Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems

Extension is committed to helping Nebraskans know more about creating resource- and energy-efficient rural and urban landscapes, protecting and managing water resources, properly managing insect and wildlife pests, and more.

Active in all 93 counties and at communityenvironment.unl.edu

Master Gardener tips for the Panhandle – Week of October 2 , 2022

By Anita Gall, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Pine Tree Needles

Have you noticed the needles changing color on your pine trees? Is it the inner needles only? Evergreens don’t keep their needles indefinitely but will typically drop the inner needles in September or October depending upon the year. Needle drop is a natural occurrence and is not harmful to the tree, in fact it is the way the tree feeds itself in the forest. As the needles decompose it creates a rich organic matter in the ground beneath the tree supplying it with nutrients.

Master Gardener tips for the Panhandle – Week of Sept.19 , 2022

By Kirstee Schutte, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Nematodes

Master Gardener tips for the Panhandle – Week of Sept. 12 , 2022

By Laurie Zitterkopf, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Conserve Water, Plant Native Plants

The water we put on our lawns is equal to thirty-two gallons of water every day for every man, woman and child in the country. Because this is more water than is replaced by rainfall in most areas of the country, watering our lawns is clearly an unsustainable practice. Why do we have lawns, our neighbor has one? If we plant native plants, once established they need little to no additional water.

Starting a New Perennial Bed

Master Gardener tips for the Panhandle – Week of Sept. 5, 2022

By Emily Stine, Extension Educator & Panhandle Master Gardener Coordinator

What is the Nebraska Master Gardener Program?

The Nebraska Master Gardener Program provides science-based horticulture education to volunteers. Participants complete 40 hours of training in integrated pest management, weeds, insects, plant selection, soil fertility and other related topics. 40 hours of volunteer service in the first year completes the certification. For more information visit mastergardener.unl.edu.

Master Gardener tips for the Panhandle – Week of August 29, 2022

By Jeanne Yeoman, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Master Gardener tips for the Panhandle – Week of August 22, 2022

By Jeanne Murray, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Are you planning to can some of your garden produce?

Garden produce can be preserved by two canning methods, the water-bath or the pressure canner. Water-bath canning is for produce with high acidity, like pickles, most fruits, sauerkraut, tomatoes, jams and jellies. The pressure canner is used for low-acid foods, like vegetables, meats, sea foods and salsas without added acid. Improperly canned produce may result in a deadly food poisoning.