Get a good start by selecting the right tree for your site.Photo courtesy KSRE

K-State horticulture expert shares tips to set you up for success

K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – If you’re planning to plant a tree in your yard this spring, there are some steps you can take to make sure your new landscape has its best chance of success.&nbsp;

Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham shares the following 10 rules for planting trees:&nbsp;

Select the right tree for the site.&nbsp;

To avoid serious problems,&nbsp;<a href="http://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/recommended-plants/index.html" target="_blank">choose trees that are adapted to your location.</a>&nbsp;Consider whether the tree produces nuisance fruit or if there are disease-resistant varieties available. For example, there are a number of crabapple varieties that are resistant to apple scab and rust diseases. Also consider the mature size of a tree to be sure you have enough room. Ask a local nurseryman for suggestions for trees adapted to your area.&nbsp;

Keep the tree well watered and in a shady location until planting.&nbsp;

When moving the tree, lift it by the root ball or pot and not by the trunk.&nbsp;

Before planting, remove all wires, labels, cords or anything else tied to the plant.&nbsp;

If left on, they may eventually girdle the branch to which they are attached. The root flare (point where trunk and roots meet) should be visible. If it isn't, remove enough soil or media before planting so that it is.&nbsp;

Make the hole deep enough so that the tree sits slightly above nursery level. Plant the tree on solid ground, not fill dirt. In other words, don't dig the hole too deep and then add soil back to the hole before placing the tree.&nbsp;

The width of the planting hole is very important. It should be three times the width of the root ball. Loosening the soil outside the hole so it is five times the diameter of the root ball will allow the tree to spread its roots faster.&nbsp;

Remove all containers from the root ball.&nbsp;

Cut away plastic and peat pots; roll burlap and wire baskets back into the hole, cutting as much of the excess away as possible. If you can remove the wire basket without disturbing the root ball, do it. If roots have been circling around in the container, cut them and fluff them out so they do not continue growing so that they circle inside the hole and become girdling roots later in the life of the tree.&nbsp;

Backfill the hole with the same soil that was removed.&nbsp;

Amendments such as peat moss likely do more harm than good. Make sure the soil that goes back is loosened - no clods or clumps. Add water as you fill to ensure good root to soil contact and prevent air pockets. There is no need to fertilize at planting.&nbsp;

Don't cut back the branches of a tree after planting except those that are rubbing or damaged.&nbsp;

The leaf buds release a hormone that encourages root growth. If the tree is cut back, the reduced number of leaf buds results in less hormone released and therefore fewer roots being formed.&nbsp;

Then, water once a week for the first season if there is insufficient rainfall.&nbsp;

Mulch should be 2-4 inches deep and cover an area 2 to 3 times the diameter of the root ball. Mulching reduces competition from other plants, conserves moisture and keeps soil temperature closer to what the plants' roots prefer.&nbsp;

Trees will establish more quickly and grow faster if they are not staked. However, larger trees or those in windy locations may need to be staked the first year. Movement is necessary for the trunk to become strong. Staking should be designed to limit movement of the root ball rather than immobilize the trunk.&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining gardens and home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham&nbsp;<a href="mailto:atwupham@ksu.edu">atwupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679356890884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Get a good start by selecting the right tree for your site.Photo courtesy KSRE<h2>K-State horticulture expert shares tips to set you up for success</h2>K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN – If you’re planning to plant a tree in your yard this spring, there are some steps you can take to make sure your new landscape has its best chance of success.&nbsp;Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham shares the following 10 rules for planting trees:&nbsp;Select the right tree for the site.&nbsp;To avoid serious problems,&nbsp;<a href="http://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/recommended-plants/index.html" target="_blank">choose trees that are adapted to your location.</a>&nbsp;Consider whether the tree produces nuisance fruit or if there are disease-resistant varieties available. For example, there are a number of crabapple varieties that are resistant to apple scab and rust diseases. Also consider the mature size of a tree to be sure you have enough room. Ask a local nurseryman for suggestions for trees adapted to your area.&nbsp;Keep the tree well watered and in a shady location until planting.&nbsp;When moving the tree, lift it by the root ball or pot and not by the trunk.&nbsp;Before planting, remove all wires, labels, cords or anything else tied to the plant.&nbsp;If left on, they may eventually girdle the branch to which they are attached. The root flare (point where trunk and roots meet) should be visible. If it isn't, remove enough soil or media before planting so that it is.&nbsp;Dig a proper hole.&nbsp;Make the hole deep enough so that the tree sits slightly above nursery level. Plant the tree on solid ground, not fill dirt. In other words, don't dig the hole too deep and then add soil back to the hole before placing the tree.&nbsp;The width of the planting hole is very important. It should be three times the width of the root ball. Loosening the soil outside the hole so it is five times the diameter of the root ball will allow the tree to spread its roots faster.&nbsp;Remove all containers from the root ball.&nbsp;Cut away plastic and peat pots; roll burlap and wire baskets back into the hole, cutting as much of the excess away as possible. If you can remove the wire basket without disturbing the root ball, do it. If roots have been circling around in the container, cut them and fluff them out so they do not continue growing so that they circle inside the hole and become girdling roots later in the life of the tree.&nbsp;Backfill the hole with the same soil that was removed.&nbsp;Amendments such as peat moss likely do more harm than good. Make sure the soil that goes back is loosened - no clods or clumps. Add water as you fill to ensure good root to soil contact and prevent air pockets. There is no need to fertilize at planting.&nbsp;Don't cut back the branches of a tree after planting except those that are rubbing or damaged.&nbsp;The leaf buds release a hormone that encourages root growth. If the tree is cut back, the reduced number of leaf buds results in less hormone released and therefore fewer roots being formed.&nbsp;Water the tree thoroughly.&nbsp;Then, water once a week for the first season if there is insufficient rainfall.&nbsp;Mulch around the tree.&nbsp;Mulch should be 2-4 inches deep and cover an area 2 to 3 times the diameter of the root ball. Mulching reduces competition from other plants, conserves moisture and keeps soil temperature closer to what the plants' roots prefer.&nbsp;Stake only when necessary.&nbsp;Trees will establish more quickly and grow faster if they are not staked. However, larger trees or those in windy locations may need to be staked the first year. Movement is necessary for the trunk to become strong. Staking should be designed to limit movement of the root ball rather than immobilize the trunk.&nbsp;. . .Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining gardens and home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham&nbsp;<a href="mailto:atwupham@ksu.edu">atwupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

Happy Spring! Ten rules for planting trees

June
 Elnora Greathouse, was born March 18, 1930 in Nekoma, Kansas, to Onie 
and Nora (Baldwin) Mills. She passed away March 2, 2023, at the age of 
92, in Hutchinson, KS.

She attended Nekoma grade school, La Crosse High School and Fort Hays, and was a graduate from Sterling College.

June
 began her teaching career in 1948 and continued for most of her life. 
She taught in Yoder and Nickerson Elementary as a kindergarten teacher 
for 32 years.

