Growing blueberries is not an easy task. They are not native to Kansas and often require gardeners to amend their soil before planting. However, it can be done! Using containers is also a great option. This video demonstrates how to prepare soil for growing blueberries.
By: Cassie Homan
Native grasses and wildflowers are an excellent addition to your landscape. They create a habitat for insects and pollinators and often grow well even through our unpredictable weather patterns. If you are interested in adding wildflowers to your landscape, check out this new guide:
https://plantnativeks.weebly.com/uploads/2/0/7/3/20731482/landscaping-with-native-plants-book.pdf
By: Cassie Homan
K-State Garden Hour is ready to kick off the season with some fun, educational programs. The first webinar will be on Wednesday- January 5th, 2022. Sedgwick County Horticulture Extension Agent, Rebecca McMahon will discuss how to select vegetable varieties for bountiful harvests.
Your one-time, free, registration will sign you up for all 12 webinars.
Register here:
By: Cassie Homan
One of my favorite parts of fall are the colorful mums that show up in greenhouses and garden centers. They bring a colorful pizzazz to the fall season. We often get asked if these plants will survive the winter. This short YouTube video will answer those questions.
https://kansashealthyyards.org/all-videos/video/will-fall-mums-last-through-the-winter
By: Cassie Homan
This year we have seen numerous reports of fall armyworms. Though we have had fall armyworm outbreaks in the past, this is earlier than usual. Armyworms are so-called because they invade fields or landscapes as large groups and can cause a lawn to turn brown seemingly overnight.
Young worms are ½ to 3/4 inch long. Mature ones are 1 ½ inches long. Body color may vary from green to almost black but light stripes will be visible along the length of the body. Look for a whitish inverted “Y” on the top of the black head. It normally takes 2 to 3 weeks to progress from egg to pupa. The adult is a moth.
Armyworm damage can resemble drought damage but close inspection of the turf will reveal the larvae. Look for active feeding during early morning or evening hours or on cloudy days. Larvae feed on foliage and the resulting dehydration causes to turf to quickly brown. Normally, armyworm damage does not kill established turf but may if populations are high enough. Thick infestations of fall armyworm can damage turfgrass crowns which will kill turf.
Acephate (Orthene), spinosad (Conserve; Natural Guard Spinosad, Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew; Monterey Garden Insect Spray) and other insecticides are effective caterpillar killers. Treat in late afternoon, when the caterpillars are likely to begin feeding. Do not mow for 3 days after treatment.
By: Cassie Homan
This time of year, gardens often have an excess of fresh produce. Don’t let it go to waste! We put together a quick video explaining tomato growing tips and then demonstrating a yummy fresh salsa recipe.
Watch the video here.
By: Cassie Homan
Please join us for the upcoming K-State Garden Hours. We have great topics planned to close out the year!
September 1– Basics of Growing Berries in Kansas
September 15– Composting with Worms- Vermicomposting 101
These webinars are free to attend but registration is required. Register here: https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/k-state-garden-hour-webinar-series/k_state_garden_hour.html
By: Cassie Homan
