If selecting a cut Christmas tree, watch for these signs that the tree is too far gone.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

• Needles are a dull, grayish-green color • Needles fail to ooze pitch when broken apart and squeezed • Needles feel stiff and brittle • Needles pull easily off tree

Once you have your tree home, recut the trunk about one inch above the original cut. This will open up clogged, water-conducting tissues. Immediately place the trunk in warm water. Locate the tree in as cool a spot as possible. Avoid areas near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and heat ducts as the heat will result in excess water loss. Make sure the reservoir stays filled. If the reservoir loses enough water that the bottom of the trunk is exposed, the trunk will need to be recut.

Adding aspirins, copper pennies, soda pop, sugar and bleach to the water reservoir have not been shown to prolong the life of a tree.​If you choose a living Christmas tree, be sure to dig the planting hole before the ground freezes. &nbsp;Mulch the hole and backfill soil to keep them from freezing. Live trees should not be kept inside for more than three days. Longer periods may cause them to lose dormancy resulting in severe injury when planted outside. 

You may wish to tag the tree at the nursery and then pick it up a couple days before Christmas. After Christmas, move the tree to an unheated garage for several days to acclimatize it to outside temperatures. After planting, water well and leave some mulch in place to prevent the soil water from freezing and becoming unavailable for plant uptake. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>If selecting a cut Christmas tree, watch for these signs that the tree is too far gone.&nbsp; &nbsp; • Needles are a dull, grayish-green color • Needles fail to ooze pitch when broken apart and squeezed • Needles feel stiff and brittle • Needles pull easily off treeOnce you have your tree home, recut the trunk about one inch above the original cut. This will open up clogged, water-conducting tissues. Immediately place the trunk in warm water. Locate the tree in as cool a spot as possible. Avoid areas near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and heat ducts as the heat will result in excess water loss. Make sure the reservoir stays filled. If the reservoir loses enough water that the bottom of the trunk is exposed, the trunk will need to be recut. Adding aspirins, copper pennies, soda pop, sugar and bleach to the water reservoir have not been shown to prolong the life of a tree.​If you choose a living Christmas tree, be sure to dig the planting hole before the ground freezes. &nbsp;Mulch the hole and backfill soil to keep them from freezing. Live trees should not be kept inside for more than three days. Longer periods may cause them to lose dormancy resulting in severe injury when planted outside. You may wish to tag the tree at the nursery and then pick it up a couple days before Christmas. After Christmas, move the tree to an unheated garage for several days to acclimatize it to outside temperatures. After planting, water well and leave some mulch in place to prevent the soil water from freezing and becoming unavailable for plant uptake. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: When a Christmas tree is too far gone

It doesn’t seem possible that it has been three years since our Cottonwood Extension District formed, joining the K-State Research &amp; Extension operations for Barton and Ellis Counties. As our team of seven agents and two support staff work hard to bring research based, non-biased information to lifelong learners in our area, I am excited report some of the successes of 2020.

I hope you have had an opportunity to utilize our services in the past year. 2020 provided many challenges for families, but some neat learning opportunities were created by those challenges. As virtual meetings and educational programs became the norm, participants, young and old, adapted to the world of technology.&nbsp;

Perhaps your family is involved in 4-H or an after-school program. If so, we have two experienced agents, Michelle Beran and Susan Schlichting, leading the youth development program in the Cottonwood District. If you visit the Kansas 4-H web site you will find links to the Clover classroom with project challenges in photography, pollinators and communication, with more to come in 2021. &nbsp;

Our District Agriculture and Natural Resource agents. Alicia Boor and Stacy Campbell, have specialized to focus on livestock programming and crops respectively. Both Alicia and Stacy have produced teaching videos related to hot topics that are posted on our Cottonwood District Face book page.

Master gardeners in Ellis and Barton Counties receive guidance from our District Horticulture Agent, Lauren Fick. Lauren has worked hard to provide a fresh new look on our web sites’ horticulture page. She also prides herself in answering yard, garden and tree questions in a timely manner.&nbsp;

And finally, Berny Unruh and I are committed to bringing Extension educational programming related to nutrition, health and wellness, food safety, family resource management, aging issues, and family life in general. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshop that focuses on strength, balance and flexibility, reached 70 individuals district wide in 2020. More workshops are scheduled for 2021.

I would be remiss not to mention our two experienced office professionals. Brenda Walton, in the Great Bend office, takes the lead with the finances for the district while Theresa Meis, in the Hays office, focuses on communicating our efforts through newsletters and our web site. Both Brenda and Theresa handle a multitude of other duties that keep our offices running smoothly.&nbsp;

It is great news that K-State Research and Extension has answers to many of life’s questions, typically at no or low cost. Unlike what you might find through a Google search, the answers we provide are research based and non-biased. I hope you will take a look at our Cottonwood web site and like our Cottonwood Facebook page. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming programs.&nbsp;

While our Cottonwood Executive Board remains the same for next year, it is not too early to consider stepping up and running for a position during 2021. There will be two positions on the ballot in both Barton and Ellis Counties next year. If you have questions about what serving on our board would entail, feel free to give me a call.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593016082485.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>It doesn’t seem possible that it has been three years since our Cottonwood Extension District formed, joining the K-State Research &amp; Extension operations for Barton and Ellis Counties. As our team of seven agents and two support staff work hard to bring research based, non-biased information to lifelong learners in our area, I am excited report some of the successes of 2020.I hope you have had an opportunity to utilize our services in the past year. 2020 provided many challenges for families, but some neat learning opportunities were created by those challenges. As virtual meetings and educational programs became the norm, participants, young and old, adapted to the world of technology.&nbsp;Perhaps your family is involved in 4-H or an after-school program. If so, we have two experienced agents, Michelle Beran and Susan Schlichting, leading the youth development program in the Cottonwood District. If you visit the Kansas 4-H web site you will find links to the Clover classroom with project challenges in photography, pollinators and communication, with more to come in 2021. &nbsp;Our District Agriculture and Natural Resource agents. Alicia Boor and Stacy Campbell, have specialized to focus on livestock programming and crops respectively. Both Alicia and Stacy have produced teaching videos related to hot topics that are posted on our Cottonwood District Face book page.Master gardeners in Ellis and Barton Counties receive guidance from our District Horticulture Agent, Lauren Fick. Lauren has worked hard to provide a fresh new look on our web sites’ horticulture page. She also prides herself in answering yard, garden and tree questions in a timely manner.&nbsp;And finally, Berny Unruh and I are committed to bringing Extension educational programming related to nutrition, health and wellness, food safety, family resource management, aging issues, and family life in general. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshop that focuses on strength, balance and flexibility, reached 70 individuals district wide in 2020. More workshops are scheduled for 2021.I would be remiss not to mention our two experienced office professionals. Brenda Walton, in the Great Bend office, takes the lead with the finances for the district while Theresa Meis, in the Hays office, focuses on communicating our efforts through newsletters and our web site. Both Brenda and Theresa handle a multitude of other duties that keep our offices running smoothly.&nbsp;It is great news that K-State Research and Extension has answers to many of life’s questions, typically at no or low cost. Unlike what you might find through a Google search, the answers we provide are research based and non-biased. I hope you will take a look at our Cottonwood web site and like our Cottonwood Facebook page. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming programs.&nbsp;While our Cottonwood Executive Board remains the same for next year, it is not too early to consider stepping up and running for a position during 2021. There will be two positions on the ballot in both Barton and Ellis Counties next year. If you have questions about what serving on our board would entail, feel free to give me a call.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Cottonwood Extension District making an impact

The best time to seed cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass is September because the turf has more time to mature before spring crabgrass germination and the heat stress of summer. Dormant seeding of turfgrass is sometimes used to help fill in bare spots of lawns that weren't overseeded in the fall. Dormant overseeding is done during the winter (December – February) when it is much too cold for germination.

As with any seeding program, good seed-soil contact is vital. Several methods can be used. One method is to seed when there has been a light snowfall of up to an inch. This is shallow enough that bare spots can still be seen. Spread seed by hand on areas that need thickening up. As the snow melts, it brings the seed into good contact with the soil where it will germinate in the spring. Another method is dependent on the surface of the soil being moist followed by freezing weather. As moist soil freezes and thaws, small pockets are formed on the wet, bare soil that is perfect for catching and holding seed. As the soil dries, the pockets collapse and cover the seed. A third method involves core aerating, verticutting, or hand raking and broadcasting seed immediately after. Of course, the soil must be dry enough and unfrozen for this to be practical. With any of the above methods, the seed germinates in the spring as early as possible. There will be limitations on what herbicides can be used for weed control. Tupersan (siduron) can be used as a crabgrass preventer on new seedings even before they have come up. Also, dithiopyr, found in Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper and Bonide Crabgrass &amp; Weed Preventer, can be used on tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass two weeks after germination. Dithiopyr is longer lasting and more effective than siduron. Other preemergence herbicides available to homeowners require that the turf be well established before application. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The best time to seed cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass is September because the turf has more time to mature before spring crabgrass germination and the heat stress of summer. Dormant seeding of turfgrass is sometimes used to help fill in bare spots of lawns that weren't overseeded in the fall. Dormant overseeding is done during the winter (December – February) when it is much too cold for germination.As with any seeding program, good seed-soil contact is vital. Several methods can be used. One method is to seed when there has been a light snowfall of up to an inch. This is shallow enough that bare spots can still be seen. Spread seed by hand on areas that need thickening up. As the snow melts, it brings the seed into good contact with the soil where it will germinate in the spring. Another method is dependent on the surface of the soil being moist followed by freezing weather. As moist soil freezes and thaws, small pockets are formed on the wet, bare soil that is perfect for catching and holding seed. As the soil dries, the pockets collapse and cover the seed. A third method involves core aerating, verticutting, or hand raking and broadcasting seed immediately after. Of course, the soil must be dry enough and unfrozen for this to be practical. With any of the above methods, the seed germinates in the spring as early as possible. There will be limitations on what herbicides can be used for weed control. Tupersan (siduron) can be used as a crabgrass preventer on new seedings even before they have come up. Also, dithiopyr, found in Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper and Bonide Crabgrass &amp; Weed Preventer, can be used on tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass two weeks after germination. Dithiopyr is longer lasting and more effective than siduron. Other preemergence herbicides available to homeowners require that the turf be well established before application. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Dormant seeding of turfgrass    