She married the love of her life, Jerry 
Greathouse, on January 29, 1956, in Nekoma KS during a blizzard. They 
were happily married for 45 years before his passing in 2001.

June
 is survived by her son, Rick (Valerie Avery) Greathouse, and daughter, 
Connie (Larry Flores) Johnson, grandson Justin Bright, and great 
grandchildren, Killian and Sawyer Bright.

She was a member of 
several local organizations, including Low Vision Group, Elliots 
Widowers Group and the Horticulture Club. 

She was a volunteer with RSVP 
tax, the rec commission and the horticulture club.

June Greathouse will be forever in our hearts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

June
 Elnora Greathouse, was born March 18, 1930 in Nekoma, Kansas, to Onie 
and Nora (Baldwin) Mills. She passed away March 2, 2023, at the age of 
92, in Hutchinson, KS. She attended Nekoma grade school, La Crosse High School and Fort Hays, and was a graduate from Sterling College. June
 began her teaching career in 1948 and continued for most of her life. 
She taught in Yoder and Nickerson Elementary as a kindergarten teacher 
for 32 years. She married the love of her life, Jerry 
Greathouse, on January 29, 1956, in Nekoma KS during a blizzard. They 
were happily married for 45 years before his passing in 2001. June
 is survived by her son, Rick (Valerie Avery) Greathouse, and daughter, 
Connie (Larry Flores) Johnson, grandson Justin Bright, and great 
grandchildren, Killian and Sawyer Bright. She was a member of 
several local organizations, including Low Vision Group, Elliots 
Widowers Group and the Horticulture Club. She was a volunteer with RSVP 
tax, the rec commission and the horticulture club. June Greathouse will be forever in our hearts.&nbsp;&nbsp;----

June Elnora Greathouse

K-State horticulture expert gets you ready for planting this year’s crop

MANHATTAN –&nbsp;It’s still nearly three months before Kansas gardeners begin to put tomato plants into the ground. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says that’s an opportunity for gardeners to set themselves up for a bountiful season.&nbsp;

“Most of the varieties available to home gardeners are either indeterminate or semi-determinate,” Upham said.&nbsp;

Indeterminate plants are traditional tomatoes that never stop growing. They are capable of producing fruit throughout the season unless disease stops production or frost kills the plant.&nbsp;

Semi-determinate plants are more compact, but also are capable of producing fruit throughout the season. Another classification is known as determinate, or those varieties that produce one large crop but then virtually nothing afterwards.&nbsp;

“Gardeners with limited space will likely prefer indeterminate or semi-determinate types to stretch out the harvest season,” Upham said. “If there is space, you may want to grow a combination of all three, with the determinates used to produce a large harvest for canning or tomato juice, and the remainder for fresh eating.”&nbsp;

In Kansas, tomatoes are generally planted in early- to mid-May, or when daytime temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the state has passed the frost-free date. In some areas, such as the northwest part of the state, conditions might not be right for planting tomatoes until the middle of May or a bit later, according to Upham.&nbsp;

Even though indeterminate and semi-determinate varieties produce fruit throughout the season, “our hot Kansas summers often cause a dry spell in production in both types,” Upham said.&nbsp;

Tomatoes are less likely to set fruit when night temperatures remain above 75 F and day temperatures are above 95 F. Hot, dry winds make the situation worse, Upham said.&nbsp;

Each year,&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/master-gardeners/" target="_blank">Kansas Master Gardeners</a>&nbsp;plant and rate a number of tomato varieties. Upham noted that a subsequent trial is conducted by a colleague with the University of Missouri extension service.&nbsp;

Results of trials conducted by Kansas’ Master Gardeners vary by county. Interested persons are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">contact their local extension office</a>&nbsp;for more information on varieties that perform well in their area.&nbsp;

Upham said the University of Missouri trials also give valuable information on varieties that perform well in this region. The data from Missouri’s extension service showed that the top 10 varieties (based on pounds of fruit harvested per plant) are:&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local extension office</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612708754292.jpeg" alt="It's time to start thinking about tomatoes.&nbsp;Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>It's time to start thinking about tomatoes.&nbsp;Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State horticulture expert gets you ready for planting this year’s crop</h2>K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN –&nbsp;It’s still nearly three months before Kansas gardeners begin to put tomato plants into the ground. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says that’s an opportunity for gardeners to set themselves up for a bountiful season.&nbsp;“Most of the varieties available to home gardeners are either indeterminate or semi-determinate,” Upham said.&nbsp;Indeterminate plants are traditional tomatoes that never stop growing. They are capable of producing fruit throughout the season unless disease stops production or frost kills the plant.&nbsp;Semi-determinate plants are more compact, but also are capable of producing fruit throughout the season. Another classification is known as determinate, or those varieties that produce one large crop but then virtually nothing afterwards.&nbsp;“Gardeners with limited space will likely prefer indeterminate or semi-determinate types to stretch out the harvest season,” Upham said. “If there is space, you may want to grow a combination of all three, with the determinates used to produce a large harvest for canning or tomato juice, and the remainder for fresh eating.”&nbsp;In Kansas, tomatoes are generally planted in early- to mid-May, or when daytime temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the state has passed the frost-free date. In some areas, such as the northwest part of the state, conditions might not be right for planting tomatoes until the middle of May or a bit later, according to Upham.&nbsp;Even though indeterminate and semi-determinate varieties produce fruit throughout the season, “our hot Kansas summers often cause a dry spell in production in both types,” Upham said.&nbsp;Tomatoes are less likely to set fruit when night temperatures remain above 75 F and day temperatures are above 95 F. Hot, dry winds make the situation worse, Upham said.&nbsp;Tomato trials&nbsp;Each year,&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/master-gardeners/" target="_blank">Kansas Master Gardeners</a>&nbsp;plant and rate a number of tomato varieties. Upham noted that a subsequent trial is conducted by a colleague with the University of Missouri extension service.&nbsp;Results of trials conducted by Kansas’ Master Gardeners vary by county. Interested persons are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">contact their local extension office</a>&nbsp;for more information on varieties that perform well in their area.&nbsp;Upham said the University of Missouri trials also give valuable information on varieties that perform well in this region. The data from Missouri’s extension service showed that the top 10 varieties (based on pounds of fruit harvested per plant) are:&nbsp;Anna RussianCherokee PurpleGerman JohnsonBeef MasterEarly GirlBig BoyBrandywine BlackJet StarCelebrityBig BeefUpham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local extension office</a>.&nbsp;

It’s February: Are you thinking about tomatoes yet?

