Dig This!

As we grow older, New Year's Resolutions are apt to become more important to us. The accumulating years begun to press down upon us, bringing acute awareness of our mortality. So we reflect on the previous year's disappointments, consider those things that we have put off, and contemplate new possibilities -- especially if we're gardeners. Indeed once the Christmas decorations have been stored away and the seed catalogs start to arrive, I find myself starting to ponder.. I planted too much anger and resentment last year, so this year I will replace them with some tolerance and patience . I really could have used some more enthusiasm too, so I will add a little extra this time and plant it next to the hope . I have always wanted to cultivate laughter , and I have the perfect spot right next to the lighthearted expressions . Perhaps I should thin out the tears . I really don't need very many of those. And, you know, I never really liked the frustration -- it...

Six Reno County Master Gardeners and Pam Paulsen, Reno County Horticulture agent, just returned from the K-State Extension Master Gardener's Conference in Manhattan this Friday and Saturday, Oct 4th and 5th. Our heads are brimming over with lots of new ideas, plant lists and suggestions about how to garden smarter. Check out the photos taken by those who attended. Ag Art shows the close relationship between art and agriculture.

The Reno County Extension Master Gardeners have partnered with the Hutchinson Correction Facility East Unit to develop the Garden for Good. Recently, the KSRE Media Department came to film the efforts of the EMGs and the inmates. http://youtu.be/_VKDROXMYmQ

We've got some very happy tomato plants in the demo garden. Stop by the Reno County Extension Office to see what else is growing in the garden as well as different drip irrigation systems and weed control methods.

We have seen a great deal of severe weather and flooding the past few weeks. Waterlogged soils push out oxygen that roots need to survive. Every living cell in a plant must have oxygen or it dies. Some plants have mechanisms to provide oxygen to the roots even under saturated conditions but most of our vegetables and flowers do not. The longer these plants are subjected to saturated soils, the more likely damage will occur. However, as long as water drains away within 24 hours, the impact on plant health is minimal. What about safety regarding eating produce from a garden that has been flooded? Standing water should not cause a safety problem as long as the above ground portions of the plant remain healthy. Do not use produce from plants that have yellowed. Also, using produce flooded with water contaminated with sewage (lagoon) or animal manure can also be dangerous. The safest approach is to discard all garden crops that have been in contact with such water. Certainly, leafy veget...

Master Gardeners are members of the local community who share a common interest in gardening. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and have a desire to share their gardening knowledge with others in the community. The   Reno County Extension Master Gardener Program is more than just a series of classes. It is a training program for those wanting to serve as horticulture  education volunteers with K-State Research and Extension in Reno County. Volunteers are given over 40 hours of training in all areas of horticulture on subjects such as vegetables, trees, turfgrass, landscaping, herbs, entomology, soils, basic botany, fruits, flowers, andcomposting. In return, volunteers are asked to donate 40 hours of volunteer time to Reno County Extension education programs.  The program is open to anyone , regardless of skill and knowledge level, who enjoys gardening and wants to help educate others.