Marie Margaret Billinger, age 93, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away November 21, 2020, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care. Marie was born July 31, 1927, in Brownell, KS to August and Mary (Halblieb) Moos. &nbsp;

Marie was a graduate of Trego High School. On June 4, 1946, Marie Moos and Alvin Billinger were joined in marriage. She was a loving mother and doting grandma, a farmer, and lover of horticulture.

She was always available to spend time with her grandkids.&nbsp; She was a passionate gardener and florist who took much pride in her garden and flowers.&nbsp; Marie was eager to share her knowledge and would gladly answer questions about plants and flowers to anyone who would ask. Later in life, it brought Marie great joy sharing an ice cream with family and doing puzzles with her children and grandchildren. &nbsp;

Marie is survived by daughters Judy (Eddie) Bollig of WaKeeney and Janie Dixon of Decatur, TX; son Larry Billinger of Tulsa, OK; 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents; husband Alvin; children Tim Billinger and Cathy Millard; 3 grandsons, Darin Bollig, John Eck and Heath Billinger; and 7 siblings.

Per the family's wishes, a private viewing and mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Christ the King Cemetery. &nbsp;

Memorials may be made to Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care or Masses. Donations to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St. WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606153063479.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marie Margaret Billinger, age 93, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away November 21, 2020, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care. Marie was born July 31, 1927, in Brownell, KS to August and Mary (Halblieb) Moos. &nbsp;Marie was a graduate of Trego High School. On June 4, 1946, Marie Moos and Alvin Billinger were joined in marriage. She was a loving mother and doting grandma, a farmer, and lover of horticulture.She was always available to spend time with her grandkids.&nbsp; She was a passionate gardener and florist who took much pride in her garden and flowers.&nbsp; Marie was eager to share her knowledge and would gladly answer questions about plants and flowers to anyone who would ask. Later in life, it brought Marie great joy sharing an ice cream with family and doing puzzles with her children and grandchildren. &nbsp;Marie is survived by daughters Judy (Eddie) Bollig of WaKeeney and Janie Dixon of Decatur, TX; son Larry Billinger of Tulsa, OK; 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.Marie is preceded in death by her parents; husband Alvin; children Tim Billinger and Cathy Millard; 3 grandsons, Darin Bollig, John Eck and Heath Billinger; and 7 siblings.Per the family's wishes, a private viewing and mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Christ the King Cemetery. &nbsp;Memorials may be made to Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care or Masses. Donations to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St. WaKeeney, KS 67672.Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com

Marie Margaret Billinger

This is the second year in a row where portions of Kansas suffered a quick drop in temperature after a warm fall. &nbsp;Unfortunately, some trees were not hardened off before this happened. Some trees will very likely be affected by this sharp drop in temperature. &nbsp;The first sign that a tree has been affected is marcescence in which trees that normally drop their leaves in the fall, don’t. &nbsp;Leaves don’t drop because they didn’t have enough time to develop an abscission layer at the base of each leaf that allowed it to fall. Though marcescence itself does not harm the tree, it is a clue that further damage may have occurred. &nbsp;Notice I said “may.” &nbsp;Trees that exhibit marcescence may be perfectly fine. Also, portions of the state that did not suffer this extreme drop in temperature should be good. &nbsp; It is possible that trees that show evidence of marcescence, may also have suffered damage to the living tissue under the bark. The sharp drop in temperature may damage at least a portion of the phloem and the cambium. Remember the phloem carries food made in the leaves to all parts of the plants including the roots. The cambium produces new phloem. &nbsp;If the phloem and cambium are killed, the cambium cannot produce new, living phloem, and, therefore, the roots don’t receive the food needed to survive and eventually starve to death. Trees so affected will not die immediately. &nbsp;First, a healthy root system has stored energy reserves that it can use to keep the tree alive. When those reserves are depleted, the tree will die very quickly. &nbsp;Usually, this occurs during the summer following the year the damage occurred. However, there is more to the story. &nbsp;Doesn’t a tree also need water? Since the living portion of the trunk was killed, wouldn’t this stop water flow? It would not. &nbsp;Xylem is the structure in the tree that carries water from the soil throughout the plant. &nbsp;

The reason the tree can still distribute water to the top portion of the tree is due to how a tree grows and, specifically, how xylem works. &nbsp;Even in perfectly healthy trees, most of the xylem is dead. Portions of this dead xylem form hollow tubes that carry most of the water and nutrients throughout the plant. Though there are living xylem cells, the contents of those cells make them inefficient in moving water. Therefore, the functional portion of the xylem wasn’t hurt by the freeze because it was already dead. Since this xylem system still works and provides water for the tree, the tree can live for quite a period until the roots starve. Remember, as stated before, trees with marcescence may be fine. &nbsp;Even if there was also damage to tree tissues, it all depends on how much of the living tissue under the bark was killed. If only a small portion is killed, then the tree may recover. If the entire circumference is killed, the tree is done for and there isn’t anything you can do to save it. Any portion of the trunk where the bark comes off and the underlying layer is brown is dead.​So, is there anything we can do now to help the trees? &nbsp;Since we don’t know the extent of the damage, if any, we need to ensure there is no further stress. &nbsp;Primarily, that means to water the tree as needed. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until freezing temperatures are here to stay. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>This is the second year in a row where portions of Kansas suffered a quick drop in temperature after a warm fall. &nbsp;Unfortunately, some trees were not hardened off before this happened. Some trees will very likely be affected by this sharp drop in temperature. &nbsp;The first sign that a tree has been affected is marcescence in which trees that normally drop their leaves in the fall, don’t. &nbsp;Leaves don’t drop because they didn’t have enough time to develop an abscission layer at the base of each leaf that allowed it to fall. Though marcescence itself does not harm the tree, it is a clue that further damage may have occurred. &nbsp;Notice I said “may.” &nbsp;Trees that exhibit marcescence may be perfectly fine. Also, portions of the state that did not suffer this extreme drop in temperature should be good. &nbsp; It is possible that trees that show evidence of marcescence, may also have suffered damage to the living tissue under the bark. The sharp drop in temperature may damage at least a portion of the phloem and the cambium. Remember the phloem carries food made in the leaves to all parts of the plants including the roots. The cambium produces new phloem. &nbsp;If the phloem and cambium are killed, the cambium cannot produce new, living phloem, and, therefore, the roots don’t receive the food needed to survive and eventually starve to death. Trees so affected will not die immediately. &nbsp;First, a healthy root system has stored energy reserves that it can use to keep the tree alive. When those reserves are depleted, the tree will die very quickly. &nbsp;Usually, this occurs during the summer following the year the damage occurred. However, there is more to the story. &nbsp;Doesn’t a tree also need water? Since the living portion of the trunk was killed, wouldn’t this stop water flow? It would not. &nbsp;Xylem is the structure in the tree that carries water from the soil throughout the plant. &nbsp;The reason the tree can still distribute water to the top portion of the tree is due to how a tree grows and, specifically, how xylem works. &nbsp;Even in perfectly healthy trees, most of the xylem is dead. Portions of this dead xylem form hollow tubes that carry most of the water and nutrients throughout the plant. Though there are living xylem cells, the contents of those cells make them inefficient in moving water. Therefore, the functional portion of the xylem wasn’t hurt by the freeze because it was already dead. Since this xylem system still works and provides water for the tree, the tree can live for quite a period until the roots starve. Remember, as stated before, trees with marcescence may be fine. &nbsp;Even if there was also damage to tree tissues, it all depends on how much of the living tissue under the bark was killed. If only a small portion is killed, then the tree may recover. If the entire circumference is killed, the tree is done for and there isn’t anything you can do to save it. Any portion of the trunk where the bark comes off and the underlying layer is brown is dead.​So, is there anything we can do now to help the trees? &nbsp;Since we don’t know the extent of the damage, if any, we need to ensure there is no further stress. &nbsp;Primarily, that means to water the tree as needed. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until freezing temperatures are here to stay. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.

FICK: Sharp temperature drop a cause for concern for trees

Celebrate the holidays with a beautiful, live wreath. Join Cottonwood Extension's Lauren Fick for an evening of floral design and wreath building. 

In this workshop, participants will join via zoom and have a full hour of creative time, while Lauren guides you through the basic floral design principles. 