Tips on how to dispose of, use Christmas trees at the end of the season&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. —&nbsp;Christmas trees bring Christmas glee, but they can bring even more than that once the holiday season is past, says Kansas State University forester Charlie Barden.&nbsp;

“An old Christmas tree can be used to benefit birds, fish and the landscape by placing it in a corner of your deck, and spreading some birdseed nearby, or tying it to a deciduous tree or post near a bird feeder,” he said.&nbsp;

Christmas trees can give birds an escape from hawks or cats and keep them protected from the wind chill on cool nights. Or, Barden said, a tree can improve fish habitat and fishing by sinking it into a pond.&nbsp;

“The tree serves as little coral reef, in that the branches provide substrate for water plants to grow, and cover for minnows and other forms of small aquatic life,” Barden said.&nbsp;

Barden said sinking a tree is simple: Tie a cinder block with a short, stout rope to the base of the tree and drop it in -- with permission from the pond owner.&nbsp;

Christmas trees can also be allowed to dry and used as firewood. But, Barden cautions, “beware that most conifer species tend to spark and pop more than hardwoods, as resin pockets in the wood make tiny explosions.”&nbsp;

Another option, according to Barden: Many municipalities allow Christmas trees to be placed on the curb for pickup, then burned or ground for mulch.&nbsp;

Barden and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with more tips on maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Ward Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>Tips on how to dispose of, use Christmas trees at the end of the season&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. —&nbsp;Christmas trees bring Christmas glee, but they can bring even more than that once the holiday season is past, says Kansas State University forester Charlie Barden.&nbsp;“An old Christmas tree can be used to benefit birds, fish and the landscape by placing it in a corner of your deck, and spreading some birdseed nearby, or tying it to a deciduous tree or post near a bird feeder,” he said.&nbsp;Christmas trees can give birds an escape from hawks or cats and keep them protected from the wind chill on cool nights. Or, Barden said, a tree can improve fish habitat and fishing by sinking it into a pond.&nbsp;“The tree serves as little coral reef, in that the branches provide substrate for water plants to grow, and cover for minnows and other forms of small aquatic life,” Barden said.&nbsp;Barden said sinking a tree is simple: Tie a cinder block with a short, stout rope to the base of the tree and drop it in -- with permission from the pond owner.&nbsp;Christmas trees can also be allowed to dry and used as firewood. But, Barden cautions, “beware that most conifer species tend to spark and pop more than hardwoods, as resin pockets in the wood make tiny explosions.”&nbsp;Another option, according to Barden: Many municipalities allow Christmas trees to be placed on the curb for pickup, then burned or ground for mulch.&nbsp;Barden and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with more tips on maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Ward Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

Once Christmas is over, what happens to the tree? 

K-State's Upham says mulching strawberry plants can help plants adjust to the cold&nbsp;

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Strawberry plants need time to gradually adjust to winter conditions and temperature drops to become cold resistant. Sudden changes in temperature can severely damage strawberry plants, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;

“Strawberry plants are better able to withstand colder temperatures in the middle of the winter than in the fall before they have gone through much cold weather,” Upham said. “For example, if temperatures suddenly plummet below 20 degrees Fahrenheit before the plants harden to the cold, they can be severely damaged. A drop to 15 degrees F may kill them.”&nbsp;

Strawberry plants should be mulched between Thanksgiving and Christmas to protect them from low temperatures and heaving damage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Heaving damage occurs when the alternate freezing and thawing common in Kansas winters heave plants out of the ground where the roots are exposed and the plants die from lack of water,” Upham said.&nbsp;

Wheat straw is recommended as mulch if it is free of weed seed and wheat kernels. Prairie hay also makes a good mulch, Upham said.&nbsp;

To apply the straw or hay, shake flakes apart to break down large chunks, which helps insulate the plants and avoid damage by delaying blooming in the spring, Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Mulch should be removed gradually in the spring as plants begin new growth,” he said.&nbsp;

Some mulch can be left to keep berries off the ground and conserve moisture.&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669308239743.jpeg" alt="Strawberry plants should be mulched between Thanksgiving and Christmas to protect them from low temperatures and heaving damage.&nbsp;

Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/kathas_fotos-11174123/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=7323943">Katharina N.</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=7323943">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>Strawberry plants should be mulched between Thanksgiving and Christmas to protect them from low temperatures and heaving damage.&nbsp;

Image by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/kathas_fotos-11174123/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=7323943">Katharina N.</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=7323943">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State's Upham says mulching strawberry plants can help plants adjust to the cold&nbsp;</h2>By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — Strawberry plants need time to gradually adjust to winter conditions and temperature drops to become cold resistant. Sudden changes in temperature can severely damage strawberry plants, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;“Strawberry plants are better able to withstand colder temperatures in the middle of the winter than in the fall before they have gone through much cold weather,” Upham said. “For example, if temperatures suddenly plummet below 20 degrees Fahrenheit before the plants harden to the cold, they can be severely damaged. A drop to 15 degrees F may kill them.”&nbsp;Strawberry plants should be mulched between Thanksgiving and Christmas to protect them from low temperatures and heaving damage.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Heaving damage occurs when the alternate freezing and thawing common in Kansas winters heave plants out of the ground where the roots are exposed and the plants die from lack of water,” Upham said.&nbsp;Wheat straw is recommended as mulch if it is free of weed seed and wheat kernels. Prairie hay also makes a good mulch, Upham said.&nbsp;To apply the straw or hay, shake flakes apart to break down large chunks, which helps insulate the plants and avoid damage by delaying blooming in the spring, Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Mulch should be removed gradually in the spring as plants begin new growth,” he said.&nbsp;Some mulch can be left to keep berries off the ground and conserve moisture.&nbsp;Upham and his colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

Will strawberry plants survive a cold winter? 

Expert shares tips for overseeding cool-season lawns&nbsp;

By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Cool-season grasses, like the Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue lawns common to many parts of Kansas, have had about enough of summer.&nbsp;

The state’s high temperatures and sporadic rainfall often cause cool-season varieties to become thin by summer’s end. September typically signals a good time to replenish those stands, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;

“Start by mowing the grass short (1 to 1 ½ inches) and removing the clippings,” he said. “This will make it easier to achieve good seed-soil contact and increase the amount of light that will reach the young seedlings.”&nbsp;

Then, he says, check the lawn’s layer of thatch – an organic layer of dead and living shoots, stems and roots that develops between the zone of green vegetation and the soil surface.&nbsp;

“Normally, we’d want ¼ inch of thatch or less when overseeding,” Upham said. “If the thatch layer is ¾ inch or more, it is usually easier to use a sod cutter to remove it and start over with a new lawn. A power rake can be used to reduce a thatch layter that is less than ¾ inch, but more than ¼ inch.”&nbsp;

Once thatch is under control, Upham said homeowners can use a hand rake to roughen up soil in small areas. For larger areas, he suggests either a verticut machine or core aerator.&nbsp;

“A verticut machine has solid vertical blades that can be set to cut furrows in the soil,” he said. “A slit seeder is a verticut machine with a seed hopper added so the soil prep and seeding operation are combined.”&nbsp;

By contrast, a core aerator literally punches holes in the soil, depositing the cores on the surface of the ground.&nbsp;

“Each hole produces an excellent environment for seed germination and growth,” Upham said. “Make 3-4 passes with the core aerator to ensure enough holes for the seed.”&nbsp;

