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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. 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). Red Radishes, Image by Matthias Böckel from Pixabay
by Jill Pritchard, Missouri Department of Conservation 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. You may encounter a variety of newborn animals this spring, such as cottontail rabbits (pictured). MDC encourages the public to leave wildlife alone as attempting to help them can do more harm than good. Photo credit: MDC
by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation 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. Serviceberry with white spring blooms and redbud with lavender blooms are natives that add color to landscaping. Photo credit: MDC
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. by Linda Geist, University of Missouri Extension A century ago, poinsettia was added to Santa’s “naughty” list, but the plant’s reputation for being poisonous is unfortunate, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Its pretty bracts and leaves pose no danger to people and pets, other than possible allergic reactions. The myth that poinsettia is toxic can be traced back to a 1919 incident in Hawaii involving the death of a 2-year-old child, presumably after eating poinsettia leaves. Later, it was revealed that the child died from other causes and poinsettia was not involved. However, the damage to poinsettia’s reputation was done and word of its toxicity spread quickly. “You cannot un-ring a bell,” Trinklein said. “Once a myth gains traction, dispelling it becomes quite a challenge.” Modern-day media unfortunately often continue to include poinsettia on lists of toxic holiday plants, he said. In a 1971 study funded by the Society of American Florists, scientists at Ohio State University fed lab rats “extraordinarily high doses of various portions of the poinsettia.” A human would have to devour several pounds of poinsettia to get an equivalent dose. Yet the rats appeared to be fine. Scientists observed “no mortality, no symptoms of toxicity nor any changes in dietary intake or general behavior pattern.” In the 1990s, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh analyzed almost 23,000 cases of poinsettia ingestion reported by poison control centers. More than 92% of patients showed no ill effects at all, and no one died or became critically ill. However, Trinklein notes that poinsettia’s sap, which has several proteins in common with natural latex rubber, can cause allergic skin reactions. Therefore, the plants should be kept out of the reach of children. Of bracts and cyathia Poinsettia remains the nation’s top-selling potted flowering plant. The fact they are sold only in a narrow span of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is testimony to Americans’ admiration for the plant, Trinklein said. The colorful part of the poinsettia that we enjoy isn’t a flower. What look like petals are specialized leaves called bracts. The true flowers, called cyathia (from the Greek for “cup”), are the small, yellow structures in the center of the bracts. When choosing a poinsettia plant, look closely at the cyathia. Their presence indicates the plant is still young. If the cyathia are missing, it’s likely the plant is past its prime. Also, check leaves and bracts for wilting, which could indicate root problems, Trinklein said. Examine the underside of the leaves for insect infestation or damage. Sun, little water Proper care helps the poinsettia stay vibrant throughout the holiday season. Two things are key: Place them in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering. If your plants came wrapped in decorative foil, make sure there’s a hole in the foil so water can drain. Water if the pot feels light when you pick it up. If the soil’s surface is clammy or moist to the touch, wait to water. Fertilizer and plant food are unnecessary. Poinsettia plants can bloom another holiday season for those up to the challenge, said Trinklein. For information on how to save and rebloom a poinsettia plant, visit- https://extension.missouri.edu/news/poinsettias-can-bloom-again-next-year-with-tlc-2966 The poinsettia's small flowers are surrounded by colorful leaves called bracts. Photo by Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service.
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!
by Kelly McGowan, MU Extension Field Specialist in Horticulturist in the Southwest Region
Nothing is cozier than a wood burning fireplace on a cold winter night. Once that fire is gone, ashes make a great soil amendment and have been used by gardeners for generations. Ashes are a good source of plant nutrients, especially calcium. While the calcium is good for plant health, it can work similarly to lime and effect soil pH, the acidity, neutrality, or alkalinity, of the soil. Excessive use of wood ash can lead to a pH above the ideal level, which in turn can affect nutrient availability. It can also increase levels of phosphorus and potassium to high levels. Be careful to not over apply and soil test every one to two years to monitor soil fertility and pH. It is easy to get too much of a good thing! The recommended amount is five to ten pounds per 100 square feet. Ash can be applied pre-planting and incorporated in the soil, or used as a side dressing around growing plants. Store unused ashes in a dry place. If stored outdoors, the weathering process can decrease its nutritive value. Make sure to only use wood ash and never ashes from burning trash. Trash burning ashes contain toxins that are undesirable in the vegetable garden. Also, keep in mind that wood ash is highly alkaline, so wear a dust mask and other protective equipment when handling to prevent inhaling or getting into your eyes. (StatePoint) It’s fall, which means it’s time to roll up your sleeves, make minor fixes and prepare your home before it’s time to hunker down for winter. Here are four easy DIY projects that will ensure your humble abode is in tip-top shape before the cold weather arrives.