Participants will learn how to create a modern door wreath with fresh, winter greenery. Each paying participant will receive a box of materials that include a 16" wreath frame, over 7' of live greenery, a wreath hanger, pinecones, floral wire, and more. Lauren will teach about the different types of greenery and techniques for using them in a wreath or floral design.&nbsp;The best part about this workshop is that you get to participate from the comfort of your own home.

The workshop will take place on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7:30pm. For participants who would like materials the cost is $35 per participant and there is a limited amount of materials available (first 25 people). Registration closes on Nov. 16 at 5:00PM. For participants who want materials they must register and pay by Nov. 16 to secure their spot. Participants who are interested in the free Zoom link are asked to call the office by Nov. 16 to register. Further details will be sent out via email after registration is complete.&nbsp; Call 785-628-9430 to register.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood ExtensionCelebrate the holidays with a beautiful, live wreath. Join Cottonwood Extension's Lauren Fick for an evening of floral design and wreath building. In this workshop, participants will join via zoom and have a full hour of creative time, while Lauren guides you through the basic floral design principles. Participants will learn how to create a modern door wreath with fresh, winter greenery. Each paying participant will receive a box of materials that include a 16" wreath frame, over 7' of live greenery, a wreath hanger, pinecones, floral wire, and more. Lauren will teach about the different types of greenery and techniques for using them in a wreath or floral design.&nbsp;The best part about this workshop is that you get to participate from the comfort of your own home. The workshop will take place on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7:30pm. For participants who would like materials the cost is $35 per participant and there is a limited amount of materials available (first 25 people). Registration closes on Nov. 16 at 5:00PM. For participants who want materials they must register and pay by Nov. 16 to secure their spot. Participants who are interested in the free Zoom link are asked to call the office by Nov. 16 to register. Further details will be sent out via email after registration is complete.&nbsp; Call 785-628-9430 to register.

FICK: Holiday wreath workshop

I always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. &nbsp;Although the New England states is the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. I found an article this week for you for the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown.&nbsp;

Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce fall colors. Reds and purples are caused by anthocyanins, yellows by xanthophylls, and oranges by a combination of carotenes and xanthophylls. Browns are the result of tannins present in the leaf. Most of these substances are present throughout the growing season but are masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins are the exception and are produced after the chlorophyll is destroyed in the fall.&nbsp;

If you have ever seen pictures of New England in the fall, you have probably wondered why trees in Kansas usually do not color as well. This difference is partly because of the tree species prevalent in New England. Certain oaks and maples naturally produce good color. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;

Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation in the leaves. As fall progresses, each leaf develops an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, or leaf stem, that prevents these sugars from being transported down the trunk to the roots for storage. This high sugar content in the leaves produces more intense colors. Cloudy days and warm nights prevent some of the sugar accumulation in the leaves and results in less vibrant colors.&nbsp;

Weather during other parts of the growing season also can have an effect. Heavy rains in the early spring or hot, dry weather during the summer can both have a deleterious effect on fall color.&nbsp;

The length of time a tree maintains fall color also depends on weather. Reds, yellows and oranges are short-lived when trees undergo frosts and freezes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. &nbsp;Although the New England states is the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. I found an article this week for you for the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown.&nbsp;Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce fall colors. Reds and purples are caused by anthocyanins, yellows by xanthophylls, and oranges by a combination of carotenes and xanthophylls. Browns are the result of tannins present in the leaf. Most of these substances are present throughout the growing season but are masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins are the exception and are produced after the chlorophyll is destroyed in the fall.&nbsp;If you have ever seen pictures of New England in the fall, you have probably wondered why trees in Kansas usually do not color as well. This difference is partly because of the tree species prevalent in New England. Certain oaks and maples naturally produce good color. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation in the leaves. As fall progresses, each leaf develops an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, or leaf stem, that prevents these sugars from being transported down the trunk to the roots for storage. This high sugar content in the leaves produces more intense colors. Cloudy days and warm nights prevent some of the sugar accumulation in the leaves and results in less vibrant colors.&nbsp;Weather during other parts of the growing season also can have an effect. Heavy rains in the early spring or hot, dry weather during the summer can both have a deleterious effect on fall color.&nbsp;The length of time a tree maintains fall color also depends on weather. Reds, yellows and oranges are short-lived when trees undergo frosts and freezes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

BOOR: A closer look at the colors of fall

Houseplants need varying amounts of water and fertilizer at different times of the year. They need the most during summer when light levels are high and days are long. They need the least during the short days of winter. 

The primary reason for this is light. &nbsp;Light produces the fuel for plant growth. More light allows more growth, which results in a greater demand for water and nutrients. When light is limiting, the need for water and nutrients decreases dramatically. Therefore, it becomes easy to overwater and overfertilize during the winter months. Excess water and fertilizer can harm a plant by damaging the root system. 

Overwatering can suffocate roots by eliminating oxygen and excess fertilizer can burn roots. &nbsp;Therefore, it is best not to fertilize at all during the middle of winter (December-January) and to fertilize sparingly during November and February (maybe 1/4 a normal rate).​It is never wise to water on a set schedule. 

Rather, allow the potting soil to tell you when watering is needed. Check to see if the soil is moist 1-inch deep by inserting your finger into the potting mix. Don't water unless the mix is dry.&nbsp; Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Houseplants need varying amounts of water and fertilizer at different times of the year. They need the most during summer when light levels are high and days are long. They need the least during the short days of winter. The primary reason for this is light. &nbsp;Light produces the fuel for plant growth. More light allows more growth, which results in a greater demand for water and nutrients. When light is limiting, the need for water and nutrients decreases dramatically. Therefore, it becomes easy to overwater and overfertilize during the winter months. Excess water and fertilizer can harm a plant by damaging the root system. Overwatering can suffocate roots by eliminating oxygen and excess fertilizer can burn roots. &nbsp;Therefore, it is best not to fertilize at all during the middle of winter (December-January) and to fertilize sparingly during November and February (maybe 1/4 a normal rate).​It is never wise to water on a set schedule. Rather, allow the potting soil to tell you when watering is needed. Check to see if the soil is moist 1-inch deep by inserting your finger into the potting mix. Don't water unless the mix is dry.&nbsp; Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Caring for houseplants during the winter months

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has funds available for reimbursement to Kansas specialty crop growers who attend an educational conference with a primary focus on specialty crops. Qualifying conferences may include sessions about production practices, specialized equipment and technology, pest and disease management, specialty crop marketing practices, or business principles for specialty crop producers.

Applicants who apply for the reimbursement will be required to attend the conference between December 2020 and June 2021 and to complete surveys before, immediately after and six months post-conference prior to payment being issued. 

Conferences not eligible will include those within the state of Kansas and the Great Plains Growers Conference. 

KDA will reimburse Kansas specialty crop growers up to $850 each in order to offset the cost of their conference registration, mileage/flights, hotel, meals, etc.&nbsp; The award is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for application is December 18, 2020.&nbsp;

Examples of conferences that may be eligible for applicants to attend include, but are not limited to:

This program is made possible by a U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG). The SCBG makes funds available to state departments of agriculture solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. 

According to USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.”

This grant fits KDA’s mission to provide an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy.

For application details, go to the KDA website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fagriculture.ks.gov%2Fkda-services%2Fgrants-and-cost-share-programs%2Fspecialty-crop-grower-conference-grant&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C43968e0a70aa4cd920d108d87437984d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637387129904771827%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=cSYGCV%2B32pXHXEskIbEsBYeYi%2BUwm56jhuBTTPWGD4c%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/grants</a>. Questions should be directed to Sammy Gleason,&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;program coordinator, at 785-564-6755 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Sammy.Gleason@ks.gov" target="_blank">Sammy.Gleason@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603232188673.jpeg" alt="(Photo courtesy Kansas Specialty Crop Growers Association)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy Kansas Specialty Crop Growers Association)</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has funds available for reimbursement to Kansas specialty crop growers who attend an educational conference with a primary focus on specialty crops. Qualifying conferences may include sessions about production practices, specialized equipment and technology, pest and disease management, specialty crop marketing practices, or business principles for specialty crop producers.Applicants who apply for the reimbursement will be required to attend the conference between December 2020 and June 2021 and to complete surveys before, immediately after and six months post-conference prior to payment being issued. Conferences not eligible will include those within the state of Kansas and the Great Plains Growers Conference. KDA will reimburse Kansas specialty crop growers up to $850 each in order to offset the cost of their conference registration, mileage/flights, hotel, meals, etc.&nbsp; The award is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for application is December 18, 2020.&nbsp;Examples of conferences that may be eligible for applicants to attend include, but are not limited to:<ul>
 <li>Great Lakes Expo Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market, December 8-10, 2020, Virtual</li><li>Southeast Regional Fruit &amp; Vegetable Conference, January 5-7, 2021, Virtual</li><li>North American Strawberry Growers Association Conference, January 18-20, 2021, Virtual</li><li>Unified Wine &amp; Grape Symposium, January 26-29, 2021, Sacramento, California</li><li>American Society for Enology and Viticulture National Conference, June 21-24, 2021, Monterey, California</li>
 </ul>This program is made possible by a U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG). The SCBG makes funds available to state departments of agriculture solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. According to USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.”This grant fits KDA’s mission to provide an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy.For application details, go to the KDA website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fagriculture.ks.gov%2Fkda-services%2Fgrants-and-cost-share-programs%2Fspecialty-crop-grower-conference-grant&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C43968e0a70aa4cd920d108d87437984d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637387129904771827%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=cSYGCV%2B32pXHXEskIbEsBYeYi%2BUwm56jhuBTTPWGD4c%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/grants</a>. Questions should be directed to Sammy Gleason,&nbsp;From the Land of Kansas&nbsp;program coordinator, at 785-564-6755 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Sammy.Gleason@ks.gov" target="_blank">Sammy.Gleason@ks.gov</a>.

