University of Nebraska Extension - Holt/Boyd News Column for the Week of January 14, 2024

LaDonna Werth, Extension Educator Phone: 402-336-2760 E-mail: LWerth2@unl.edu

Does birth order make a difference?

All children are unique and have different needs. Sometimes these needs can be influenced by a child’s birth order or if he or she is an only child.

Often, first-born children are raised differently from later-born children. Parents give the first-born child more attention, more talking, more holding and take more photographs. First-born children are more serious and more sensitive to their parents’ expectations. They are more conscientious on observing rules and demonstrate a leadership role, as well as a sense of dependency from parents. Research psychologists found that first-borns have higher motivation to achieve than their younger siblings. When a second child arrives, the first-born may feel dethroned. With this role comes a new responsibility.

Middle-born children tend to avoid conflict and are negotiators. They don’t have the authority of the oldest and the freedom of the youngest. They may feel they are “squished in the middle.” Middle-born children seem more friendly and easygoing because they usually learn to be cooperative and sociable. In most cases, they are less concerned about winning approval than the oldest siblings, but they may be concerned with fairness.

Youngest-born children receive the attention of parents and siblings almost as much as first-born children. That helps a youngest child build a sense of security from having family members’ emotional and physical support. They also learn how to relate with and influence others. Youngest-born children have more freedom than older siblings and can do many things on their own.

An only child may become very verbal and intelligent or shy and helpless. They may feel they are special and entitled to have their own way. The only child may also become resourceful since they spend more time alone.

Sometimes, the number of years between children will assume a psychological position different from their actual birth order position. Moreover, the sex of children, physical differences or disabilities, blended families, the birth order position of the parents and the relationships between the parents can affect the constellation.

Although these are general remarks, this information can remind us that each child, no matter what the birth order is, deserves parents’ attention and individualized love. Regardless of the birth order, parents should treat each child lovingly and warmly, and accept the child just because of who he or she is.

Source: Nina Chen, Ph.D., CFLE, Human Development Specialist, Jackson County (University of Missouri Extension), Leman, K. 1992. The birth order book: Why you are the way you are. NY: Dell Publishing.

Building and Caring for a Terrarium

Constructing a terrarium is easy and inexpensive and can be accomplished on a snowy afternoon. Their care is minimal since they can go for months without water under the proper conditions. In addition, a wide variety of plants can be grown that would typically fail miserably in the dry, drafty environment of the average home.

What is a terrarium?

Terrariums are closed transparent glass or plastic containers that create a mini-environment or ecosystem for plants.

The principle behind a terrarium is simple. The water from the soil is taken up into the plant as it grows and is released through the leaves via transpiration. This water condenses on the glass and returns to the soil where it can be used again. Because this mini water cycle occurs inside the sealed terrarium, the plants can go for months without watering.

It also creates a jungle-like atmosphere of high humidity, warm temperatures and no drafts, which are perfect conditions for many of the tropical-native houseplants common in homes.

How do I build a terrarium?

Start with a clean, dry container. Terrariums can be purchased at many stores, but any closed or semi-closed transparent container, such as a 10-gallon fish tank or large glass jar, has the potential to become a terrarium. Place a 2-inch layer of gravel, pebbles or perlite on the bottom of the container to provide a space for excess water to collect. Next, add a quarter-inch layer of charcoal to help control soil odors. Finally, add 1 to 4 inches of light, well-drained potting soil.

To plant a terrarium, remove the plant from the pot, gently shake off excess soil, and place it in the soil inside the terrarium. Often, a large portion of the root ball must be loosened or removed to allow the plant to fit in the small space. A general rule of thumb when designing a terrarium is to choose an upright-growing, trailing and intermediate-sized plant. Rocks, marbles and other non-biodegradable decorations can be added for a touch of fun.

Once planted, moisten the soil by misting heavily or using a rubber bulb sprinkler. Soil stuck to the glass from planting can be rinsed off by lightly running water down the glass. Finish by covering with the lid.

How do I care for a terrarium?

Place the terrarium in medium to bright, indirect sunlight. An east or north window often works well. Heat can build up quickly when light is too intense, so avoid locations that get direct sunlight.

Fertilizer should be avoided because it will encourage abundant growth and earlier crowding of the plants. If plants exhibit symptoms of low fertility, fertilize with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer with low numbers in the fertilizer analysis (like 10-10-10 or 4-4-4) mixed at quarter-strength.

Check on the terrarium every few weeks and add water when the soil becomes dry. Water will only be needed for many closed terrariums every three to six months, although the frequency can vary greatly based on soil type, plant species, light levels and other factors. If excessive condensation builds up on the glass, uncover the terrarium until some condensation evaporates; then replace the cover.

Over time, plants will begin to outgrow their space. Prune back plants as needed to keep the plants looking good. When plants become too unruly or large, pull them out and replace with something else. No plant can be a permanent addition to a terrarium as they will eventually outgrow the space. Have fun and use it as an opportunity to change things up and try new plants.

What plants grow well in a terrarium?

Indoor tropical plants with slow growth rates, tolerance to high humidity, and small leaves make good candidates for terrariums. Because the plants will be planted in the same space, all the plants should tolerate the same soil moisture, light levels and other growing conditions.

Great upright plants include sweet flag (Acorus gramineus), holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum), bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) and peacock plant (Calathea). Midsize plants well suited for terrariums include net plant (Fittonia), flame violet (Episcia), cloak fern (Didymochlaena truncatula), table fern (Pteris), prayer plant (Maranta), radiator plant (Peperomia), begonia  (Begonia), maidenhair fern (Adiantum), rabbit's foot fern (Davallia canariensis), aluminum plant (Pilea) and mini African violet (Saintpaulia). Low or trailing plants to consider include earth star (Cryptanthus sp.), creeping moss (Selaginella), baby's tears (Helxine soleirolii), strawberry vine (Saxifraga sarmentosa), silver sparkles plant (Pilea glauca) and creeping fig (Ficus pumila).

