K-State Research and Extension - Gardening, Landscaping and Forestry

FIREWISE PROGRAM DETAILS...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The wildfire season remains in effect from now until spring green-up. Those who live in rural areas or on the edge of an urban area should take note of the wildfire threat, says forester Charlie Barden of K-State. He touts the Fire-wise Program, which provides information to homeowners about protecting their premises from wildfire.

Gardening Trends for 2010: ‘Smart and Green’

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Jennifer Smith starts each new year raking around and digging up what’s likely to be “hot” in landscapes and gardens during the months ahead.

Upcoming K-State Horticultural and Agricultural Events

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University Research and Extension and/or its Extension Master Gardeners are participating in the following area and statewide horticultural events, available to all interested persons. For more information about these, as well as more localized events, check with your local K-State Research and Extension office.

LIVING SNOW FENCE VALUE...

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This winter has vividly illustrated the value of a well-designed living snow fence, according to K-State forester Bob Atchison. Strategically-placed conservation trees and shrubs can prevent snow from drifting across roadways, driveways, livestock feeding areas and other places where drifts can become a major problem. Conservation plant material is available from the Kansas Forest Service for establishing a living snow fence.

Best Present for Plants: Good Soil

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

EMPORIA, Kan. – The best gift to give all landscape and garden plants is good soil.

K-State College of Agriculture Students Have Options in Coursework, Careers

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Plenty has changed over the years, and educating students for careers in agriculture has changed right along with global agriculture, said Don Boggs, Kansas State University’s associate dean of agriculture.

Don Boggs speaks to students on K-State's campus.

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham...

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham talks about new trends in tomatoes, as seed companies start to develop better tasting varieties...some of which are becoming available for home gardeners.

FORCING SHRUB CLIPPINGS...

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A reasonably mild winter day is a good time to conduct a little cosmetic pruning on woody shrubs, says K-State forester Charlie Barden. Moreover, those clippings can produce attractive foliage indoors, through a process called forcing, which just might be suitable as a Valentine’s Day arrangement. He talks about how to accomplish this.

Growing Growers Program Announces its 2010 Sustainable Farming Apprenticeship Program

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, Kan. -- As the Kansas City metro area’s appetite for local and sustainably-grown food grows, farmers and growers are in demand too. The Growing Growers Apprenticeship Program matches aspiring growers with local host farms where they gain work experience and training in the day-to-day operation of a small farm. Workshops, farm tours and written resources augment on-farm learning and connect apprentices to the resources and support of the small farm community.

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham...

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham talks about new K-State research on the impact of lawn grasses on newly-planted landscape trees and the impact sub-zero temperatures earlier this month could have on certain fruit plants.

Ross Hauck of the Kansas Forest Service...

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Fire management coordinator Ross Hauck of the Kansas Forest Service at K-State talks about the firefighting equipment support program the service operates, which gives rural fire departments across Kansas access to capable fire response vehicles and protective gear for volunteer firefighters.

LIVESTOCK WINDBREAK VALUE...

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Winter weather conditions like we’ve experienced of late fully demonstrate the value of a livestock windbreak to cattle producers. And there’s quite a suite of research that backs that up, according to K-State forester Bob Atchison. He covers that this week, saying that the Kansas Forest Service makes available low-cost tree seedlings and technical advice for establishing such a windbreak.

Air-Layering Can Renew, Shorten Overgrown Houseplants

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Some well-known houseplants respond to good care by outgrowing their “place.” Their owners may try rearranging furniture, but still can end up donating or discarding the hulky plants.

Evelyn Neier, Junior Master Gardener coordinator...

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In preparation for the upcoming growing season, Evelyn Neier, coordinator of the Kansas 4-H Junior Master Gardener program, has ideas to help young gardeners in planning and designing their own garden space.

CONSERVATION TREE SEEDLINGS...

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Once again, the Kansas Forest Service at K-State is making available to landowners and homeowners low-cost tree and shrub seedlings, to be used for conservation plantings such as windbreaks and wildlife habitat. Orders are now being taken for spring delivery of these plant materials. K-State forester Charlie Barden talks about this opportunity.

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham...

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham offers step-by-step guidance on starting vegetable plants from seed this winter and then transplanting them into the garden in the spring.

Century Mark for State Forest Service Shows Kansans’ Abiding Love of Trees

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Kirk Schulz, left, Kansas State University’s recently inaugurated 13^thpresident, tries out his new, official Kansas Forest Service cap as State Forester Larry Biles kicks off a 100^th anniversary celebration. The KFS is the outcome of a forestry division instituted at K-State in 1909.

- Kansas Forest Service photo

A CENTURY OF SERVICE...

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Kansas Forest Service at Kansas State University is celebrating its centennial…100 years of helping Kansas landowners develop, manage and preserve their tree resources. And while a great deal has been accomplished over those 100 years, numerous objectives and challenges remain, as K-State forester Bob Atchison reflects upon this week.

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING...

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Once the Christmas holiday is over, you can still get extended use out of that Christmas tree: as a backyard habitat for birds, as a shelter for pond fish, or as mulch for the home landscape. K-State forester Charlie Barden talks about all of these ideas on this week’s program.

Mid-America Fruit Growers to Gather Near Nebraska City for Tour, Conference

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The 2010 Mid-America Fruit Growers Conference will be Jan. 12-14 in the Lied Lodge and Conference Center at the Arbor Day Farm near Nebraska City, Neb.