KDA offers reimbursement to specialty crop growers

Late October to early November is the most effective time to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. Dandelions usually produce a flush of new plants in late September, and the winter annual weeds henbit and chickweed should have germinated in October.

These young plants are small and easily controlled with herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products (Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, Weed-Out) that contain 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba. Even established dandelions are more easily controlled now than in the spring because they are actively moving materials from the top portion of the plant to the roots in the fall. &nbsp;Herbicides will translocate to the roots as well and will kill the plant from the roots up.​

Choose a day that is 50 degrees or higher. The better the weed is growing, the more weed killer will be moved from the leaves to the roots. Cold temperatures will slow this process, but these products will still work at lower temperatures.

Weed Free Zone (also sold under the name of Speed Zone) contains the three active ingredients mentioned above, plus carfentrazone. It will give a quicker response than the other products mentioned especially as temperatures move below 50 degrees. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure> Late October to early November is the most effective time to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. Dandelions usually produce a flush of new plants in late September, and the winter annual weeds henbit and chickweed should have germinated in October. These young plants are small and easily controlled with herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products (Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, Weed-Out) that contain 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba. Even established dandelions are more easily controlled now than in the spring because they are actively moving materials from the top portion of the plant to the roots in the fall. &nbsp;Herbicides will translocate to the roots as well and will kill the plant from the roots up.​ Choose a day that is 50 degrees or higher. The better the weed is growing, the more weed killer will be moved from the leaves to the roots. Cold temperatures will slow this process, but these products will still work at lower temperatures.Weed Free Zone (also sold under the name of Speed Zone) contains the three active ingredients mentioned above, plus carfentrazone. It will give a quicker response than the other products mentioned especially as temperatures move below 50 degrees. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Controlling broadleaf weeds in lawns

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

A blue ribbon. For millions of 4-H youth through the years, blue ribbons have been awarded in recognition of a high-quality project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For Joni Albers, the founder of the Hungry Gardens in California, her first blue ribbon helped launch a lifelong interest in horticulture. She is now using those skills to produce healthy food for urban neighbors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Originally from Hoxie, Joni’s roots go deep in rural Kansas. Her grandparents were dairy farmers, and her family always had a large garden. “My mother got me started in gardening,” Joni said. “I had my first garden at 6 years old.”&nbsp;

She was also a member of the Solomon Valley 4-H Club. In her first year, she took her homegrown green beans to the Sheridan County Fair and won a blue ribbon. “That started it all,” she said. Joni was active in 4-H, taking on projects such as sewing, art, bucket calf, and woodworking, but horticulture was her favorite.&nbsp;

Joni went to college in Denver and worked as a designer before taking a technology position in New York City. When her company allowed her to transfer to California, Joni settled in Sun Valley.&nbsp;

Unlike in New York City, she now had some land. “I wanted to garden as I had in my youth,” Joni said. She started a small garden, but the garden space quickly grew. Soon she had about 4,000 square feet, and her neighbors were interested in her produce.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Locally grown products were hard to come by in the region. “There was one produce stand in the area, but it was only open one day a week, and they didn’t have locally grown produce,” Joni said.&nbsp;

She decided to launch her own business as an urban produce farm. She named it the Hungry Gardens. She uses innovative technology to communicate with customers and focuses on heirloom produce.&nbsp;

These are not plain, everyday tomatoes, for example. “Healthy food and culinary experiences underpin everything we grow at the Hungry Gardens,” her website says.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I try to find the rarest heirloom vegetables,” Joni said. “We specialize in growing unique vegetables that are not available commercially but have historical and indigenous value.”&nbsp;

For example, Joni offers many products which I hadn’t heard of, such as cinnamon basil, blacktail watermelons, red noodle beans, tigger melons, violet sparkle peppers, thai lime, pineapple sage, cucamelons, and many more. She works with various partners, including several chefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I want to provide an experience for people, and give them new things to try,” Joni said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her market is hyperlocal, and she offers pickup and delivery. Hungry Gardens also offers seedlings for such items as heirloom tomatoes, squash, zucchini and flowers.&nbsp;

Some cities have used community-supported agriculture, where consumers pay a fee and receive whatever produce happens to be in season. Joni goes a step further by enabling consumers to select their products. “I allow consumers to curate their own boxes,” Joni said. “That means they get what they really want.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

She updates the inventory of fresh products each day, and her customers get to choose among the freshest items.&nbsp;

Joni uses an iPhone app called Cropswap, to offer Heirloom CropBoxes by subscription. These include a variety of heirloom vegetables not offered on her website. The boxes come with scannable codes that connect to recipes from area chefs, plus ideas for preparation of these unusual products.&nbsp;

It’s a remarkable business, inspired by Joni’s early days as a 4-H’er at the rural community of Hoxie, population 1,201 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Her products are only available in California, but you can learn about her company by going to<a href="http://www.hungrygardens.com/">www.hungrygardens.com</a>.&nbsp;

A blue ribbon. For 4-H youth, it symbolizes a high level of achievement. For Joni Albers, that first blue ribbon also helped inspire a lifelong interest in horticulture which has now become an innovative business. We commend Joni Albers of the Hungry Gardens for making a difference with her entrepreneurial approach to produce. In her case, a blue ribbon helped encourage a green thumb.&nbsp;

Thanks to K-State Research and Extension Twin Creeks District Director Stacy Brown for this story idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602076590355.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-10-07 at 8.16.15 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-10-07 at 8.16.15 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;A blue ribbon. For millions of 4-H youth through the years, blue ribbons have been awarded in recognition of a high-quality project.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Joni Albers, the founder of the Hungry Gardens in California, her first blue ribbon helped launch a lifelong interest in horticulture. She is now using those skills to produce healthy food for urban neighbors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Originally from Hoxie, Joni’s roots go deep in rural Kansas. Her grandparents were dairy farmers, and her family always had a large garden. “My mother got me started in gardening,” Joni said. “I had my first garden at 6 years old.”&nbsp;She was also a member of the Solomon Valley 4-H Club. In her first year, she took her homegrown green beans to the Sheridan County Fair and won a blue ribbon. “That started it all,” she said. Joni was active in 4-H, taking on projects such as sewing, art, bucket calf, and woodworking, but horticulture was her favorite.&nbsp;Joni went to college in Denver and worked as a designer before taking a technology position in New York City. When her company allowed her to transfer to California, Joni settled in Sun Valley.&nbsp;Unlike in New York City, she now had some land. “I wanted to garden as I had in my youth,” Joni said. She started a small garden, but the garden space quickly grew. Soon she had about 4,000 square feet, and her neighbors were interested in her produce.&nbsp;&nbsp;Locally grown products were hard to come by in the region. “There was one produce stand in the area, but it was only open one day a week, and they didn’t have locally grown produce,” Joni said.&nbsp;She decided to launch her own business as an urban produce farm. She named it the Hungry Gardens. She uses innovative technology to communicate with customers and focuses on heirloom produce.&nbsp;These are not plain, everyday tomatoes, for example. “Healthy food and culinary experiences underpin everything we grow at the Hungry Gardens,” her website says.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I try to find the rarest heirloom vegetables,” Joni said. “We specialize in growing unique vegetables that are not available commercially but have historical and indigenous value.”&nbsp;For example, Joni offers many products which I hadn’t heard of, such as cinnamon basil, blacktail watermelons, red noodle beans, tigger melons, violet sparkle peppers, thai lime, pineapple sage, cucamelons, and many more. She works with various partners, including several chefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to provide an experience for people, and give them new things to try,” Joni said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her market is hyperlocal, and she offers pickup and delivery. Hungry Gardens also offers seedlings for such items as heirloom tomatoes, squash, zucchini and flowers.&nbsp;Some cities have used community-supported agriculture, where consumers pay a fee and receive whatever produce happens to be in season. Joni goes a step further by enabling consumers to select their products. “I allow consumers to curate their own boxes,” Joni said. “That means they get what they really want.”&nbsp;&nbsp;She updates the inventory of fresh products each day, and her customers get to choose among the freshest items.&nbsp;Joni uses an iPhone app called Cropswap, to offer Heirloom CropBoxes by subscription. These include a variety of heirloom vegetables not offered on her website. The boxes come with scannable codes that connect to recipes from area chefs, plus ideas for preparation of these unusual products.&nbsp;It’s a remarkable business, inspired by Joni’s early days as a 4-H’er at the rural community of Hoxie, population 1,201 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Her products are only available in California, but you can learn about her company by going to<a href="http://www.hungrygardens.com/">www.hungrygardens.com</a>.&nbsp;A blue ribbon. For 4-H youth, it symbolizes a high level of achievement. For Joni Albers, that first blue ribbon also helped inspire a lifelong interest in horticulture which has now become an innovative business. We commend Joni Albers of the Hungry Gardens for making a difference with her entrepreneurial approach to produce. In her case, a blue ribbon helped encourage a green thumb.&nbsp;Thanks to K-State Research and Extension Twin Creeks District Director Stacy Brown for this story idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Joni Albers, Hungry Gardens 

Betty L. Schneweis, 88, died October 2, 2020, in Odin, Kansas. She 
was born November 30, 1931, in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, the daughter of 
William and Ina (Fry) Dooling. Betty attended Larned High School.

