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Category: 2023

Planting Peas in the Garden

Posted on by djbechard

If you are tired of winter and hunger for spring, try planting peas when the soil temperature reaches 40 degrees. Peas can be planted extremely early, or you can also wait and plant them until about mid-April. Peas are an early cool season crop and need to be harvested before the heat of summer sets in.

There are several types of peas we can plant in Kansas. Probably the most common is the shelling pea, and the old standard in this group is Little Marvel. Though Little Marvel is still on our recommended list, we have several others that do well including Green Arrow, Knight, Maestro, Burpeeana and Mr. Big. All of these are early maturing types that allow us to harvest a crop before the hot weather arrives and stops production.

Snow peas are those commonly used in stir-fry that have a crisp edible pod. Recommended varieties include Dwarf Grey Sugar and Mammoth Melting Sugar. Sugar snap peas resemble shelling peas but have a thick, fleshy pod and can be eaten fresh, steamed or cooked. Like snow peas, they are not shelled but eaten pod and all. We recommend Sugar Bon, Sugar Ann, Super Sugar Snap and Sugar Sprint.

Peas should be planted shallow, about one-half inch deep, to encourage rapid germination and emergence. Seed in the row should be spaced 2 inches apart. Many people often plant two rows 6 to 8 inches apart so the floppy plants can support one another. For some older varieties, this may not be enough. They may need trellising to support the growing vines. Fencing may be needed to keep rabbits away.

More information on planting peas:

By: Cassie Thiessen

 

Financial Tips

Posted on by djbechard

Create a vacation savings account.  Rename a savings account to the location of your vacation destination. Set up a recurring deposit into that account either from your paycheck or checking account.

Take advantage of your retirement contribution match. Don’t leave free money on the table. Some employers will deposit into your 401(k)-retirement account based on the amount you put in yourself. This is a great way to increase your retirement savings. Find out your employer’s match and start maximizing your earnings.  If you are self-employed and need to find your own retirement plan, reach out to your financial institution and ask about their individual retirement account (IRA) options.

Take $5 to treat yourself when your taxes are filed. One aspect of positive money management is to bring joy and celebrate. Reward yourself for financial discipline!

File your taxes early – Three benefits from filing early:

  1. Receive your return faster.
  2. Allow more time to make your refund work for you.
  3. If you owe money in taxes, you’ll have more time to plan and prepare your payment.

For more information on how to get ready to file taxes, visit the Get Ready page of IRS.gov at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes

By: Brenda Langdon

Sweet Ideas Without Added Sugar

Posted on by djbechard

It seems like most holidays focus on food, and usually include something sweet like candy, chocolate, or desserts. Don’t get me wrong, I love a yummy piece of chocolate! But if you’re looking to make this Valentine’s Day a little healthier for you and your family, consider starting the day with a fruit-filled smoothie or a parfait. I love smoothies and parfaits because you don’t need to follow a recipe. Choose your family’s favorite fruits and yogurt, place in a blender with a little bit of milk or 100% fruit juice and blend to a desired consistency for a smoothie. For a parfait, layer fruit and yogurt, then top with granola or nuts.

Fruit is a quick, easy, and healthy Valentine’s treat. While looking for ideas for my children, I came across two cute ideas using clementines and apples sauce. The messages read, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Cutie” and “You’re AWESOMEsauce, Valentine.” Be creative and think outside the (candy) box.

Visit with your children about healthier alternatives and let them help you pick them out at the store. Here are some additional non-food Valentine ideas for daycare or school:

  • Friendship bracelets
  • Toy cars
  • Bubbles
  • Sidewalk chalk
  • Balloons
  • Glow sticks
  • Bouncy balls
  • Pencils
  • Erasers

By: Jamie Rathbun

We’re Hiring!

Posted on by djbechard

K-State Research and Extension Post Rock District is taking applications for a full-time Office Professional to be located in the Lincoln, KS office.
The Office Professional provides general administrative support to the local K-State Research and Extension educational program. This position offers work-life balance, sense of purpose, competitive pay, benefits, and more!
Visit www.postrock.ksu.edu for position description and application procedure. Position is open until filled.
K-State Research and Extension Post Rock District is an equal opportunity provider and employer. A criminal background check is required.

New Year, New You

Posted on by djbechard

Happy New Year! Do you usually make a New Year’s resolution? Millions of Americans make resolutions every January hoping to improve their health by losing weight, getting fit, or eating healthy. Achieve your nutrition goals this year by making small changes to what you eat and drink.

Find your healthy eating style

Everything you eat and drink over time matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future. It is important to start with small changes to make healthier choices you can enjoy and maintain for a lifetime. In order to get the nutrients and calories you need, eat a variety of foods regularly.

Get your MyPlate plan

Everybody requires a different amount of calories depending on their age, genders, height, weight, and physical activity level. To determine what and how much to eat within your appropriate calorie target, enter your information into the MyPlate Plan by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-plan and receive a personalized plan.

Follow the MyPlate building blocks

  • Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables
  • Focus on whole fruits
  • Vary your veggies
  • Make half your grains whole grains
  • Move to low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt
  • Vary your protein routine
  • Drink and eat beverages and foods with less sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars.
  • Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Find small changes that work for you throughout the day. Don’t forget to choose foods and beverages from each MyPlate food group (i.e. fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy) for a balanced meal.

Tags: Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Health, Fruits and Vegetables

Source: MyPlate.gov

By: Jamie Rathbun

Landscape Design Workshop

Posted on by djbechard

It’s never too early to start planning your garden and landscape! Join Post Rock and River Valley Extension to learn how to make your landscape stand out this spring.

Join us for a Lunch and Learn Series Fridays- January 20th and 27th. During the lunch hour (12:10-12:50) at the Port Library- Schafer Room.

Please RSVP to the Beloit Extension Office to reserve your spot by Jan. 16th. Free to participate. Questions? Contact Cassie Thiessen, 785-738-3597 cthiessen@ksu.edu

Register for the class here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckBmybI8y8eT4Y34ESwD_Y6yKEp3Ns4QQkSXCcIQpBAz2fBQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

Or scan this QR code with your smartphone’s camera:

 

By: Cassie Thiessen

Preparing for Winter Conditions

Posted on by djbechard

Cold temperatures – cold can bring different dangers. Our bodies aren’t prepared to withstand extreme cold for long periods of time. The cold can quickly have negative effects, especially when we factor in wind chill.

Dress in layers and wear a stocking cap and mittens anytime you face outdoor cold. Frostbite or hypothermia happen very quickly. It can be less than even a few minutes, when you get cold and add wind. Stocking caps help to keep heat from releasing through the head and keeps the overall temperature of your body warmer. Mittens are preferred over gloves because it maintains warmth by keeping the fingers closely together.

Travel safety – The State of Kansas regularly updates road conditions on the website, https://kandrive.org. It’s a good idea to check the forecast along the path you are driving, including road conditions.

 

Here is a list of suggested items to keep in an emergency kit, in case the vehicle gets stalled while traveling.

  • Snow brush and ice scraper
  • Jumper cables
  • Blankets
  • Gloves
  • Cell phone charger
  • Snacks
  • First Aid Kit
  • Water
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Sand in a small container
  • Chains or other items to help in pulling a vehicle out of a ditch

By: Brenda Langdon