A core aerator also reduces the amount of water needed to germinate the seed. Aeration increases the water infiltration rate, decreases compaction and increases the amount of oxygen in the soil.&nbsp;

“Of the three methods (for large areas), I prefer the slit seeder for obtaining good seed to soil contact,” Upham said. “However, if watering is difficult, core aeration may be a better option.”&nbsp;

Upham noted that fertilizer should be applied to the lawn at rates suggested on the bag, regardless of which overseeding method is used.&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;available to view online&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;local K-State Research and Extension office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure><h2>Expert shares tips for overseeding cool-season lawns&nbsp;</h2>By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — Cool-season grasses, like the Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue lawns common to many parts of Kansas, have had about enough of summer.&nbsp;The state’s high temperatures and sporadic rainfall often cause cool-season varieties to become thin by summer’s end. September typically signals a good time to replenish those stands, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;“Start by mowing the grass short (1 to 1 ½ inches) and removing the clippings,” he said. “This will make it easier to achieve good seed-soil contact and increase the amount of light that will reach the young seedlings.”&nbsp;Then, he says, check the lawn’s layer of thatch – an organic layer of dead and living shoots, stems and roots that develops between the zone of green vegetation and the soil surface.&nbsp;“Normally, we’d want ¼ inch of thatch or less when overseeding,” Upham said. “If the thatch layer is ¾ inch or more, it is usually easier to use a sod cutter to remove it and start over with a new lawn. A power rake can be used to reduce a thatch layter that is less than ¾ inch, but more than ¼ inch.”&nbsp;<h2>Preparing the soil&nbsp;</h2>Once thatch is under control, Upham said homeowners can use a hand rake to roughen up soil in small areas. For larger areas, he suggests either a verticut machine or core aerator.&nbsp;“A verticut machine has solid vertical blades that can be set to cut furrows in the soil,” he said. “A slit seeder is a verticut machine with a seed hopper added so the soil prep and seeding operation are combined.”&nbsp;By contrast, a core aerator literally punches holes in the soil, depositing the cores on the surface of the ground.&nbsp;“Each hole produces an excellent environment for seed germination and growth,” Upham said. “Make 3-4 passes with the core aerator to ensure enough holes for the seed.”&nbsp;A core aerator also reduces the amount of water needed to germinate the seed. Aeration increases the water infiltration rate, decreases compaction and increases the amount of oxygen in the soil.&nbsp;“Of the three methods (for large areas), I prefer the slit seeder for obtaining good seed to soil contact,” Upham said. “However, if watering is difficult, core aeration may be a better option.”&nbsp;Upham noted that fertilizer should be applied to the lawn at rates suggested on the bag, regardless of which overseeding method is used.&nbsp;Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;available to view online&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;local K-State Research and Extension office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cover image courtesy Pixabay

🎥 Lawn stressed? September is time for relief 

Extension Agent, Horticulture opportunity in Cottonwood District.

Primary office location is negotiable between GREAT BEND and HAYS, KS. See&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs" target="_blank">www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs</a>&nbsp;for responsibilities, qualifications, and application procedure.

Application deadline: 8/31/22. K-State Research and Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Background check required.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659737809311.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Extension Agent, Horticulture opportunity in Cottonwood District.Primary office location is negotiable between GREAT BEND and HAYS, KS. See&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs" target="_blank">www.ksre.ksu.edu/jobs</a>&nbsp;for responsibilities, qualifications, and application procedure.Application deadline: 8/31/22. K-State Research and Extension is an EOE of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Background check required.

Researchers examine 'urban archery' to reduce deer populations

Janice G. Dunavan, 79, passed away August 6, 2022, at University of Kansas Health Systems, Great Bend, KS.

She was born July 31, 1943, in Denver, CO, the daughter of Evertt and 
Lula Mae Stevens Hallagin.&nbsp; As an Army wife she was a teacher and 
homemaker, and in 1990 she retired to farm life.

She was a member of the Pawnee Rock Christian Church, Women’s Gideons
 Auxiliary and Women’s Republican Convention. She enjoyed reading, 
horticulture, puzzles, crosswords, ranching and farming and loved 
spending time with her grandchildren.

On June 9, 1966, she married LTC Robert C. Dunavan at West Point, New York.&nbsp; He passed away May 1, 2020.

Survivors include: a son, Brian (Karen) Dunavan, San Antonio, TX; 
daughter-in-law, Melissa (Bill) Lloyd, San Antonio, TX; son-in-law, Jeff
 Gibson, LaCrosse, KS; brother, Garry (Jann) Hallagin, Kansas; sister, 
Gloria (Tom) Albright, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Sheryl Dunavan, Missouri, 
Janet Dunavan, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Channing, Zachary, Ian, 
Grant, Chloe “CJ”, Joshua, Karalyne, Madeline and numerous nieces and 
nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LTC Robert C. 
Dunavan; son, Michael J. Dunavan; daughter, Diane A. Gibson; two 
brothers-in-law, LTC Alan Dunavan and Daniel Dunavan.

Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 
Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock, KS with Pastor John Thomas 
presiding.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 
10, 2022, with family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary,
 Larned, KS. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Pawnee Rock Christian 
Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659885821225.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Janice G. Dunavan, 79, passed away August 6, 2022, at University of Kansas Health Systems, Great Bend, KS.She was born July 31, 1943, in Denver, CO, the daughter of Evertt and 
Lula Mae Stevens Hallagin.&nbsp; As an Army wife she was a teacher and 
homemaker, and in 1990 she retired to farm life.She was a member of the Pawnee Rock Christian Church, Women’s Gideons
 Auxiliary and Women’s Republican Convention. She enjoyed reading, 
horticulture, puzzles, crosswords, ranching and farming and loved 
spending time with her grandchildren.On June 9, 1966, she married LTC Robert C. Dunavan at West Point, New York.&nbsp; He passed away May 1, 2020.Survivors include: a son, Brian (Karen) Dunavan, San Antonio, TX; 
daughter-in-law, Melissa (Bill) Lloyd, San Antonio, TX; son-in-law, Jeff
 Gibson, LaCrosse, KS; brother, Garry (Jann) Hallagin, Kansas; sister, 
Gloria (Tom) Albright, Ohio; sisters-in-law, Sheryl Dunavan, Missouri, 
Janet Dunavan, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Channing, Zachary, Ian, 
Grant, Chloe “CJ”, Joshua, Karalyne, Madeline and numerous nieces and 
nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LTC Robert C. 
Dunavan; son, Michael J. Dunavan; daughter, Diane A. Gibson; two 
brothers-in-law, LTC Alan Dunavan and Daniel Dunavan.Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 
Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock, KS with Pastor John Thomas 
presiding.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 
10, 2022, with family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary,
 Larned, KS. &nbsp;&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Pawnee Rock Christian 
Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Janice G. Dunavan

August signals the beginning of another school year. Kids of all ages will be learning new skills in the classroom.&nbsp;My hope is that you will find something that you want to learn more about andsign up for a class or two. I have loved my years in Extension because it has encouraged me to be a life-long learner. When I prepare to teach others in a workshop setting,&nbsp;I always find that&nbsp;the time&nbsp;I spend&nbsp;researching the subject&nbsp;teaches me as much as the&nbsp;participants.