She was married to Charles Edward Walker from 1951 to 1971. She then 
married Arthur F. Schneweis on November 19, 1971, in St. John, Kansas.

Betty and her husband Art were both self employed telephone 
contractors. They were both very patriotic and would always be at the 
veteran’s services, where she would often assist with the playing of 
taps.

Betty was a member of the Church of Christ in Great Bend. For a time 
she lived in Texas where she was a member of the Horticulture Club and 
would judge floral shows. She was very artistic and a good seamstress. 
Betty was also an avid animal lover, she loved all animals and 
especially doted on her fur babies.

Survivors include; her husband of nearly 49 years, Arthur F. 
Schneweis; son, Bruce Walker; daughters, Pat Anderson and husband Andy, 
and Lynnda Kirbow and husband Jeff; and three great grandchildren, 
Nathan, Heaven, and Brent.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Walker; 
infant son, Dereck John Walker, and granddaughter, Krystle Leigh.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, with family to receive 
friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10 
a.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Church of Christ, Great Bend, with 
Carl Feril presiding. Burial will follow in Larned Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Humane 
Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington,
 KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601841943443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Betty L. Schneweis, 88, died October 2, 2020, in Odin, Kansas. She 
was born November 30, 1931, in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, the daughter of 
William and Ina (Fry) Dooling. Betty attended Larned High School.She was married to Charles Edward Walker from 1951 to 1971. She then 
married Arthur F. Schneweis on November 19, 1971, in St. John, Kansas.Betty and her husband Art were both self employed telephone 
contractors. They were both very patriotic and would always be at the 
veteran’s services, where she would often assist with the playing of 
taps.Betty was a member of the Church of Christ in Great Bend. For a time 
she lived in Texas where she was a member of the Horticulture Club and 
would judge floral shows. She was very artistic and a good seamstress. 
Betty was also an avid animal lover, she loved all animals and 
especially doted on her fur babies.Survivors include; her husband of nearly 49 years, Arthur F. 
Schneweis; son, Bruce Walker; daughters, Pat Anderson and husband Andy, 
and Lynnda Kirbow and husband Jeff; and three great grandchildren, 
Nathan, Heaven, and Brent.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Walker; 
infant son, Dereck John Walker, and granddaughter, Krystle Leigh.Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, with family to receive 
friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10 
a.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Church of Christ, Great Bend, with 
Carl Feril presiding. Burial will follow in Larned Cemetery.In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Humane 
Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington,
 KS 67544.

Betty L. Schneweis

Cooler nights are increasing in frequency now that we are into October. If you have tomatoes, you may have some that are approaching maturity. Leave them on the vine until mature or until a frost is forecast. 

Tomatoes will ripen off the vine but must have reached a certain phase of maturity called the "mature green stage." Look for full-sized tomatoes with a white, star-shaped zone on the bottom end of the green fruit.&nbsp;​

When harvesting fruit before a frost, separate tomatoes into three groups for storage: those that are mostly red, those that are just starting to turn, and those that are still green. Discard tomatoes with defects such as rots or breaks in the skin. Place the tomatoes on cardboard trays or cartons but use layers of newspaper to separate fruit if stacked. Occasionally a tomato may start to rot and leak juice. The newspaper will keep the juice from contacting nearby or underlying fruit. Store groups of tomatoes at as close to 55 degrees as possible until needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cooler nights are increasing in frequency now that we are into October. If you have tomatoes, you may have some that are approaching maturity. Leave them on the vine until mature or until a frost is forecast. Tomatoes will ripen off the vine but must have reached a certain phase of maturity called the "mature green stage." Look for full-sized tomatoes with a white, star-shaped zone on the bottom end of the green fruit.&nbsp;​When harvesting fruit before a frost, separate tomatoes into three groups for storage: those that are mostly red, those that are just starting to turn, and those that are still green. Discard tomatoes with defects such as rots or breaks in the skin. Place the tomatoes on cardboard trays or cartons but use layers of newspaper to separate fruit if stacked. Occasionally a tomato may start to rot and leak juice. The newspaper will keep the juice from contacting nearby or underlying fruit. Store groups of tomatoes at as close to 55 degrees as possible until needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.&nbsp;

FICK: Last tomatoes of the season 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

When school was forced to go to remote learning this spring, Tasha Lang and her staff at the STAR program at Roosevelt Elementary School went into overdrive.

Karen&nbsp;McCullough, nominated Lang, a low-incidents special education teacher, for September's Hays Post Teacher of the Month for the help she provided her special needs daughter, Natalie, during the shutdown.&nbsp;

"We saw regression in our daughter after a few days of being home, as she could not cognitively understand why she couldn't go to school and spend time with the teachers and friends she loves,"&nbsp;McCullough said.

The family reached out to Lang and asked how they could work with her to make remote learning possible for Natalie. Within a day, Natalie's desk at school arrived at the family's home with tubs of learning materials, which Lang and her paras used to work online with Natalie for three 30-minute Zoom sessions each day.

"Our daughter really liked connecting with teachers and paras and learning from our home,"&nbsp;McCullough said. "She regained old skills and learned new skills while at home."

McCullough added, "Mrs. Tasha and her team at STAR school did an amazing job of supporting families and dealing with so many uncertainties. 

"We are forever grateful of the support Mrs. Tasha has given our daughter throughout her time as her teacher and appreciate all the work she did to ensure she could continue to learn from home, which was not an easy feat!"

McCullough was not the only one singing Lang's praises.

"Tasha’s dedication to her students is not only while they are in her class, but also outside the classroom," Renee Hoffman said in a Teacher of the Month nomination.

"I have seen her attend many events that her students have participated in. Her tears of happiness for their accomplishments are evidence of her love for her students and her special education career."

 Jamie Wolbert also said in a nomination, "Tasha works with students with special needs with such care and compassion. She also has many paras who work for her, and she is just as kind and compassionate with them. She is overall the teacher I aim to be."

Lang said she was honored to hear the kind words.

"I'm emotional to think people see what we do day in and day out and they appreciate it, because, to us, it's a job," she said,&nbsp; "and we love it. It's normal day-to-day activities."

When the students moved to online learning in the spring, Lang and other special education teachers trained on how to deal with remote learning.

"The biggest thing that I took from that training was we have to presume potential for our students, and so that was our mindset all through remote," Lang said.

Parents learned their children could do things at home they never knew they could do by using their communication devices or visual aids and putting schedules in place.&nbsp;

She said the parents did a great job connecting with the school staff and helping their kids grow while they were at home.

"We are ready," she said. "For any reason we have to hybrid or remote again, I think we have a good plan in place."

Sending kids home was hard emotionally on the teachers and staff.

Lang cried when she learned the students would not finish their school year in person.&nbsp;

"It was very hard to know there was never a goodbye or end to it," she said. "We usually have an end-of-the-year party."

Lang and staff dropped off gifts and activities for the kids at their doors during the shutdown. Parents also sent pictures back to the teachers of the children completing their activities.

She said she never wants to go remote again.

"Contact with the kids is what myself and my paras need day in and day out," Lang said. "It's what keeps us going. It keeps us thinking about how we can better their education and better their lives and their life skills."

Lang said she gets excited every time a student learns a new word.

"I love seeing how smart they are," she said.&nbsp;

"Today, a kid, we spaced out her letters. She was able to tell us what the letter N was," Lang said. "It was a big celebration in here that she does know. We just have to pursue potential and change things up to help them show us how they learn."

Lang said STAR is like a family, not only for her, but all her staff. Twenty students are part of the STAR program this year.

"We don't just stop at 3 o'clock. There is a lot of family contact time after," she said. "There are pictures and videos shared from school to home."

Lang, 34, said she fell in love with special education as a peer tutor when she was a student at Hays Middle School. As a senior at HHS,&nbsp; she worked with students in the life skills class as part of a horticulture therapy project.

She went on to study at Kansas State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education, special education. She received a master's degree at K-State in low-incidents and high-incidents special education. She also has an autism certificate from Pittsburg State University.

Lang started her career in the Maize school district before moving back to Hays in 2012. She taught at Wilson Elementary School before the STAR program merged at Roosevelt in 2017.

STAR gives a place for students with special needs to belong, Lang said.

