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. —
Tractors are part of rural life. They are agricultural equipment that can be spotted in fields, dirt roads, and highways. Typically driven by adults, farm families often hire their teenage children or their neighbors' teens to help with planting, harvesting, and other work. Each Spring across Nebraska, Tractor and Equipment Safety courses are held for 14-and 15-year-olds looking to be employed on farms and ranches.
Lincoln, Neb. — Rural Prosperity Nebraska, the community development arm of Nebraska Extension, announces the inaugural session of its “Lead and Succeed Lunchbox Series,” a summer-long webinars series focused on revamping community leadership development in rural communities. The first session will take place on June 27.