Our August Cottonwood Connection e-newsletter will be posted soon on our Cottonwood website. I hope you will take a few minutes and see what opportunities are offered during the month ahead in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Agriculture, 4-H and youth development and Family and Consumer Science programming is making a difference in the lives of our families.

Consider signing up for the fermentation workshop I am offering in Great Bend on August 29th.&nbsp;Participants will learn how to make Kimchi which is a tasty Korean condiment. There is a registration fee of $25 that covers the ingredients and equipment needed to ferment a quart of Kimchi.&nbsp;

It is also time to think about registering for the Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that begins in September.&nbsp;I will be leading this popular workshop which focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance. A $20 registration fee will hold a spot for you and class size is limited. Classes run from September 29th&nbsp;through November 29th, from 10 – 11 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center.&nbsp;

Before I close&nbsp;today,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;a warm welcome&nbsp;to&nbsp;our newest team member, Monique Koerner. Monique is bringing her professional experience to the Cottonwood District as the Family and Community Wellness agent&nbsp;in the Hays office.

Early in August the Cottonwood District Horticulture position will open for applicants and later in the fall the 4-H and youth development position in the Hays office will be filled. Watch for these announcements in the weeks ahead and encourage people you may know&nbsp;who have the qualifications&nbsp;to apply.&nbsp;

Exciting times lie ahead&nbsp;in the Cottonwood District. I hope you will be&nbsp;part of the life-long learning that is happening!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>August signals the beginning of another school year. Kids of all ages will be learning new skills in the classroom.&nbsp;My hope is that you will find something that you want to learn more about andsign up for a class or two. I have loved my years in Extension because it has encouraged me to be a life-long learner. When I prepare to teach others in a workshop setting,&nbsp;I always find that&nbsp;the time&nbsp;I spend&nbsp;researching the subject&nbsp;teaches me as much as the&nbsp;participants.Our August Cottonwood Connection e-newsletter will be posted soon on our Cottonwood website. I hope you will take a few minutes and see what opportunities are offered during the month ahead in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Agriculture, 4-H and youth development and Family and Consumer Science programming is making a difference in the lives of our families.Consider signing up for the fermentation workshop I am offering in Great Bend on August 29th.&nbsp;Participants will learn how to make Kimchi which is a tasty Korean condiment. There is a registration fee of $25 that covers the ingredients and equipment needed to ferment a quart of Kimchi.&nbsp;It is also time to think about registering for the Stay Strong Stay Healthy workshop that begins in September.&nbsp;I will be leading this popular workshop which focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and balance. A $20 registration fee will hold a spot for you and class size is limited. Classes run from September 29th&nbsp;through November 29th, from 10 – 11 AM at the Great Bend Activity Center.&nbsp;Before I close&nbsp;today,&nbsp;I want to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;a warm welcome&nbsp;to&nbsp;our newest team member, Monique Koerner. Monique is bringing her professional experience to the Cottonwood District as the Family and Community Wellness agent&nbsp;in the Hays office.Early in August the Cottonwood District Horticulture position will open for applicants and later in the fall the 4-H and youth development position in the Hays office will be filled. Watch for these announcements in the weeks ahead and encourage people you may know&nbsp;who have the qualifications&nbsp;to apply.&nbsp;Exciting times lie ahead&nbsp;in the Cottonwood District. I hope you will be&nbsp;part of the life-long learning that is happening!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>

KRUG: Are you a lifelong learner?

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;

How about we go to a garden store? Or, what if the garden store could come to you?&nbsp;

Today we’ll meet an innovative young rural-preneur who has created a mobile system to bring vegetables, herbs, ornamentals and plant care information to the public.&nbsp;

Renata Goossen is the founder of Renata’s Garden in her hometown of Potwin. Her parents gardened, her dad raised tomatoes, and her mother’s family operates Henry Creek Farms, a fourth-generation family farm.&nbsp;

“I grew up in 4-H,” Goossen said. She tried the horticulture project and found that she loved it. “Our Butler County extension horticulture agent, Larry Crouse, was excellent at encouraging young people with judging and plant identification. Our extension agents influenced me greatly.”&nbsp;

“In junior high, I started a project I called Renata’s Garden,” she said. She raised special varieties of plants, created a catalog and marketed those plants to the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thankfully I have great parents who were willing to drive me to deliver those plants when we went to school or 4-H functions.”&nbsp;

Goossen attended Kansas State University where she earned her degree in horticulture.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The College of Agriculture is really great at helping you find where you fit,” Goossen said. “I had great professors who helped me.”&nbsp;

She earned several scholarships and business internships, including serving as a horticulture marketing specialist for a growers business in Ohio. “I was taken aback that more hort businesses weren’t using extension resources,” Goossen said. As a student, she conducted and published undergraduate research and traveled to Europe with a study abroad program.&nbsp;

In the Netherlands, she observed mobile street vendors. It reminded her of seeing a renovated school bus which had been used for summer feeding programs back in Butler County.&nbsp;

After graduation from K-State, Goossen considered her options. “I liked dealing with the consumer and I also liked the reward of successfully growing a crop,” she said.&nbsp;

She decided to combine the two and create a mobile horticultural retail business of her own, using the name Renata’s Garden again. She built a greenhouse and produces specialty plants such as Celebrity Tomato, Large-Leaf Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, Patio Baby Eggplant, Snackabelle Pepper, Marigold Strawberry Blonde flowers, Everleaf Emerald Tower Basil, and many more.&nbsp;

She purchased and renovated an old school bus, painted a floral design on the exterior, and refitted it with benches custom-designed to hold flats of her plants with space for pots, soil and other supplies underneath. The bus has “Renata’s Garden” and “Plant Bus” printed in big letters on the front and side.&nbsp;

Goossen drives the bus to various locations where customers can purchase the plants she has raised. “I wanted to put a Kansas twist on the European mobile cart idea,” she said.&nbsp;

“I set it up like a pop-up shop and notify people where I’ll be on my social media and website,” Goossen said. She makes a circuit of Wichita, Newton, El Dorado and surrounding communities where she stops for a day or a few hours for the public to step on board and purchase her plants.&nbsp;

Plant care and education are important to Goossen. She includes a QR code on each plant label which links to the plant care information for that specific plant. She also produces a weekly YouTube program, called&nbsp;Unearth Horticulture, that discusses plant care.&nbsp;

“I love seeing people’s eyes light up when they see the inside of the bus,” Goossen said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“People are excited to embrace this kind of business. When there’s a little kid trying edible flowers for the first time or an older person who gets on the bus and says, `I’ve never seen anything like this,’ those moments are amazing.”&nbsp;

It's a remarkable business to originate in a rural community such as Potwin, population 421 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.renatasgarden.com/">www.renatasgarden.com</a>.&nbsp;

