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Category: December 2020

Ice Melt Damaging Plants

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Winter is here, and with it comes snow and ice. It’s important to also think about your plants during this season. Make sure to use a de-icer that will not harm your lawn and other landscape plants.

There are five main materials that are used as chemical de-icers: calcium chloride, sodium chloride (table salt), potassium chloride, urea, and calcium magnesium acetate.

Calcium chloride is the traditional ice-melting product. Though it will melt ice to about -25 degrees F, it will form slippery, slimy surfaces on concrete and other hard surfaces. Plants are not likely to be harmed unless excessive amounts are used.

Rock salt is sodium chloride and is the least expensive material available. It is effective to approximately 12 degrees F, but can damage soils, plants and metals. Potassium chloride can also cause serious plant injury when washed or splashed on foliage. Both calcium chloride and potassium chloride can damage roots of plants.

Urea (carbonyl diamide) is a fertilizer that is sometimes used to melt ice. Though it is only about 10% as corrosive as sodium chloride, it can contaminate ground and surface water with nitrates. Urea is effective to about 21 degrees F.

Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), a newer product, is made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid (the principal compound of vinegar). CMA works differently than the other materials in that it does not form a brine-like salt but rather helps prevent snow particles from sticking to each other or the road surface. It has little effect on plant growth or concrete surfaces.

Limited use of any of these products should cause little injury. Problems accumulate when they are used excessively and there is not adequate rainfall to wash or leach the material from the area. Since limited use is recommended it is best to remove the ice and snow by hand when possible. When they are applied, practice moderation. Resist the temptation to over apply just to make sure the ice and snow melts. Keep in mind this can damage concrete surfaces as well as the plants and grass growing along the walks and driveways. These problems are normally latent and do not show up until spring or summer.

By: Cassie Homan

Managing Family Stress During COVID-19

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

The uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic is causing disruptions in family and work life. The virus has forced us to change daily routines leading to increased family stress. Many people are faced with financial strain and lack of resources. While all of these changes can add stress and tension to family interactions, family members also can grow closer to each

other and become more resilient and resourceful.

One way to manage your families stress is to communicate. Family members grow closer if they talk to each other about their personal experiences with the stress of the coronavirus and its impact on their lives. Sharing one’s own feelings and views and listening to others promotes better understanding.

  • Set a time each day to talk about your day and about thoughts or feelings related to COVID-19.
  • Talk with family at the end of the day about something that was fun or that you learned new that day.
  • Come up with a plan together for what you will do tomorrow as a family. You can plan small things, such as meals, or fun activities, with everyone sharing their input and making a family decision together.
  • If the health and safety of people are not at stake, then put off major decisions and difficult conversations that are not necessary to manage the current crisis. It is best to avoid or delay conflict right now.
  • In the context of parenting, connecting with your kids before correcting them is really important.
  • If you get angry, or someone gets upset, find some personal space and take some time to cool down. Put things in perspective and keep in mind that this is a very challenging time for all.
  • People might need some private time to be by themselves. If the kids share a room, you can schedule who gets to be in the room at what time. If there is a balcony or yard, you can send the kids out for some time or spend time there yourself.
  • Be the first to offer comfort or to tell someone “it’s ok.”

By: Brenda Langdon

Storing Eggs Safely

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Storing eggs safely is important for quality and safety. Some older methods of storing eggs are not recommended today due to advancements and knowledge of egg safety. One method that has recently surfaced is storing eggs in lime water which is not recommended.

When this method was popular in the early 1900’s, they thought that eggs were sterile inside and all bacteria came through the shell after the eggs were laid.  But research shows that Salmonella enteritidis can contaminate the eggs as they are being formed inside the reproductive organ of the hen and there is no way a person can know it is there or not.

Since the method requires using unwashed eggs, they will likely come from smaller flocks. A study from Penn State University determined that small, home flocks have a much higher incidence of Salmonella than large commercial operations.

Another concern is about using lime water and the fact that it could seep through the egg shell. The risk of storing eggs for long periods of time include loss of nutrients, several oxidative reactions, changes in protein functionality, and a strong bitter taste from the lime.

A study from USDA Agricultural Research Service compares how eggs are stored in Europe and how eggs are stored in the U.S. Results showed that refrigeration is best for safety and quality.

Learn more about safe egg storage in this USDA publication, Shell Eggs from Farm to Table.

Source: December 2020 You Asked It!

By: Ashley Svaty

Balancing Your Family’s Finances

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Much of life carries some sort of risk, from natural disasters to vehicle accidents and global pandemics. Most risk also carries with it an impact on financial health.

When the consumer thinks about their finances and risk management, there are four ways to think about it.  Each involves taking stock in your own financial comfort level.

Avoid the risk – In some cases you may decide not to own items or participate in activities that could expose you to financial loss.

Retain the risk – It’s impossible to avoid all risks, so in some cases you may decide to cover any financial loss yourself. For example, if you own an older vehicle and decide not to maintain collision insurance, you retain the risk that you will have to pay to have the vehicle fixed if you are in an accident.

Reduce the risk – Taking steps to control or reduce the size or frequency of a financial loss is a way to reduce risk.  For example, by locking the doors of your house, you reduce the risk of theft in your home.

Transfer the risk – When you pay someone else to cover a financial loss you are transferring or sharing the risk. For example, buying insurance to cover losses.

Having at least some cash set aside for an emergency is good.  Depending on your situation that might be a relatively small amount or it might be more. Every dollar that you have in your emergency fund is a dollar that you don’t have to borrow from friends or family members or put on a credit card when something unexpected happens.

By: Brenda Langdon

Holiday Horticulture K-State Garden Hour

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

On Wednesday, December 2, I will be hosting K-State Garden Hour talking about Holiday Plants. The webinar will be held over the noon hour, answering all your holiday plant questions. We will discuss popular plants such as poinsettias, amaryllis, and holiday cactus. Please join us for this fun and festive webinar. Use the link below to register!

https://ksu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KtRNpyt3Rcqk40QQOjeM-w

By: Cassie Homan

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs, cracked and shelled
  • 15 ounces canned pumpkin
  • 8 ounces evaporated skim milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
  2. Heat oven to 400° F. Spray a pie pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Add the eggs to a mixing bowl and beat together.
  4. Add the remaining ingredients to the eggs and mix until smooth.
  5. Pour into the pie pan and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Turn oven down to 325°F and bake for 30 minutes until pie is set.

*Pie is set when toothpick or knife comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts: Serving Size: 1/8 recipe.  Total Calories: 130g, Total Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 210mg, Total Carbohydrate: 16g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 13g, Protein: 6g.

Recipe Source: Eat Smart, Move More Virginia Cooperative Extension

By: Ashley Svaty

Winter Safety Tips

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

As the temperature starts to fall and the winter months are ahead, here are some things to consider before getting on the road.

  • Check what the weather outlook is along your route.
  • Be sure to let someone know where you are going, what route you are taking and what time you’re planning to arrive.
  • You may not be able to get a cell signal should you become stranded, so it’s important to have that backup in place before you get on the road.
  • Get your car ready for the winter by checking the tread on the tires.
  • Top off fluids, switch your windshield fluid from bug removal to something more tolerant of cold temperatures.
  • Check your antifreeze levels so that you have enough for colder conditions.
  • Replace windshield wipers.
  • Build a winter weather emergency kit and put it in an easily accessible part of the car such as the backseat.

By: Brenda Langdon