Wood Ash a Chancy Fertilizer

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

COLUMBUS, Kan. – For generations untold, gardeners have been adding ashes to their vegetable plots as a fertilizer and soil amendment. For them, it’s been a second use for the wood burned in cooking and staying warm.

Today's agricultural news...

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

K-State's Chuck Otte talks about various ways of recycling the Christmas tree after the holiday, including converting it into mulch for the home landscape.

Great Plains Vegetable Growers Heading to Jan. 7-9 Conference

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, Kan. – The 2010 Great Plains Vegetable Growers Conference Jan. 7-9 in St. Joseph, Mo., will feature growers, specialists and cutting-edge information from all five participating states: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota.

Fresh-Cut Christmas Trees Deserve Another Wonderful Life

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The reusing and recycling that many people practice throughout the year can inspire a new “green” holiday tradition: giving that fresh Christmas tree a second life.

THINNING OUT WOODLANDS...

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There comes a time when most well-managed woodlands could stand to be thinned out, by way of strategic tree removal. That’s according to K-State forester Bob Atchison, who says that the wintertime provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate one’s tree resources and identify trees that could be taken out, in favor of the remaining trees.

Plants Don’t Care if the Wind Chill Tanks

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

COLUMBUS, Kan. – When wind chill temperatures plummet, gardeners chafe about their landscape and fruit plants’ odds for survival. Some gardeners actually worry too much.

Plant pathologist Jon Appel...

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Plant pathologist Jon Appel of the Kansas Department of Agriculture has an update on efforts to keep one-thousand canker disease from wiping out walnut trees in Kansas, and what individuals can do to help that cause.

Upcoming K-State Horticultural and Agricultural Events

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

NATURAL RESOURCE CONFERENCE...

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The 2010 Kansas Natural Resource Conference will be held in Wichita on February 4^th and 5^th. K-State forester Charles Barden discusses this year’s theme, the speakers and their respective topics, and how interested individuals can register for this annual event.

Good Care Extends Poinsettia Bloom Time

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Poinsettias are the world’s best-selling container plants. Each year, more than 65 million of them sell in the United States alone – in a matter of about six weeks.

K-State horticulturist Gregg Eyestone...

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

K-State horticulturist Gregg Eyestone talks about using sidewalk and driveway de-icers carefully to minimize damage to nearby landscape plants.

Upcoming K-State Horticultural and Agricultural Events

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

K-State wildlife specialist Charlie Lee...

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

K-State wildlife specialist Charlie Lee talks about the value of oak trees, and the acorns they produce, as a food resource for wildlife in Kansas.

WINDBREAK RENOVATION NEEDS...

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Too many farm windbreaks are in decline, and are sorely in need of attention, according to K-State forester Bob Atchison. The multiple benefits of windbreaks have been proven repeatedly. And if a windbreak is due for renovation, there is USDA cost-share assistance available for that project.

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham...

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham talks about storing lawn and garden care equipment for the winter. He also has a few tips for winterizing hybrid tea roses.

K-State rural forestry coordinator Bob Atchison...

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

K-State rural forestry coordinator Bob Atchison talks about marketing timber from one's farm or ranch, with the demand for good-quality black walnut timber remaining very high...he advises on evaluating a stand of trees for its market value.

Upcoming K-State Horticultural and Agricultural Events

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

CHOOSING A CHRISTMAS TREE...

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With Christmas less than a month away, many will be out looking for the perfect tree to decorate their home for the holidays. Whether you cut yours at a tree farm, or choose one that is pre-cut, K-State forester Charles Barden gives tips on how to select the best tree and how to care for it once you get it home.

KANSAS FORESTRY ASSOCIATION...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Tree Farm Program and Walnut Council, groups that have represented Kansas forest landowners for years, have joined together to form the Kansas Forestry Association. The new association will support Kansas tree farmers, improve the efficiency of both groups, and support their message. K-State forester Bob Atchison talks about the benefits of the consolidation and of membership in the organization.

K-State landscape horticulturist Emily Nolting...

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

K-State ornamental landscape horticulturist Emily Nolting talks about adding color to
flower beds even as the growing season is closing down.

FIREWOOD FOR HEAT...

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Some people burn firewood in the home just for the aesthetic value. But many others burn for the heat source…and how firewood is managed will determine the amount of heat one will get out of it. K-State forester Charlie Barden talks more about that this week.

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham...

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

K-State horticulturist Ward Upham looks at applying a broadleaf weed control product to the lawn this month and talks about storing summer bulbs over the winter.

Firewood-Harbored Insects Can Attack Living Trees

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Today’s high heating costs and push for alternate fuels are sparking renewed interest in wood-burning fireplaces and stoves.

Researchers Releasing Better Tasting Tomato Varieties

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Old-fashioned, “heirloom” varieties may be losing their edge as the best-tasting tomatoes available. Flavorful new varieties are now entering the field.

Kansans Continuing Traditional Ties to Trees

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Since pioneer days, Kansans have planted nuts, seeds and seedlings. On the most basic level, they’ve known trees could make a huge difference in their quality of life.

Attracting Birds Means Supplying What They Like

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:00:00 GMT

SALINA, Kan. -- To a degree, attracting birds to a backyard feeder requires giving them what they most prefer. That can be complicated, because different kinds of birds prefer different types of food.