Source: Aaron Steil – Iowa State University Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist (Yard and Garden – January 12, 2024)

USDA ‘Hardiness’ Zone Sees Few Changes for Most of Nebraska

Nebraskans are a pretty hardy lot, and so too are their plants. With the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) “Hardiness Zone Map,” most of Nebraska remains in a 5 zone, with its most southern regions moving into a zone 6.

The map does not indicate “climate change,” as some might think. USDA was able to pull information from 13,412 weather stations this time, while in 2012, for the last map, it used information from 7,983 stations.

“It is a more refined picture, so we are able to scale down a little bit more. Each zone is separated by a 10-degree difference,” said Emily Stine, Nebraska Extension educator.

The more detailed information brought the Nebraska Panhandle to a solid 5a and b, with “A” being coldest at minus 20 degrees. Before, it was a 4b and 5a, so the impact is a warming of 5 degrees. Stine said this will not impact plants much, as those temperatures are still way below freezing.

“This average extreme minimum winter temperature is the average coldest. So, we may be able to incorporate some plants into our landscapes that we haven’t before, but for our region, nothing has really changed,” she said.

On a bigger scale across Nebraska or even the U.S., the changes in cold temperatures could affect pest and weed management. Insects could overwinter and survive into the next year as it’s not as cold.

Again, with plant selection choosing annuals or perennials does not guarantee the plant will live. The zones are averages, and the Panhandle may not experience -20 degrees, or it could hit -40 degrees.

“It (the map) is a tool, a lot of times, plants have tags with a hardiness of 5, and I feel comfortable planting it, whereas with plants for warmer zones, I’ll treat it more like an annual,” Stine said.

A plant's hardiness can be affected by so many aspects beyond temperature, from moisture to wind and humidity. It also doesn’t include the heat tolerance of a plant or growing days, which are based on hours and not days.

“It is a very good tool, but only one of many tools a gardener should consider when planting,” Stine said.

Source: Chabella Guzman - Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center Communications Specialist (CropWatch – December 19, 2023)

Finding a Balance Between Biggest and Best: Moving a Cowherd Toward Optimum Productivity

The use of genetic selection tools by cattle breeders has resulted in significant changes within the majority of major breeds over the last 30 years. With a few exceptions, the overwhelming genetic trend has been for more milk, higher weaning weight, and bigger mature weight. Without question, the use of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) has enabled this change. While we have achieved our goals of more, have we achieved our goals of better? The late Dr. Bob Taylor from Colorado State University said it well, “Profitable cattle are usually productive, but productive cattle are not always profitable.”

Weaning weight questions

Four different benchmark data sets for commercial cow-calf producers from the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, Kansas, as well as Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma have shown little to no change in average weaning weights or calf weaning rates in terms of the percentage of calves weaned per cow exposed over the last 15 years. This has to prompt the question why?

How can it be that there has been such significant genetic change in several breeds that should increase weaning weights, but records from several commercial cow-calf data sets would indicate that there has been relatively no change?

In 2014, Dr. David Lalman from Oklahoma State University made a presentation at the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle meeting titled “Matching Cows to Forage Resources in a World of Mixed Messages.” In that presentation, Dr. Lalman made the case that the genetic potential of many cattle today is not supported by the forage resources available, so the animals never fully express their genetic potential. He presented data that shows the cost of maintaining larger cows with higher milk potential exceeds the value produced by small increases in calf weaning weights.

In 1988, Dr. Rick Bourdon, wrote a paper titled “Bovine Nirvana – From the Perspective of a Modeler and Purebred Breeder” where he presented the case that genetic selection should be toward the optimum for what a set of resources or environment could support. Dr. Bourdon stated, “To breed for optimum means to have a target insight beyond which you don’t want to go. If your goal is to maintain an optimum level for any trait, the evidence of your accomplishment is not visible change, but lack of it.”

Replacement heifer considerations

Cow-calf producers have EPDs and index tools to make genetic selection decisions related to traits that impact levels of productivity and longevity. Producers selecting sires from which to develop replacement heifers may want to evaluate where their cow herd is compared to what they believe optimum to be.

Producers can work with beef cattle genetic specialists and breed association representatives to help them identify what EPD levels for milk, weaning weight and mature weight best meet their target. What a producer identifies as optimum in terms of milk production, weaning weight and mature size can vary significantly from one operation to another depending upon resources available and management. When optimum is identified, sires can be selected to produce daughters whose maintenance energy, longevity, level of milk production and mature weight will move the cow herd toward identified goals given available resources.

Identifying and selecting optimum genetics for milk production and mature weight is a genetics selection approach that may require a change in focus for many cow-calf producers. It may mean selecting sires at a bull sale that are at or below breed average to move the cow herd genetically toward a desired level for certain traits. Selecting a bull that is “below breed average” is a paradigm shift for many cow-calf producers. Identifying a window of optimum given a set of resources and then selecting cattle that hit the optimum target is the goal under this method of cattle breeding.

Success in selecting for optimum means that for many producers they will be selecting sires whose EPDs for milk production and mature weight will decrease the average in their herd. Simultaneously, they should be using EPDs to select for traits that will maintain or improve fertility and longevity. Genetic selection and breeding programs should focus on increased profit, and in many cases this may mean selection for decreased mature weight and milk production to move future replacements for the cowherd towards optimum.

Source: Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator (Beef Watch – January 1, 2024)