"Not all of our students can participate in outside sports," she said. "They can call this place home. They have friends. They have staff who care about them. They get to do fun activities outside in the community."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600974230751.jpeg" alt="Tasha Lang, special education teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, is September's Hays Post Teacher of the Month." />
 <figcaption>Tasha Lang, special education teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, is September's Hays Post Teacher of the Month.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWhen school was forced to go to remote learning this spring, Tasha Lang and her staff at the STAR program at Roosevelt Elementary School went into overdrive.Karen&nbsp;McCullough, nominated Lang, a low-incidents special education teacher, for September's Hays Post Teacher of the Month for the help she provided her special needs daughter, Natalie, during the shutdown.&nbsp;"We saw regression in our daughter after a few days of being home, as she could not cognitively understand why she couldn't go to school and spend time with the teachers and friends she loves,"&nbsp;McCullough said.The family reached out to Lang and asked how they could work with her to make remote learning possible for Natalie. Within a day, Natalie's desk at school arrived at the family's home with tubs of learning materials, which Lang and her paras used to work online with Natalie for three 30-minute Zoom sessions each day."Our daughter really liked connecting with teachers and paras and learning from our home,"&nbsp;McCullough said. "She regained old skills and learned new skills while at home."McCullough added, "Mrs. Tasha and her team at STAR school did an amazing job of supporting families and dealing with so many uncertainties. "We are forever grateful of the support Mrs. Tasha has given our daughter throughout her time as her teacher and appreciate all the work she did to ensure she could continue to learn from home, which was not an easy feat!"McCullough was not the only one singing Lang's praises."Tasha’s dedication to her students is not only while they are in her class, but also outside the classroom," Renee Hoffman said in a Teacher of the Month nomination."I have seen her attend many events that her students have participated in. Her tears of happiness for their accomplishments are evidence of her love for her students and her special education career." Jamie Wolbert also said in a nomination, "Tasha works with students with special needs with such care and compassion. She also has many paras who work for her, and she is just as kind and compassionate with them. She is overall the teacher I aim to be."Lang said she was honored to hear the kind words."I'm emotional to think people see what we do day in and day out and they appreciate it, because, to us, it's a job," she said,&nbsp; "and we love it. It's normal day-to-day activities."When the students moved to online learning in the spring, Lang and other special education teachers trained on how to deal with remote learning."The biggest thing that I took from that training was we have to presume potential for our students, and so that was our mindset all through remote," Lang said.Parents learned their children could do things at home they never knew they could do by using their communication devices or visual aids and putting schedules in place.&nbsp;She said the parents did a great job connecting with the school staff and helping their kids grow while they were at home."We are ready," she said. "For any reason we have to hybrid or remote again, I think we have a good plan in place."Sending kids home was hard emotionally on the teachers and staff.Lang cried when she learned the students would not finish their school year in person.&nbsp;"It was very hard to know there was never a goodbye or end to it," she said. "We usually have an end-of-the-year party."Lang and staff dropped off gifts and activities for the kids at their doors during the shutdown. Parents also sent pictures back to the teachers of the children completing their activities.She said she never wants to go remote again."Contact with the kids is what myself and my paras need day in and day out," Lang said. "It's what keeps us going. It keeps us thinking about how we can better their education and better their lives and their life skills."Lang said she gets excited every time a student learns a new word."I love seeing how smart they are," she said.&nbsp;"Today, a kid, we spaced out her letters. She was able to tell us what the letter N was," Lang said. "It was a big celebration in here that she does know. We just have to pursue potential and change things up to help them show us how they learn."Lang said STAR is like a family, not only for her, but all her staff. Twenty students are part of the STAR program this year."We don't just stop at 3 o'clock. There is a lot of family contact time after," she said. "There are pictures and videos shared from school to home."Lang, 34, said she fell in love with special education as a peer tutor when she was a student at Hays Middle School. As a senior at HHS,&nbsp; she worked with students in the life skills class as part of a horticulture therapy project.She went on to study at Kansas State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education, special education. She received a master's degree at K-State in low-incidents and high-incidents special education. She also has an autism certificate from Pittsburg State University.Lang started her career in the Maize school district before moving back to Hays in 2012. She taught at Wilson Elementary School before the STAR program merged at Roosevelt in 2017.STAR gives a place for students with special needs to belong, Lang said."Not all of our students can participate in outside sports," she said. "They can call this place home. They have friends. They have staff who care about them. They get to do fun activities outside in the community."&nbsp;

Teacher of the Month: STAR teacher kicks in overdrive during shutdown

MANHATTAN — A pair of studies at Kansas State University is bringing new insight to farmers and producers seeking to incorporate industrial hemp in cattle feed. After the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production in the U.S., interest has grown in industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity, including as feed for animals. FDA approval, however, through the Association of American Feed Control Officials would be required before hemp could be fed to livestock or pets. "Although hemp can be legally cultivated under license in Kansas, feeding hemp products to livestock remains prohibited because the potential for cannabinoid drug residues to accumulate in meat and milk has not been studied," said Hans Coetzee, professor and head of the anatomy and physiology department in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>. A team of K-State researchers recently received a $200,000 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish concentrations of cannabinoids in livestock after exposure to industrial hemp.

"Industrial hemp is typically grown to produce oil, seed, fiber and medicines," said Michael Kleinhenz, assistant professor of beef production medicine. "While varieties of hemp may be planted for a single or dual purpose, such as for seed and fiber, byproducts consisting of leaves, fodder and residual plant fibers remain after harvest. These byproducts could serve as potential feedstuffs for animals. Because these are predominantly cellulose-containing plant materials, the ideal species for utilizing these feeds are ruminant animals, specifically cattle." While there is interest in the use of hemp for cattle feeds, there are questions about whether the feed can be used safely because of concerns about tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, intoxication and the presence of other bioactive cannabinoids. Kleinhenz noticed that most research was focused on humans, mice and swine, but not on cattle. "This is surprising because cattle can readily utilize industrial hemp byproducts as they can digest cellulose plant materials in their rumens," Kleinhenz said. Kleinhenz is part of a multidisciplinary research team consisting of pharmacologists, toxicologists, analytical chemists and horticulture experts. The hemp used in the studies was grown at K-State's John C. Pair Horticultural Center near Wichita. Other K-State researchers involved include Geraldine Magnin, Zhoumeng Lin, Steve Ensley, Jason Griffin, Katie E. Kleinhenz, Shawnee Montgomery, Andrew Curtis, Miriam Martin and Coetzee. The research team also included John Goeser and Eva Lynch, Rock River Laboratories. "We observed that the acidic cannabinoids, such as CBDA and THCA, are more readily absorbed from the rumen than other nonacid cannabinoid forms, such as CBD and CBG," Kleinhenz said. "Now that we have found that some cannabinoids are readily absorbed from the rumen, the next steps are to study the tissue and milk residue depletion profiles of these compounds after animal feeding experiments. The effects of cannabinoids on cattle are also unknown." Follow-up experiments will include pilot studies to examine the effect of feeding hemp on animal behavior and immune function. "Our goal is to fill in the knowledge gaps," Kleinhenz said. "Until feedstuffs containing hemp are established as safe in animals, our data will assist producers in managing situations involving intentional or unintentional hemp exposures." The two published studies are "<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590286520300859?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">Nutrient concentrations, digestibility, and cannabinoid concentrations of industrial hemp plant components</a>," which can be found in the journal Applied Animal Science, and "<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69768-4" target="_blank">Plasma concentrations of eleven cannabinoids in cattle following oral administration of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa)</a>," which was published in Scientific Reports.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599061485066.jpeg" alt="Buds from industrial hemp plants that are being studied at Kansas State University for possible use in cattle feed." />
 <figcaption>Buds from industrial hemp plants that are being studied at Kansas State University for possible use in cattle feed.</figcaption>
 </figure>KSU News ServiceMANHATTAN — A pair of studies at Kansas State University is bringing new insight to farmers and producers seeking to incorporate industrial hemp in cattle feed. After the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production in the U.S., interest has grown in industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity, including as feed for animals. FDA approval, however, through the Association of American Feed Control Officials would be required before hemp could be fed to livestock or pets. "Although hemp can be legally cultivated under license in Kansas, feeding hemp products to livestock remains prohibited because the potential for cannabinoid drug residues to accumulate in meat and milk has not been studied," said Hans Coetzee, professor and head of the anatomy and physiology department in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>. A team of K-State researchers recently received a $200,000 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish concentrations of cannabinoids in livestock after exposure to industrial hemp.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599061391295.jpeg" alt=" Kansas State University veterinary researchers Hans Coetzee and Michael Kleinhenz are studying the safety of using industrial hemp in feed for cattle." />
 <figcaption> Kansas State University veterinary researchers Hans Coetzee and Michael Kleinhenz are studying the safety of using industrial hemp in feed for cattle.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Industrial hemp is typically grown to produce oil, seed, fiber and medicines," said Michael Kleinhenz, assistant professor of beef production medicine. "While varieties of hemp may be planted for a single or dual purpose, such as for seed and fiber, byproducts consisting of leaves, fodder and residual plant fibers remain after harvest. These byproducts could serve as potential feedstuffs for animals. Because these are predominantly cellulose-containing plant materials, the ideal species for utilizing these feeds are ruminant animals, specifically cattle." While there is interest in the use of hemp for cattle feeds, there are questions about whether the feed can be used safely because of concerns about tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, intoxication and the presence of other bioactive cannabinoids. Kleinhenz noticed that most research was focused on humans, mice and swine, but not on cattle. "This is surprising because cattle can readily utilize industrial hemp byproducts as they can digest cellulose plant materials in their rumens," Kleinhenz said. Kleinhenz is part of a multidisciplinary research team consisting of pharmacologists, toxicologists, analytical chemists and horticulture experts. The hemp used in the studies was grown at K-State's John C. Pair Horticultural Center near Wichita. Other K-State researchers involved include Geraldine Magnin, Zhoumeng Lin, Steve Ensley, Jason Griffin, Katie E. Kleinhenz, Shawnee Montgomery, Andrew Curtis, Miriam Martin and Coetzee. The research team also included John Goeser and Eva Lynch, Rock River Laboratories. "We observed that the acidic cannabinoids, such as CBDA and THCA, are more readily absorbed from the rumen than other nonacid cannabinoid forms, such as CBD and CBG," Kleinhenz said. "Now that we have found that some cannabinoids are readily absorbed from the rumen, the next steps are to study the tissue and milk residue depletion profiles of these compounds after animal feeding experiments. The effects of cannabinoids on cattle are also unknown." Follow-up experiments will include pilot studies to examine the effect of feeding hemp on animal behavior and immune function. "Our goal is to fill in the knowledge gaps," Kleinhenz said. "Until feedstuffs containing hemp are established as safe in animals, our data will assist producers in managing situations involving intentional or unintentional hemp exposures." The two published studies are "<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590286520300859?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">Nutrient concentrations, digestibility, and cannabinoid concentrations of industrial hemp plant components</a>," which can be found in the journal Applied Animal Science, and "<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-69768-4" target="_blank">Plasma concentrations of eleven cannabinoids in cattle following oral administration of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa)</a>," which was published in Scientific Reports.&nbsp;

