By Mary Winn, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Spacing Out Your Plants
“Give me room, lots of room!” If your spring seedlings could speak, this is what they might be saying. Vegetables in particular need room for growth and optimum fruit production. Pay attention to seed packets for spacing between seeds and groups. For example, carrots should be thinned to 3 inches apart for straight fully developed roots. Crowding inhibits productivity.
By Leann Sato, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Tips for Effective Watering
What’s the best way to water lawns? Here’s three tips for effective watering this summer. First, water only when needed – if grass springs back when stepped on, wait to water. Second, water early in the morning with a pulsating sprinkler to avoid evaporation and loss to wind. Third, water deeply, about one to one and a half inches of water. Set a small container near the sprinkler to help measure. Keep it green by watering efficiently and effectively.
Tammie Ostdiek, Extension Educator - Food, Nutrition and Health
The great outdoors offers an abundance of adventures for the entire family, and health benefits both physical and mental – less stress, exercise, sunshine, improved moods, fresh air are just a few of the rewards of spending time camping and getting away from external distractions.
Preparing and packing
Preparation is important to ensure a positive experience. Make a list of essential items such as a tent, flashlights, sleeping bags – and remember fun items that will add joy to the experience.
By Britni Schmaltz, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Be aware when fertilizing your perennials.
Perennial flowers, ground covers and grasses don’t need a lot of fertilization and in fact some may react negatively. Overfertilized perennials may bolt, producing excessive soft growth instead of more flowers. To be safe, a soil test will help you determine the needs of your plants and the amount of fertilizer, if any, is warranted. Fertilizers with a 10-10-10 formula are generally sufficient.
Do you have floppy plants? Stake ‘em!
By Katie Markheim, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Labels are the Law
Both FIFRA and the Nebraska Pesticide Act state that the label must be followed when making a pesticide application. Each product label has specific information regarding use to reduce risk to the applicator, other people, nontargets and the environment. Some products may require additional data collection or training before applications. Others may require site investigation using FieldWatch, DriftWatch or BeeCheck. Read and follow the label every time you use a pesticide. It’s the law.
Right Plant, Right Place, Right Time
By Kathy Tando, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
The Label is the Law
You might not be handcuffed but you could face a hefty fine! When using any chemical the label is the law. Using a chemical in a manner that does not comply with the label is illegal. Products can change so even if it’s a chemical you have used in the past review the contents. Take note of what the label states regarding transportation, storage, application, and disposal of the chemical for safe practices.
Know the Chemical Product Terms
Lincoln, Neb. — Adam Leise has been selected as the new director of the On-Farm Research Network. Leise, a recent graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, brings both academic expertise and personal experience to the role, having grown up on a farm and ranch in Hartington.
Lincoln, Neb. —Nebraska’s Natural Resource Districts have awarded the Outstanding Water Conservation of the Year Award to Paul C. Hay (posthumous), Emeritus Extension Educator, alongside Randy Pryor, also an Emeritus Extension Educator. The two long-time educators were nominated by the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) for their nearly 40 years of service to agricultural sustainability in Southeast Nebraska.
Lincoln, Neb. —The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) team led by Dr. Bijesh Maharjan, associate professor and extension specialist at UNL’s Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center (PREEC), accomplished another successful series of Nebraska Soil Health Schools hosted by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and UNL.