, as it likely fell out of its nest.”
     Russell also warned against “rescuing” newborn rabbits.
     “Rabbits seldom survive in captivity and can die of fright from being handled,” she said.      “Even if the animal is injured, it’s best to return it to the nest because the mother will most likely return.”
     Human scent does not cause wild mothers to reject their young, and most newborn animals do not survive in captivity.
     “It takes a lot of knowledge to care for and rehabilitate wild animals,” stressed Russell. “It requires special training, permits, and facilities. Not to mention, it’s illegal to possess many wild animals without a valid state or federal permit.”
     Russell also noted wildlife can become dangerous as they mature, and can carry disease, parasites, and cause property damage.
     “We know people have good intentions, and it can be tempting to take these cute, young animals in our homes, but the best thing we can do for wild animals is to leave them be,” she said.
     To learn more about Missouri’s native wildlife, visit the MDC online Field Guide at https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/search.

      They bloom in early spring with white or lavender flowers, and they provide food and shelter for songbirds and butterflies. Native trees such as service berry and redbud benefit wildlife and add color to home and business landscaping, said Taylor Neff, MDC community forester. Neff and other MDC foresters recommend early blooming native trees and urge homeowners and landscape services to avoid planting non-native trees such as the invasive Callery pear cultivars.
     Profusely blooming Callery pear varieties do provide a brief burst of spring color, but they also pose problems, including becoming an invasive enemy to native plants.
      “They spread across natural areas and crowd out beneficial native species, Neff said.
     Callery pear varieties are seen blooming during spring in yards and in front of businesses because they have long been planted as an ornamental for landscaping. But they have escaped into forests, woodlands, pastures, parks, and right of ways where they are not wanted. Fast growing, they shade out native plants that also offer beauty and provide more benefits for wildlife. Callery pear varieties host few of the insects that birds depend upon as food. Birds do eat their berries, but that spreads the seeds and furthers the invasion.
     Callery pear cultivars planted as ornamentals have hybridized and become very invasive. Cultivated varieties of this plant available for sale include Aristocrat, Autumn Blaze, Bradford, Capital, Chanticleer (also known as Cleveland Select), New Bradford, and Redspire, among others. All are invasive and should not be planted. Individual cultivars are considered self-sterile but different cultivars planted near each other can cross-pollinate and produce fruits and viable seed. 
     Besides being invasive, the Callery pear varieties have drawbacks in landscaping use.
     “They commonly have a poor, multi-stemmed structure which leads them to break easily from wind, ice, and snow,” Neff said. “They can require a lot of maintenance.”
     Callery pear varieties are also fast growing, she said. This, paired with the poor structure, often means they are trimmed annually, rather than a more normal three-to-five-year pruning schedule you see with native species.
     Native trees that make good ornamentals are available, including spring blooming varieties. Missouri’s state tree, flowering dogwood, provides white blooms and is attractive in lawns if given shady locations. Serviceberry provides early white blooms but also red berries that are edible for people and songbirds. Other blooming choices include red buckeye, yellowwood, redbud, blackhaw viburnum, hophornbeam and chokecherry. A mix of tree species will provide a variety of blooms and benefits. Native trees host valuable insects that are important food sources birds, and they host the caterpillars for butterflies and moths.
     For more information about problems from Callery pear trees and how to remove or control them, visit   https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4MJ. A good source of information about native plants and trees for landscaping is available at http://www.grownative.org. To learn about an upcoming Callery pear buyback program in the Kansas City area sponsored by Deep Roots KC, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4M3.

by Cathy Bylinowski, M.S. Horticulture, Horticulture Instructor
University of Missouri Extension
 

     It might be hard to believe now, but the cold winter weather will be over in the weeks to come. It is time to start thinking about spring vegetable gardening!
     Begin the garden season with some planning. You can use the MU Extension Vegetable Planting Calendar to help guide you to success: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6201
     This publication will help you know what to plant when and other helpful gardening planning information.
     If you want to start your own cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts transplants, now is the time to begin. These cold tolerant cole-crops (cabbage-related crops) take about 5-8 days to germinate when in a warm (75-77 degrees) conditions.
     As soon as they germinate, move the seedlings to a well- lit location. You will need a sunny south window, fluorescent lights set up on shelving units to create a bright propagation area, or a greenhouse. Seedlings that do not get enough light, get too tall and often fall over. They will not mature into plants that produce good crops.
     If you do not have adequate light to start your own transplants, you can wait and purchase cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower transplants at garden center stores soon. In Central Missouri, transplants for cole-crops can be planted outside in a sunny spot in the vegetable garden, from mid-March through mid to late April.
     If temperatures  below freezing are predicted, you can cover them with newspaper, sheets of plastic, even bed sheets overnight for protection. Or you can cover the plants with floating row cover that can be kept on the plants to help keep insect pests out. Floating row cover is a spun polyester fabric that lets light and rain in and creates a microclimate underneath next to the soil that is several degrees warmer than the outside temperatures.
     When the snow and ice melts, and garden soil is moist and crumbly, you can direct-sow cold tolerant crops such as arugula, lettuce, radishes, and sugar snap peas outside. Onions are a good spring crop, too. They will be available at garden centers in early spring, as onion sets, which are small onion bulbs, or as onion plants.
     Early spring is also a great time to plant ornamental cabbage and kale, pansies, and violas. These visually attractive plants love the cool weather and can be planted along flower bed borders, among the vegetables, and in containers. They will provide a wide range of color until the temperatures get hot in late June and July.
     Do you have more gardening questions? The Gardener Hotline is another way to get reliable gardening information. It is staffed by trained Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Greater Kansas City. The phone number is 816-833-TREE (8733).  You can also email gardening, landscaping, and other horticulture questions to them at mggkc.hotline@gmail.com.
     Also, feel free to contact Cathy Bylinowski, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu, if you have more gardening questions or need more information on MU Extension Horticulture programs. 

