Dig This!

If you enjoy gardening, want to learn more about it and have some spare time on your hands for volunteer work, then the Master Gardener program might be for you. The Reno County Extension Master Gardener program is currently in need of new volunteers for the 2015-2016 season. Training for new volunteers will begin on September 10. Classes will be held every Thursday until December 10 except on Thanksgiving Day. Class time will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A one-time fee of $110.00 will be charged to cover the cost of a class reference book and other materials. The Master Gardener Program is for those individuals who are interested in plants and gardening and enjoy sharing their knowledge for the benefit of others. Prior knowledge of gardening is not necessary to be in the Master Gardening Program. Volunteers will be given approximately 40 hours of college level training in home horticulture. Class subjects include landscaping, soil fertility, insects and diseases, plant pro

Seed in Early Fall for Best Root Growth We normally recommend that Kentucky bluegrass and tall Fescue be seeded in September but no later than October 15. Though plantings later than October 15 can be successful, the odds of success diminish as time passes.  The problem with late plantings is not that the seed will not come up or that young grass plants are sensitive to cold. Most often, the problem is with rooting. Unless the young grass plants have a fairly extensive root system, the freezing and thawing that takes place during winter heaves plants out of the ground, and they dry out an and die. Regardless of when planted, be sure the new lawn is kept watered through the fall. More mature lawns will need less frequent watering but all should go into the winter moist. Frost On Lawns . If you have ever walked across a frosted lawn that isn't dormant, you may have noticed your footprints showing up later in the day. Though this is unsightly, it does not kil

The Reno County Farmer's Market is a treasure we have to enjoy here in this area. Besides offering wonderfully tasty fruits and vegetables, there is an array of garden flowers and personal gift products for both the home and family. Located at 2nd and Washington our Farmer's Market is 30 years old this year. WOW!! Open Saturday's from 7:30am to 12:30pm there is often musical entertainment as well as the usual great feeling of something exciting in the air. Also open Wednesdays from 10 to 2pm, they will c ontinue to be open through October 31st. Plan to wear Halloween costumes and shop for unique items. For more information see ( http://www.renocountyfarmersmarket.com ).   For the first time this year, the Reno County Extension's Master Gardener's have a booth at the Farmer's Market. Plan to visit and check it out on third Saturdays. Here are some highlights so far this summer.  Reno County Extension Master Gardener ( RCEMG ) Claire Foy tells some shopp