Patch It Up If you experienced storms this past season, survey your home’s exterior for any damage. Take a walk around the grounds and look at the siding and the condition of the roof, including the garage and porch. Use T-Rex Waterproof Tape to temporarily patch small holes in vinyl siding, loose shingles or leaks in your gutter. The tape is formulated to withstand extreme temperatures and can stretch up to 700% of its original length, so it can be used for any indoor or outdoor job that requires a waterproof seal. Making quick repairs will save you from expensive water damage costs down the road and help prevent any further issues arising during the cold weather season. Lawn Improvement As the leaves fall off the trees and onto the ground, an alternative to raking is to pull out the lawn mower. Trim the leaves into smaller pieces, which can then be used as natural mulch around the yard and garden. Layer the compost around perennial beds or other plants to provide insulation and protection through the winter. Mid-to-late fall, with the warm soil and cool air, is also an ideal time for planting grass seed, and fertilizing and filling in holes with the leaf compost. This will put you on a path to a greener lawn next spring. Prepare the Deck Before the first cold front approaches, make sure to clean up the patio or deck and store outdoor umbrellas, cushions and rugs in a safe spot in the garage or shed. If you notice any rot or wetness on the deck, it can be a simple fix by replacing the wood boards or using a wood filler to prevent further damage. Winterize large patio furniture and protect items that are staying outside with a weatherproof cover. To keep the covers in place, secure them to the bottom of the furniture. Squeaky Clean Exterior Once the patio is prepped, turn your attention to the rest of the exterior. Debris and stains collected on the outside of the house during summer can set over the winter, so it’s a good idea to power wash away the dirt. Start with the driveway, deck and windows and then take time to wash the siding and gutters, as long as you spray water in a direction that won’t force it behind the siding or under shingles. This project will help remove lingering grime, mold and mildew and ensure the outside area is clean and ready for winter. After checking off these projects on your fall list, your home will be properly prepped so you can relax, slow down and enjoy the season. by Professor Michele Warmund, University of Missouri Extension Horticulturist
Fall is prime time for harvesting juicy, crunchy fresh apples at their peak of perfection. If you want to add an apple tree to your property, make sure to peruse the nursery catalogs and place an order for apple trees to plant in your yard. Placing an order now will ensure the delivery of the more popular, disease-resistant cultivars for planting next spring. By February or March, most of the apple tree inventory will have been sold, leaving the less desirable stock available for purchase. Planting disease-resistant cultivars is a recommended control strategy used to limit fungicide use. Some apple cultivars have been bred for resistance to four main diseases: apple scab, cedar apple rust, fire blight and powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is typically the least serious disease of the four. Besides disease resistance, there are several other factors to consider when selecting any fruit tree for planting. Chose a cultivar that is available on a rootstock that produces trees that will fit the allotted space for at least two trees, since most cultivars require cross-pollination for adequate fruit set. Cultivars on dwarfing rootstocks, such as M.9, G.11, G.16 and G.41, will be smaller than those on a semi-dwarfing rootstock like M.7 or MM.111. Select an apple that doesn’t ripen in the summer months. Warm weather causes ripened fruit to be soft. Many of the recent introductions can be picked in September or later, when nighttime temperatures are generally cooler. This results in better fruit color and firmness. Lastly, choose a cultivar with your preference for sweetness, tartness, sugar/acid balance, flavor and texture. Here are some apple cultivars to consider: Liberty is the most widely planted scab-resistant apple cultivar in Missouri. This cultivar produces medium-sized fruit with a mildly tart flavor during September. Liberty is favored due to its resistance to apple scab, fire blight, cedar apple rust and powdery mildew. Crimson Crisp trees produce medium-sized, dark red apples with a firm, crisp texture and a mildly acidic flavor. Its fruit ripens a few days earlier than Liberty and can be stored for at least four months in refrigeration. This cultivar is resistant to apple scab and somewhat susceptible to cedar apple rust and powdery mildew. Crimson Gold is another scab-resistant cultivar that ripens at the same time as Crimson Crisp. However, Crimson Gold apples have a peel color of reddish-orange blush with a yellow background and fine-textured flesh with a sweet-acidic flavor. Ruby Rush is a selection of a GoldRush x Enterprise cross that has resistance to apple scab, fire blight and cedar apple rust. Trees grow vigorously but can be prone to biennial bearing if developing fruit are not properly thinned early in the growing season. Ripens in September to early October. Galarina trees grow vigorously with an upright-spreading growth habit. This cultivar also has resistance to apple scab and powdery mildew. Apples are small to medium-sized with orange-red peel and a sweet flavor resembling Gala. Querina is an introduction with Jonathan apple parentage. Trees are scab-resistant but susceptible to cedar apple rust. The dark red, medium-sized fruit have a sweet-tart flavor and ripen in October. Winecrisp trees are resistant to apple scab and fire blight but susceptible to cedar apple rust. The apple peel is dark red but can have a dull, rough surface. Fruit has a sweet-tart, spicy flavor that is enhanced by refrigeration. Enterprise is an older, reliable cultivar that ripens in late October. It is immune to scab, resistant to fire blight and cedar apple rust and moderately resistant to mildew. The fruit are medium to large in size with tart flesh, but the red peel tends to be thick. Goldrush is another older cultivar that is immune to apple scab and moderately resistant to powdery mildew and fire blight but susceptible to cedar apple rust. The fruit ripens late in the season after Enterprise. It has medium to large yellow fruit with a sweet-acidic flavor that tends to mellow when cold-stored. For more information, see the MU Extension guides “Apple Cultivars and Their Uses” at extension.missouri.edu/g6022 and “Home Fruit Production: Apples” at extension.missouri.edu/g6021. |
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