By Kathleen Cue, Nebraska Extension Horticulture Educator
As we get our containers ready for planting our amazing annuals or that coveted tomato plant, conventional “wisdom” dictates we must first add an inch or so of gravel. Problematic? You bet!
Rocks in the bottom of containers do not contribute to better draining soils and healthier plants. Instead plant roots encounter saturated soils that don’t drain efficiently. It all has to do with something called a perched water table.
The Master Gardener Horticulture Helpline is available to answer gardening questions and to take samples for identification/diagnosis during the following times and days. The helpline is a service to everyone, regardless of what county they are from.
May through September:
Mondays, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Washington County Extension, 402 426-9455
Tuesdays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Cuming County Extension, 402 672-6006
Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Dodge County Extension, 402 727-2775
Japanese Beetles
By Kathleen Cue
Nebraska Extension Horticulture Educator
With over 300 ornamental and edible plants they like to feed on, Japanese beetles (JB) can quickly become an overwhelming insect in the landscape. Last year, one gardener brought in his peach so covered in Japanese beetles that it was hard to identify the fruit as a peach!
If you didn’t have Japanese beetles last year, then hurray, you may not get any this year or if you do get them, they will be in such low numbers that hand-picking will take care of the problem. But if you had JB last year, chances are very good you’ll have them this year, too.
Emerald Ash Borer—Where Is It In Nebraska and When Should Tree Owners Treat For It?
By Kathleen Cue, Extension Educator-Horticulture
The much-dreaded emerald ash borer (EAB) was identified in Douglas County in 2016. Since that time, EAB has been found in several other locations that holds implications for counties in the eastern part of Nebraska.
Infestations of this insect are known to kill ash trees in a relatively short time period—from 3 to 5 years in most cases. Once an ash tree is dead, the tree quickly becomes brittle and is a threat to nearby homes, vehicles, and yes, people.
Exhibitors or 4-H and FFA beef, sheep, swine and goats that carry an EID tag will be required to obtain a Premises ID number through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at not to the exhibitor. Exhibitors without a Premises ID number will not be allowed to exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair.
New Member Welcome Packet - Information for the new 4-H family.
Youth who would like to participate in 4-H in Stanton County must be enrolled as a 4-H member to participate in a 4-H club and exhibit 4-H projects at county fair. All 4-H families will enroll in clubs and projects through 4HOnline at ne.4honline.com.
Enrollment deadline is April 15, 2020.