Would you like to go to the plant store?&nbsp;&nbsp;What if the plant store came to you?&nbsp;&nbsp;We commend Renata Goossen for making a difference with her creative approach to marketing and educating horticultural consumers. I’d say her business is on the move.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654089439927.png" alt="Renata Goossen" />
 <figcaption>Renata Goossen</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;How about we go to a garden store? Or, what if the garden store could come to you?&nbsp;Today we’ll meet an innovative young rural-preneur who has created a mobile system to bring vegetables, herbs, ornamentals and plant care information to the public.&nbsp;Renata Goossen is the founder of Renata’s Garden in her hometown of Potwin. Her parents gardened, her dad raised tomatoes, and her mother’s family operates Henry Creek Farms, a fourth-generation family farm.&nbsp;“I grew up in 4-H,” Goossen said. She tried the horticulture project and found that she loved it. “Our Butler County extension horticulture agent, Larry Crouse, was excellent at encouraging young people with judging and plant identification. Our extension agents influenced me greatly.”&nbsp;“In junior high, I started a project I called Renata’s Garden,” she said. She raised special varieties of plants, created a catalog and marketed those plants to the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thankfully I have great parents who were willing to drive me to deliver those plants when we went to school or 4-H functions.”&nbsp;Goossen attended Kansas State University where she earned her degree in horticulture.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The College of Agriculture is really great at helping you find where you fit,” Goossen said. “I had great professors who helped me.”&nbsp;She earned several scholarships and business internships, including serving as a horticulture marketing specialist for a growers business in Ohio. “I was taken aback that more hort businesses weren’t using extension resources,” Goossen said. As a student, she conducted and published undergraduate research and traveled to Europe with a study abroad program.&nbsp;In the Netherlands, she observed mobile street vendors. It reminded her of seeing a renovated school bus which had been used for summer feeding programs back in Butler County.&nbsp;After graduation from K-State, Goossen considered her options. “I liked dealing with the consumer and I also liked the reward of successfully growing a crop,” she said.&nbsp;She decided to combine the two and create a mobile horticultural retail business of her own, using the name Renata’s Garden again. She built a greenhouse and produces specialty plants such as Celebrity Tomato, Large-Leaf Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, Patio Baby Eggplant, Snackabelle Pepper, Marigold Strawberry Blonde flowers, Everleaf Emerald Tower Basil, and many more.&nbsp;She purchased and renovated an old school bus, painted a floral design on the exterior, and refitted it with benches custom-designed to hold flats of her plants with space for pots, soil and other supplies underneath. The bus has “Renata’s Garden” and “Plant Bus” printed in big letters on the front and side.&nbsp;Goossen drives the bus to various locations where customers can purchase the plants she has raised. “I wanted to put a Kansas twist on the European mobile cart idea,” she said.&nbsp;“I set it up like a pop-up shop and notify people where I’ll be on my social media and website,” Goossen said. She makes a circuit of Wichita, Newton, El Dorado and surrounding communities where she stops for a day or a few hours for the public to step on board and purchase her plants.&nbsp;Plant care and education are important to Goossen. She includes a QR code on each plant label which links to the plant care information for that specific plant. She also produces a weekly YouTube program, called&nbsp;Unearth Horticulture, that discusses plant care.&nbsp;“I love seeing people’s eyes light up when they see the inside of the bus,” Goossen said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“People are excited to embrace this kind of business. When there’s a little kid trying edible flowers for the first time or an older person who gets on the bus and says, `I’ve never seen anything like this,’ those moments are amazing.”&nbsp;It's a remarkable business to originate in a rural community such as Potwin, population 421 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.renatasgarden.com/">www.renatasgarden.com</a>.&nbsp;Would you like to go to the plant store?&nbsp;&nbsp;What if the plant store came to you?&nbsp;&nbsp;We commend Renata Goossen for making a difference with her creative approach to marketing and educating horticultural consumers. I’d say her business is on the move.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural:  Renata Goossen, Renata’s Garden 

K-State expert shares how to help gardens through severe weather&nbsp;

By EMILY HALSTEAD K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Storm season can be stressful for many reasons, but for Kansas gardeners, protecting their plants is a priority.&nbsp;

With Kansas’ storm season in full swing, Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has tips on how to protect and recover gardens from severe weather damage.&nbsp;

“We are entering storm season and various areas of the state will likely have high winds, excessive rainfall and hail,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The force of rainfall pounding on the soil can result in a thick crust that prevents seed emergence and partially blocks oxygen from reaching roots,” Upham said. Correcting this issue is as easy as lightly scraping the soil surface after is has dried. Upham cautions deep tiling as it could damage young, tender roots.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Standing water cuts off oxygen to the roots, which can result in plant damage if it doesn’t drain quickly enough,” he said. Plants can sometimes handle 24 hours of standing water, but hot weather following the rainfall can cause the water to become hot enough to ‘cook’ the plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There isn’t much that can be done about this unless a channel can be cut to allow the water to drain,” Upham said.&nbsp;

Hail damaged plants should recover quickly as long as only the leaves were damaged. If stems and fruit were damaged the situation may become more serious. “The plant can recover from a few bruises, but if it looks like the plants were mowed down by a weed whip, replanting is in order,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Either wind or water can cause plants to lean,” Upham said “They should start to straighten after a few days.” He does not recommend trying to bend them back as the plants often break easily.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>K-State expert shares how to help gardens through severe weather&nbsp;</h2>By EMILY HALSTEAD K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — Storm season can be stressful for many reasons, but for Kansas gardeners, protecting their plants is a priority.&nbsp;With Kansas’ storm season in full swing, Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has tips on how to protect and recover gardens from severe weather damage.&nbsp;“We are entering storm season and various areas of the state will likely have high winds, excessive rainfall and hail,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upham’s recommendations include:&nbsp;Heavy Rain&nbsp;“The force of rainfall pounding on the soil can result in a thick crust that prevents seed emergence and partially blocks oxygen from reaching roots,” Upham said. Correcting this issue is as easy as lightly scraping the soil surface after is has dried. Upham cautions deep tiling as it could damage young, tender roots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Standing Water&nbsp;“Standing water cuts off oxygen to the roots, which can result in plant damage if it doesn’t drain quickly enough,” he said. Plants can sometimes handle 24 hours of standing water, but hot weather following the rainfall can cause the water to become hot enough to ‘cook’ the plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There isn’t much that can be done about this unless a channel can be cut to allow the water to drain,” Upham said.&nbsp;Hail Damage&nbsp;Hail damaged plants should recover quickly as long as only the leaves were damaged. If stems and fruit were damaged the situation may become more serious. “The plant can recover from a few bruises, but if it looks like the plants were mowed down by a weed whip, replanting is in order,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaning Plant&nbsp;“Either wind or water can cause plants to lean,” Upham said “They should start to straighten after a few days.” He does not recommend trying to bend them back as the plants often break easily.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;available to view online&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;local K-State Research and Extension office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tips on protecting gardens during storm season 

Ann R. Phillips, 73, passed away April 16, 2022, at Hospice House, 
Hutchinson, KS.&nbsp; She was born January 24, 1949, in Great Bend, KS, to 
Virgil and Peggy (Milloway) Wilhelm.

