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Fertilizing Strawberries

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Strawberry beds might be done producing for the summer, but that doesn’t mean we can forget them. An August application of nitrogen on spring-bearing strawberries is important in order to increase the number of strawberries produced next spring. Plenty of daylight and warm temperatures during June, July and August promotes the growth of new runners, or daughter plants. As daylight hours dwindle and temperatures grow cooler in September and October, fruit buds for the next year’s fruit crop develop. To get a good berry crop next spring, it is important for strawberry plants to be vigorous during this period of fruit bud development.

Nitrogen, applied mid-August, will help promote fruit bud development. A general application rate is ½ to 3/4 pound of actual nitrogen per 100 feet of row. The nitrogen may be in the form of a fertilizer mixture such as ammonium phosphate or 12-12-12, or in a fertilizer containing only nitrogen such as urea or ammonium nitrate. Some specific examples would include:

Iron + (11-0-0) at 6 pounds per 100 feet of row.

12-12-12 at 5.5 pounds per 100 feet of row.

Nitrate of Soda (16-0-0) at 4 pounds per 100 feet of row

Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) at 3 pounds per 100 feet of row

Urea (46-0-0) at 1.5 pounds per 100 feet of row

By: Cassie Homan

Free KDA Food Safety Webinars

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Lodging Program will continue monthly online webinars on food safety issues throughout 2021. The free webinar series will cover a variety of food safety issues that are of interest to food business operators, managers, and workers.

Each 30-minute webinar will consist of a presentation by food safety and lodging inspectors from across the state, followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions of the presenters and other KDA Food Safety and Lodging Staff. These webinars are an outreach of the Food Protection Task Force, which serves to expand the knowledge base of the food and feed industry in Kansas.

The next six months of the webinar series have been scheduled.  Each presentation will take place online at 3:00 pm Central time.

August 30 – Pet Treat Requirements

September 27 – Grocery Store Food Safety

October 25 – Holiday Cooking:  food safety when preparing for large groups

November 29 – Specialized Processes: sous vide, ROP, sushi, etc.

December 27 – Food Safety Q&A

Register on the KDA Food Protection Task Force page at www.agriculture.ks.gov/FPTF. There is no cost to participate, but you must register to receive the login access information.

By: Ashley Svaty

 

4-H Program Coordinator Full-Time Job Opportunity

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

We are taking applications for a full time 4-H Program Coordinator to be located in the Beloit and Lincoln, KS Offices.

The motivated professional is responsible for coordinating and managing the comprehensive 4-H Youth Development program in the Post Rock District, with a focus on Mitchell County and Lincoln County.

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.

By: Nora Rhoades

Tomatoes Slow to Ripen

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

The hot weather we have had recently can interfere with how quickly our vegetables and fruits mature. The best temperature for tomato growth and fruit development is 85 to 90F. When temperatures exceed 100 degrees, the plant goes into survival mode and concentrates on moving water. Fruit development slows to a crawl. When temperatures moderate, even to the low to mid 90s, the fruit will ripen more quickly.

Tomato color can also be affected by heat. When temperatures rise above 95 degrees F, red pigments don’t form properly though the orange and yellow pigments do. This results in orange fruit. This doesn’t affect the edibility of the tomato, but often gardeners want that deep red color back.

So, can we do anything to help our tomatoes ripen and have good color during extreme heat? Sure, there is. We can pick tomatoes in the “breaker” stage. Breaker stage tomatoes are those that have started to turn color. At this point, the tomato has cut itself off from the vine and nothing will be gained by keeping it on the plant. If tomatoes are picked at this stage and brought into an air-conditioned house, they will ripen more quickly and develop a good, red color. A temperature of 75 to 85 degrees F will work well.

By: Cassie Homan

Act Fast if You Cannot Pay Your Credit Cards

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Act right away and call your credit card company if you believe you are unable to pay the minimum payment on your credit card.  Many credit card companies may be willing to help if you’re facing a financial emergency. You do not need to be behind on your payments to ask for help.

Ignoring the problem may only cause bigger problems such as higher interest rates, higher minimum payments, late fees and damage to your credit score.

Add up your income and expenses and look for ways to cut costs. If you can’t find enough to pay your minimum payment, decide how much you can afford to pay.

When calling your credit card company be sure to clearly explain why you can’t pay the minimum payment, how much you can afford to pay, and when you could restart your normal payments.

Watch out for debt relief companies that say they can help you pay off your debts especially if they charge fees before settling your debts, guarantees it can make your debt go away, or tells you to stop making your payments on a credit card or loan.

By: Brenda Langdon

Stay Hydrated This Summer

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

What you drink plays a major role in all bodily processes. Your body needs water to help with nutrient delivery, waste disposal, temperature regulation, and more! Water is the drink of choice for maintaining a healthy body. Most of your fluid intake should come from water. Sugar sweetened sodas or pop provide empty calories and few or none of the vitamins and minerals bodies need. Diet Drinks don’t have extra sugar, but they also provide few, if any, nutrients.  Sports drinks are high in carbohydrates and should only be consumed after 60 minutes or more of a high-intensity workout.

 

Below are tips to increase your water consumption. Which water habits will you adopt?

  • Carry a water bottle and refill throughout the day and keep it handy.
  • Serve water at events and meetings. Make it visible and convenient.
  • Set a reminder on your phone.
  • Drink a glass of water when waking up or with breakfast.
  • Don’t stock the fridge with sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, keep a jug or bottles of cold water in your fridge.
  • Drink a glass of water with each meal and snack.
  • Make water more exciting by adding slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, watermelon, or drink sparkling water on occasion.
  • Add a splash of 100% juice to plain or sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.

By: Ashley Svaty