K-State research analyzes safety of industrial hemp as cattle feed

We have had a number of contacts regarding lilacs that were virtually defoliated with leaves showing many spots on the leaves. Cercospora leaf spot appears to be the causal agent. This is one of those diseases that only shows up during wet, humid summers. Though the shrubs look bad, loss of leaves this late in the season will not harm otherwise healthy plants. Therefore, there is no need to apply a fungicide. Also, an application this late would not help anyway. However, cleaning up dead leaves will reduce the amount of inoculum for next year and is recommended. This disease is weather-dependent and requires wet, humid weather at certain times to flourish. Therefore, lilacs that were hammered this year may not become infected next. Even if we do have another wet summer that encourages this disease, we do not recommend a fungicide application as damage to the plant is negligible.

Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>We have had a number of contacts regarding lilacs that were virtually defoliated with leaves showing many spots on the leaves. Cercospora leaf spot appears to be the causal agent. This is one of those diseases that only shows up during wet, humid summers. Though the shrubs look bad, loss of leaves this late in the season will not harm otherwise healthy plants. Therefore, there is no need to apply a fungicide. Also, an application this late would not help anyway. However, cleaning up dead leaves will reduce the amount of inoculum for next year and is recommended. This disease is weather-dependent and requires wet, humid weather at certain times to flourish. Therefore, lilacs that were hammered this year may not become infected next. Even if we do have another wet summer that encourages this disease, we do not recommend a fungicide application as damage to the plant is negligible.Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Lilac leaf spot

Many young, smooth, thin-barked trees such as honeylocusts, fruit trees, ashes, oaks, maples, lindens, and willows are susceptible to sunscald and bark cracks. Sunscald normally develops on the south or southwest side of the tree during late winter. Sunny, warm winter days may heat the bark to relatively high temperatures. 

Research done in Georgia has shown that the southwest side of the trunk of a peach tree can be 40 degrees warmer than shaded bark. This warming action can cause a loss of cold hardiness of the bark tissue resulting in cells becoming active. These cells then become susceptible to lethal freezing when the temperature drops at night. The damaged bark tissue becomes sunken and discolored in late spring.&nbsp; Damaged bark will eventually crack and slough off.&nbsp; Trees often recover but need TLC — especially watering during dry weather.

If you have seen this type of damage in previous years or fear you have susceptible trees, preventative measures are called for.&nbsp; Applying a light-colored tree wrap from the ground to the start of the first branches can protect young and/or recently planted trees. This should be done in October to November and removed the following March. Failure to remove the tree wrap in the spring can prove detrimental to the tree.

Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Many young, smooth, thin-barked trees such as honeylocusts, fruit trees, ashes, oaks, maples, lindens, and willows are susceptible to sunscald and bark cracks. Sunscald normally develops on the south or southwest side of the tree during late winter. Sunny, warm winter days may heat the bark to relatively high temperatures. Research done in Georgia has shown that the southwest side of the trunk of a peach tree can be 40 degrees warmer than shaded bark. This warming action can cause a loss of cold hardiness of the bark tissue resulting in cells becoming active. These cells then become susceptible to lethal freezing when the temperature drops at night. The damaged bark tissue becomes sunken and discolored in late spring.&nbsp; Damaged bark will eventually crack and slough off.&nbsp; Trees often recover but need TLC — especially watering during dry weather.If you have seen this type of damage in previous years or fear you have susceptible trees, preventative measures are called for.&nbsp; Applying a light-colored tree wrap from the ground to the start of the first branches can protect young and/or recently planted trees. This should be done in October to November and removed the following March. Failure to remove the tree wrap in the spring can prove detrimental to the tree.Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FICK: Preventing sunscald on thin-barked trees

MANHATTAN – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kansas State University’s Extension Master Gardener program is planning to offer a statewide online training option this fall for those wanting to join the popular group.&nbsp;

Cheryl Boyer, an associate professor in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources and interim coordinator of the state’s Master Gardener program, said weekly online sessions begin Sept. 3 and will run through Dec. 17.&nbsp;

The cost for online training is $45 plus any additional fees set by the county – or about $1 per hour of educational content, she said -- and can be paid at the local extension office. Some counties may offer an in-person or hybrid training option.&nbsp;

For online training, Kansans must sign up through&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">their local extension office</a>&nbsp;by August 28. More information about the program is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/master-gardeners">available online</a>. Training sessions will be held each Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for 15 weeks.&nbsp;

“This online choice is optional and local units are not required to use this training in place of their own programming plans,” Boyer said. “However, because fall travel is limited for K-State Research and Extension educators, face-to-face training can not be expected or required.”&nbsp;

The K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener program is available to anyone with an interest in horticulture. “If you want to improve your gardening skills and knowledge, and you like to work with people, this program may be for you,” Boyer said.&nbsp;

The program is currently offered in&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/master-gardeners/mg-program-counties.html">more than half of Kansas’ counties</a>.&nbsp;

Once certified as an Extension Master Gardener, participants are asked to donate time in their community to help others learn more about gardening and horticulture. Boyer noted that in 2019, Extension Master Gardeners donated approximately 99,000 hours for a total value of more than $2.6 million.&nbsp;

This fall’s 15-week training schedule will provide up to 50 hours of training on 13 topics delivered by lecture and hands-on activities. Boyer said the topics include plant growth and development, soils, turfgrass, annual and perennial flowers, landscape maintenance, woody ornamentals, vegetable gardening, insects, pesticide safety, plant diseases, fruit, landscape design and wildlife management.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596809601217.png" alt="K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Weekly sessions begin Sept. 3</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kansas State University’s Extension Master Gardener program is planning to offer a statewide online training option this fall for those wanting to join the popular group.&nbsp;Cheryl Boyer, an associate professor in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources and interim coordinator of the state’s Master Gardener program, said weekly online sessions begin Sept. 3 and will run through Dec. 17.&nbsp;The cost for online training is $45 plus any additional fees set by the county – or about $1 per hour of educational content, she said -- and can be paid at the local extension office. Some counties may offer an in-person or hybrid training option.&nbsp;For online training, Kansans must sign up through&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">their local extension office</a>&nbsp;by August 28. More information about the program is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/master-gardeners">available online</a>. Training sessions will be held each Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for 15 weeks.&nbsp;“This online choice is optional and local units are not required to use this training in place of their own programming plans,” Boyer said. “However, because fall travel is limited for K-State Research and Extension educators, face-to-face training can not be expected or required.”&nbsp;The K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener program is available to anyone with an interest in horticulture. “If you want to improve your gardening skills and knowledge, and you like to work with people, this program may be for you,” Boyer said.&nbsp;The program is currently offered in&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/master-gardeners/mg-program-counties.html">more than half of Kansas’ counties</a>.&nbsp;Once certified as an Extension Master Gardener, participants are asked to donate time in their community to help others learn more about gardening and horticulture. Boyer noted that in 2019, Extension Master Gardeners donated approximately 99,000 hours for a total value of more than $2.6 million.&nbsp;This fall’s 15-week training schedule will provide up to 50 hours of training on 13 topics delivered by lecture and hands-on activities. Boyer said the topics include plant growth and development, soils, turfgrass, annual and perennial flowers, landscape maintenance, woody ornamentals, vegetable gardening, insects, pesticide safety, plant diseases, fruit, landscape design and wildlife management.&nbsp;

K-State adds online training for Extension Master Gardeners 

K-State’s Upham offers tips for late July control&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says that patches of crabgrass showing up in homeowner’s lawns are a sign of work ahead.&nbsp;

By the time the weedy plant shows up in the summer, it’s a bit too late for homeowners to use their best means of control, which is to apply a preventative herbicide in the spring, killing the seed as it germinates.&nbsp;

“Crabgrass is an annual that must come up from seed each year, and the seed must have light in order to germinate,” Upham said. “If a lawn is thick enough that sunlight does not reach the soil, crabgrass won’t germinate.”&nbsp;

Upham added that there is some hope for control if homeowners did not apply crabgrass preventer last spring.&nbsp;

“Some of the herbicides that will kill crabgrass include Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max +Crabgrass Control, Fertilome Weed-Out with Crabgrass Control, Monterey Crab-E-Rad and BioAdvanced Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer,” he said. “Each contains quinclorac for crabgrass control, and other active ingredients that control broadleaf weeds. Quinclorac not only controls crabgrass but also has good activity on foxtail and certain broadleaf plants, such as field bindweed, black medic and clover.”&nbsp;