Ann was a 1967 graduate of Otis-Bison High School, Otis, KS and went 
on to graduate from Salt City Business College, Hutchinson, KS. Ann was 
employed by The Center for Counseling and Consultation, Great Bend, KS, 
retiring in 2018 with over 35 years of service. She was a member of 
Journey Mennonite Church, South Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Horticulture 
Club, and the Reno County Volunteer Center.

She enjoyed gardening, decorating and spending fun times with friends
 and family, including traveling and weekly card games with special 
friends. She was also skilled in grooming family and neighborhood dogs 
and had Starbucks at the top of her list for drinks that required a 
predefined and orchestrated method of drinking.&nbsp; She loved to attend 
grandchildrens’ activities, shopping and took joy in spending time 
outdoors whether on long walks or leisurely bike rides with Jim and 
their dog Parker.&nbsp; Ann cemented lifelong friendships with her co-workers
 who became like family during her career as a medical transcriptionist.
 After retirement, Ann wore many hats and volunteered at numerous 
places, including the Hutchinson Fox Theatre, Volunteer Center of Reno 
County Friends in Action program as well as the Etc. Shop where she had 
such fun times with her co- workers, the ‘Linen Sisters’. She was a 
lovable lady with a fun sense of humor who took pride in being ‘put 
together’ and having her home and workspace beautifully decorated in the
 holidays of each season. She always brightened any gathering with her 
happy smile and quick wit. Ann truly valued her ‘tight-knit’ 
neighborhood, church, and community that she lived and participated in 
and could be counted on to be a team player. If there was a need, she 
was there to support it. She thoroughly enjoyed her various activities, 
but her most treasured times were when she was with her family, 
especially her grandkids, with whom she got so much enjoyment from and 
showered them with love always. Of all the things that she accomplished 
in her life, her most cherished roles were wife, mother, grandma, 
daughter, sister, and friend.

On July 19, 1969, Ann married the love of her life, James Lee 
Phillips, in Larned, KS and that night watched Neil Armstrong walk on 
the moon. They shared over 52 beautiful years of marriage.

She is survived by: her husband, Jim Phillips of Hutchinson, KS; 
daughter, Dana Darrah and husband Chad of Hutchinson, KS, and daughter, 
Nicole Beatty and husband Chad of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Lauren 
and Carter Darrah, and twins, Greyson and Liam Beatty; numerous nieces 
and nephews; and her lovable Westie, Parker.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Peggy Wilhelm, and brother, Duane Wilhelm.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 
2022, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, KS with Pastor Judy Miller 
officiating. Burial will follow in the Partridge Cemetery, Partridge, 
KS.&nbsp; Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, with
 the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

To view the funeral service online, the link will be available at the
 end of Ann’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website on the day of the
 service beginning at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice &amp; HomeCare
 of Reno County or Journey Mennonite Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary
 and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650376352305.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ann R. Phillips, 73, passed away April 16, 2022, at Hospice House, 
Hutchinson, KS.&nbsp; She was born January 24, 1949, in Great Bend, KS, to 
Virgil and Peggy (Milloway) Wilhelm.Ann was a 1967 graduate of Otis-Bison High School, Otis, KS and went 
on to graduate from Salt City Business College, Hutchinson, KS. Ann was 
employed by The Center for Counseling and Consultation, Great Bend, KS, 
retiring in 2018 with over 35 years of service. She was a member of 
Journey Mennonite Church, South Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Horticulture 
Club, and the Reno County Volunteer Center.She enjoyed gardening, decorating and spending fun times with friends
 and family, including traveling and weekly card games with special 
friends. She was also skilled in grooming family and neighborhood dogs 
and had Starbucks at the top of her list for drinks that required a 
predefined and orchestrated method of drinking.&nbsp; She loved to attend 
grandchildrens’ activities, shopping and took joy in spending time 
outdoors whether on long walks or leisurely bike rides with Jim and 
their dog Parker.&nbsp; Ann cemented lifelong friendships with her co-workers
 who became like family during her career as a medical transcriptionist.
 After retirement, Ann wore many hats and volunteered at numerous 
places, including the Hutchinson Fox Theatre, Volunteer Center of Reno 
County Friends in Action program as well as the Etc. Shop where she had 
such fun times with her co- workers, the ‘Linen Sisters’. She was a 
lovable lady with a fun sense of humor who took pride in being ‘put 
together’ and having her home and workspace beautifully decorated in the
 holidays of each season. She always brightened any gathering with her 
happy smile and quick wit. Ann truly valued her ‘tight-knit’ 
neighborhood, church, and community that she lived and participated in 
and could be counted on to be a team player. If there was a need, she 
was there to support it. She thoroughly enjoyed her various activities, 
but her most treasured times were when she was with her family, 
especially her grandkids, with whom she got so much enjoyment from and 
showered them with love always. Of all the things that she accomplished 
in her life, her most cherished roles were wife, mother, grandma, 
daughter, sister, and friend.On July 19, 1969, Ann married the love of her life, James Lee 
Phillips, in Larned, KS and that night watched Neil Armstrong walk on 
the moon. They shared over 52 beautiful years of marriage.She is survived by: her husband, Jim Phillips of Hutchinson, KS; 
daughter, Dana Darrah and husband Chad of Hutchinson, KS, and daughter, 
Nicole Beatty and husband Chad of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Lauren 
and Carter Darrah, and twins, Greyson and Liam Beatty; numerous nieces 
and nephews; and her lovable Westie, Parker.Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Peggy Wilhelm, and brother, Duane Wilhelm.A Celebration of Life is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 
2022, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, KS with Pastor Judy Miller 
officiating. Burial will follow in the Partridge Cemetery, Partridge, 
KS.&nbsp; Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, with
 the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.To view the funeral service online, the link will be available at the
 end of Ann’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website on the day of the
 service beginning at 10:30 a.m.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice &amp; HomeCare
 of Reno County or Journey Mennonite Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary
 and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Ann R. Phillips

It is&nbsp;hard to believe that the first three months of 2022 are coming to a close.&nbsp;Today I want to focus on things that are happening in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Recently our Cottonwood Team met with more than twenty of our Program Development Committee members who help&nbsp;guide our work. At our dinner meeting we asked the question “What makes you STOP and consider attending an event/program?”&nbsp;Answers varied but the common theme was that programs should cover relevant topics that help improve a persons’ life in some way.&nbsp;The challenge in our&nbsp;ever-changing&nbsp;world is when to schedule educational events and whether the event will be held in person or available on-line.&nbsp;While we&nbsp;could not&nbsp;solve all the issues in our 2-hour meeting, we all came away with some great ideas of things to consider. In the months ahead look for our team of agents to try some&nbsp;innovative approaches.&nbsp;