by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation 


     Having a good planting plan can help gardeners develop a native plant garden that meets their goals. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free virtual DIY Native Landscape Design class from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. This online course will help gardeners make choices about what species to plant and how to design their placement for a successful garden.
     Native wildflowers and grasses can provide year-round color and texture. They’re adapted to Missouri’s soils and climate, and once established, maintenance can be more minimal than for non-native plants. Plus, natives better serve songbirds, pollinating insects, and wildlife. Thoughtful species choices can also provide a series of wildflower blooms from spring into autumn. Native prairie grasses provide backdrops in summer, golden-red color in autumn, and interesting patterns in winter.
     Late winter is a good time to prepare for spring planting. Cydney Ross, MDC native landscape specialist, will provide suggestions and talk about how selecting the right plants and designing with intent can help a gardener achieve the colors and patterns they seek. A backdrop for the class will be the extensive native plant garden at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City, where Ross is based. That garden showcases how natives can be used in landscape designs.
​     The DIY Native Landscape Design class is open to participants ages 18 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Y4.

     The holiday season is here, and homes everywhere are filling up with friends and family. But things like clogged drains, burned out light bulbs, leaking toilets, unwelcome guests like mice, and slick sidewalks are a fact of life – and it can happen at the worst times. Westlake Ace Hardware suggests these simple tips and products to keep on hand to make household repairs quick and simple – and let you get back to enjoying the holidays!

1. Give your walk a clean sweep – Sweep, shovel, or use a leaf blower on walkways before guests arrive so they won’t accidentally slip or pick up debris on their shoes to track through your home. If the walks are icy, apply ice melt.
2. Light it up – Buy a supply of energy-efficient LED light bulbs that shed a softer light and show true whites inside a home. Also, consider adding a nightlight to bathrooms or dark hallways so guests can find their way in an unfamiliar space at night.
3. Take a shower in the guest bathroom – Test shower heads you never use to make sure the water pressure is up to your standards. If not, consider soaking the shower head in CLR or a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and water to remove mineral deposits. If that doesn’t help, it’s a quick fix to replace the showerhead with a new one.
4. Banish bathroom blunders – The time for a bathroom emergency is NOT while you have a house full of guests. Check your house’s bathroom sinks, faucets, and toilets in advance. Tighten leaky faucets, clear drains of clogs, and fix the toilet valve or flapper if it’s continually running or not filling properly. If you don’t already have a plunger and sewer snake on hand, those can be invaluable tools. Insta-Flow is a great way to quickly unclog sinks.
5. Freshen the air – Replace the furnace filter so the air inside your home doesn’t smell dusty and stale. If the air inside already feels dry, consider purchasing a humidifier to add moisture to the air for everyone’s comfort.
6. A touch of fresh paint – Starting a major renovation is not advised during the holidays, but it can be a good time to paint over chips and nicks on doors, door frames, cabinets, and baseboards. Just be sure to leave several days for the paint to dry before guests arrive.
7. Uninvite unwanted furry guests – Unwanted guests like mice and rats may try to make their way into your home to escape winter’s cold and enjoy the warm and dry environment. 
   • If your fireplace wood is stacked right next to the house, consider moving it away from the foundation and outer walls. 
   • Minimize clutter in the garage so pests can’t find places to nest. Keep tight-fitting lids on trash cans.
   • Rinse recycling items before tossing in the bin to avoid tempting rodents with food remnants. If you’re storing dog or cat food in the garage, make sure containers are sealed tight. And keep the garage door closed to prevent rodents from walking right in. 
   • An adult mouse can squeeze through a dime-sized hole, so seal off all possible access points throughout the house with steel wool. 
   • Bait stations are a good option for basements, garages, attics, and other tight spaces. Rodents eat the product then wander off to meet their end. Bait stations can be disposable or refillable. While bait is highly effective, it should not be used in high-traffic areas or around pets. 
   • If you’d prefer a non-toxic, poison-free option, the Victor PestChaser Plug-In Electronic Rodent Repeller drives away rodents by emitting a highly irritating noise that only rodents can hear.