Recent “Fermentation Workshops” held in both Great Bend and Hays attracted many participants who were new to Extension. It was fun to share the information from&nbsp;the fact sheet I wrote last year. Participants came away from the&nbsp;hands-on&nbsp;workshop with a quart of cabbage, which after three weeks, will become a tasty jar of sauerkraut. Learning about the health benefits of including a small amount of fermented food in the diet was a bonus.&nbsp;

Other Cottonwood team members have educational programs planned in their respective program areas.&nbsp;I hope you will take a minute to visit our Cottonwood website and follow the link to our monthly newsletter&nbsp;which&nbsp;contains flyers highlighting these opportunities.&nbsp;

Today&nbsp;I&nbsp;also&nbsp;want to bring you up to date on the three Extension Agent positions currently open in the Cottonwood Extension District. The position announcement/application process for the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Hays office will be&nbsp;posted on&nbsp;May 4th. Applications are due by June 1st&nbsp;and the date for interviews has been set for June 28th. The Family Community Wellness position in the Hays office will be announced later in the summer&nbsp;and the District Horticulture&nbsp;position will follow soon after.&nbsp;If you know of anyone who has the qualifications&nbsp;for these agent positions,&nbsp;plus a heart to serve the public, encourage them to apply.&nbsp;We also have a summer intern position in the Hays office&nbsp;open.&nbsp;We are&nbsp;looking for someone who has completed at least two years of college and would like to learn more about a career in Extension. The&nbsp;position description and&nbsp;application process is on our Cottonwood website.&nbsp;

Let me know how&nbsp;our team members&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District, can best serve your needs!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>It is&nbsp;hard to believe that the first three months of 2022 are coming to a close.&nbsp;Today I want to focus on things that are happening in the Cottonwood District.&nbsp;Recently our Cottonwood Team met with more than twenty of our Program Development Committee members who help&nbsp;guide our work. At our dinner meeting we asked the question “What makes you STOP and consider attending an event/program?”&nbsp;Answers varied but the common theme was that programs should cover relevant topics that help improve a persons’ life in some way.&nbsp;The challenge in our&nbsp;ever-changing&nbsp;world is when to schedule educational events and whether the event will be held in person or available on-line.&nbsp;While we&nbsp;could not&nbsp;solve all the issues in our 2-hour meeting, we all came away with some great ideas of things to consider. In the months ahead look for our team of agents to try some&nbsp;innovative approaches.&nbsp;Recent “Fermentation Workshops” held in both Great Bend and Hays attracted many participants who were new to Extension. It was fun to share the information from&nbsp;the fact sheet I wrote last year. Participants came away from the&nbsp;hands-on&nbsp;workshop with a quart of cabbage, which after three weeks, will become a tasty jar of sauerkraut. Learning about the health benefits of including a small amount of fermented food in the diet was a bonus.&nbsp;Other Cottonwood team members have educational programs planned in their respective program areas.&nbsp;I hope you will take a minute to visit our Cottonwood website and follow the link to our monthly newsletter&nbsp;which&nbsp;contains flyers highlighting these opportunities.&nbsp;Today&nbsp;I&nbsp;also&nbsp;want to bring you up to date on the three Extension Agent positions currently open in the Cottonwood Extension District. The position announcement/application process for the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Hays office will be&nbsp;posted on&nbsp;May 4th. Applications are due by June 1st&nbsp;and the date for interviews has been set for June 28th. The Family Community Wellness position in the Hays office will be announced later in the summer&nbsp;and the District Horticulture&nbsp;position will follow soon after.&nbsp;If you know of anyone who has the qualifications&nbsp;for these agent positions,&nbsp;plus a heart to serve the public, encourage them to apply.&nbsp;We also have a summer intern position in the Hays office&nbsp;open.&nbsp;We are&nbsp;looking for someone who has completed at least two years of college and would like to learn more about a career in Extension. The&nbsp;position description and&nbsp;application process is on our Cottonwood website.&nbsp;Let me know how&nbsp;our team members&nbsp;in the Cottonwood Extension District, can best serve your needs!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Cottonwood Extension District update​

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Kansas Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam said Friday in Hays he sees further expansion of direct-to-consumer marketing of ag products in Kansas post-pandemic.

"I think there will be a lot of growth opportunity, especially for those who can specialize and know how to market," Beam said.

Beam was in Hays on Friday at a Hays Chamber luncheon to discuss the Kansas Department of Agriculture and trends in agriculture in the state.

Beef cattle is No. 1 for ag value output in the state with animal slaughter and meat processing also being in the top 5.

After COVID shut down and slowed production at the large meet-processing plants in the state, more meat processing businesses both small and large are either looking to expand existing businesses in Kansas or build new plants, Beam said.

In addition, the ag department is seeing more interest in expansion of the dairy industry in Kansas, especially in eastern Kansas. He said smaller diaries are looking at having processing onsite. This would employee people locally and allow smaller operations to market directly to consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648511558668.jpeg" alt="Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam speaks to the Hays Chamber luncheon on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam speaks to the Hays Chamber luncheon on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostKansas Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam said Friday in Hays he sees further expansion of direct-to-consumer marketing of ag products in Kansas post-pandemic."I think there will be a lot of growth opportunity, especially for those who can specialize and know how to market," Beam said.Beam was in Hays on Friday at a Hays Chamber luncheon to discuss the Kansas Department of Agriculture and trends in agriculture in the state.Beef cattle is No. 1 for ag value output in the state with animal slaughter and meat processing also being in the top 5.After COVID shut down and slowed production at the large meet-processing plants in the state, more meat processing businesses both small and large are either looking to expand existing businesses in Kansas or build new plants, Beam said.In addition, the ag department is seeing more interest in expansion of the dairy industry in Kansas, especially in eastern Kansas. He said smaller diaries are looking at having processing onsite. This would employee people locally and allow smaller operations to market directly to consumers.Farming contributes about $44 million to the Ellis County economy. Beef cattle ranching, including feedlots is the largest ag economic driver in Ellis County with annual revenue of more than $44.7 million.Ellis County sits just west of the Smoky Hills, which is one of three of the largest intact grasslands in the state. The other two are Flint Hills in eastern Kansas and the Red Hills in south central Kansas.Outside of beef cattle production, Ellis County produces more than $31 million in grain annually, about $8.6 million in snack foods, $6.5 million in other wholesale products and about $5.6 million in horticultural and landscape services.The Department of Agriculture lists 434 workers directly employeed in agriculture in Ellis County.Beam also discussed the importance of expansion of high-speed broadband in rural areas of the state. He quoted former Kansas Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue who said broadband in rural America will be as transformative in the 21st century as rural electrification was in the 20th century."It's the connection to the world," he said. "We found out in the pandemic how important it is to health care, education. It's a big part of the agriculture sector because we need some of that high-speed internet to use some of the latest technologies that we're just scratching the surface on."It's going to help us be more profitable. It's going to help us be more sustainable and competitive."