Those who choose not to apply more herbicide to their lawn can be comforted in knowing that crabgrass starts declining by the middle of August.&nbsp;

“That’s about the time that such cool-season grasses as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass start to come out of their summer doldrums,” Upham said. “By the first of September, the crabgrass will be less noticeable. So, a small infestation is best ignored. Crabgrass is a warm-season annual and will be killed by the first frost.”&nbsp;

Hot temps call for watering trees, fruit&nbsp;

Upham advised homeowners to water trees and fruit to give them an extra boost as temperatures top 90 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;

“If you have fruit plants such as trees, vines and canes, check the soil moisture at the roots,” he said. “Insert a pointed metal or wood probe or even a long screwdriver to check the depth of watering. Push the rod into the soil with the goal of reaching eight to 12 inches.”&nbsp;

“If you cannot reach the recommended depth, the plants should be irrigated to prevent drooping and promote fruit enlargement.&nbsp;

Upham said fruit plants can be watered with sprinklers, soaker hose, drip irrigation or even a small trickle of water running from the hose for a few hours. Strawberries, which have a shallow root system, and newly-planted fruit tress in sandy soils may need to be watered more often.&nbsp;

For landscape trees, Upham recommends a perforated soaking hose circling the tree several times to even out the amount of water applied. Soil should be wet at least 12 inches deep. New trees may not have enough of a root system to absorb enough water, so water weekly and apply mulch at the base.&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">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<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;

Brand names appearing in this article are for product identification purposes only and are not intended as an endorsement of any specific product.&nbsp;

<h2>K-State’s Upham offers tips for late July control&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says that patches of crabgrass showing up in homeowner’s lawns are a sign of work ahead.&nbsp;By the time the weedy plant shows up in the summer, it’s a bit too late for homeowners to use their best means of control, which is to apply a preventative herbicide in the spring, killing the seed as it germinates.&nbsp;“Crabgrass is an annual that must come up from seed each year, and the seed must have light in order to germinate,” Upham said. “If a lawn is thick enough that sunlight does not reach the soil, crabgrass won’t germinate.”&nbsp;Upham added that there is some hope for control if homeowners did not apply crabgrass preventer last spring.&nbsp;“Some of the herbicides that will kill crabgrass include Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max +Crabgrass Control, Fertilome Weed-Out with Crabgrass Control, Monterey Crab-E-Rad and BioAdvanced Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer,” he said. “Each contains quinclorac for crabgrass control, and other active ingredients that control broadleaf weeds. Quinclorac not only controls crabgrass but also has good activity on foxtail and certain broadleaf plants, such as field bindweed, black medic and clover.”&nbsp;Those who choose not to apply more herbicide to their lawn can be comforted in knowing that crabgrass starts declining by the middle of August.&nbsp;“That’s about the time that such cool-season grasses as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass start to come out of their summer doldrums,” Upham said. “By the first of September, the crabgrass will be less noticeable. So, a small infestation is best ignored. Crabgrass is a warm-season annual and will be killed by the first frost.”&nbsp;Hot temps call for watering trees, fruit&nbsp;Upham advised homeowners to water trees and fruit to give them an extra boost as temperatures top 90 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;“If you have fruit plants such as trees, vines and canes, check the soil moisture at the roots,” he said. “Insert a pointed metal or wood probe or even a long screwdriver to check the depth of watering. Push the rod into the soil with the goal of reaching eight to 12 inches.”&nbsp;“If you cannot reach the recommended depth, the plants should be irrigated to prevent drooping and promote fruit enlargement.&nbsp;Upham said fruit plants can be watered with sprinklers, soaker hose, drip irrigation or even a small trickle of water running from the hose for a few hours. Strawberries, which have a shallow root system, and newly-planted fruit tress in sandy soils may need to be watered more often.&nbsp;For landscape trees, Upham recommends a perforated soaking hose circling the tree several times to even out the amount of water applied. Soil should be wet at least 12 inches deep. New trees may not have enough of a root system to absorb enough water, so water weekly and apply mulch at the base.&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">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<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;Brand names appearing in this article are for product identification purposes only and are not intended as an endorsement of any specific product.&nbsp;

Crabgrass making its annual summer appearance 

These large (1-1/3- to 1-5/8-inch long) wasps fly slowly above the ground. Cicada killers have a black body with yellow marks across the thorax and abdomen. Wings are reddish-orange.&nbsp;

Although these wasps are huge, they usually ignore people. Males may act aggressively if they are threatened, but are unable to sting. Females can sting, but are so passive that they rarely do. Even if they do sting, the pain is less than that of smaller wasps such as the yellow jacket or paper wasp and is similar to the sting of a sweat bee.&nbsp;

The cicada killer is a solitary wasp rather than a social wasp like the yellow jacket. The female nests in burrows in the ground. These burrows are quarter-size in diameter and can go 6 inches straight down and another 6 inches horizontally. Adults normally live 60 to 75 days from mid-July to mid-September and feed on flower nectar and sap. The adult female seeks cicadas on the trunks and lower limbs of trees. She stings her prey, flips it over, straddles it and carries it to her burrow. If she has a tree to climb, she will climb the tree so they can get airborne and fly with cicada back to the nest. If not, she will drag it. She will lay one egg per cicada if the egg is left unfertilized. Unfertilized eggs develop into males only. Fertilized eggs develop into females and are given at least two cicadas. Cicadas are then stuffed into the female’s burrow. Each burrow normally has three to four cells with one to two cicadas in each. However, it is possible for one burrow to have 10 to 20 cells.&nbsp;

Eggs hatch in two to three days, and larvae begin feeding on paralyzed cicadas. Feeding continues for four to 10 days until only the outer shell of the cicada remains. The larva overwinters inside a silken case. Pupation occurs in the spring. There is one generation per year. Cicada killers are not dangerous, but they can be a nuisance. If you believe control is necessary, treat the burrows after dark to ensure the female wasps are in their nests. The males normally roost on plants near burrow sites. They can be captured with an insect net or knocked out of the air with a tennis racket during the day. &nbsp; Permethrin may be used for control.&nbsp; Products with permethrin include the following.

&nbsp; Eight Garden Dust - Bonide&nbsp; &nbsp; Multipurpose Garden and Pet Dust - Green Thumb &nbsp; Garden, Pet &amp; Livestock Dust - Hi-Yield&nbsp;

&nbsp; 38 Plus Turf, Termite &amp; Ornamental Insect Spray - Hi-Yield&nbsp; &nbsp; Eight Vegetable, Fruit &amp; Flower&nbsp; Conc. - Bonide&nbsp; &nbsp; Eight Yard &amp; Garden RTS - Bonide&nbsp; &nbsp; Garden and Farm Insect Control- Hi-Yield

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595861237756.png" alt="Cicada killer wasp. Photo courtesy of Kansas State University." />
 <figcaption>Cicada killer wasp. Photo courtesy of Kansas State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>These large (1-1/3- to 1-5/8-inch long) wasps fly slowly above the ground. Cicada killers have a black body with yellow marks across the thorax and abdomen. Wings are reddish-orange.&nbsp;Although these wasps are huge, they usually ignore people. Males may act aggressively if they are threatened, but are unable to sting. Females can sting, but are so passive that they rarely do. Even if they do sting, the pain is less than that of smaller wasps such as the yellow jacket or paper wasp and is similar to the sting of a sweat bee.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>The cicada killer is a solitary wasp rather than a social wasp like the yellow jacket. The female nests in burrows in the ground. These burrows are quarter-size in diameter and can go 6 inches straight down and another 6 inches horizontally. Adults normally live 60 to 75 days from mid-July to mid-September and feed on flower nectar and sap. The adult female seeks cicadas on the trunks and lower limbs of trees. She stings her prey, flips it over, straddles it and carries it to her burrow. If she has a tree to climb, she will climb the tree so they can get airborne and fly with cicada back to the nest. If not, she will drag it. She will lay one egg per cicada if the egg is left unfertilized. Unfertilized eggs develop into males only. Fertilized eggs develop into females and are given at least two cicadas. Cicadas are then stuffed into the female’s burrow. Each burrow normally has three to four cells with one to two cicadas in each. However, it is possible for one burrow to have 10 to 20 cells.&nbsp;Eggs hatch in two to three days, and larvae begin feeding on paralyzed cicadas. Feeding continues for four to 10 days until only the outer shell of the cicada remains. The larva overwinters inside a silken case. Pupation occurs in the spring. There is one generation per year. Cicada killers are not dangerous, but they can be a nuisance. If you believe control is necessary, treat the burrows after dark to ensure the female wasps are in their nests. The males normally roost on plants near burrow sites. They can be captured with an insect net or knocked out of the air with a tennis racket during the day. &nbsp; Permethrin may be used for control.&nbsp; Products with permethrin include the following.<h2>Dusts</h2>&nbsp; Eight Garden Dust - Bonide&nbsp; &nbsp; Multipurpose Garden and Pet Dust - Green Thumb &nbsp; Garden, Pet &amp; Livestock Dust - Hi-Yield&nbsp;<h2>Liquids</h2>&nbsp; 38 Plus Turf, Termite &amp; Ornamental Insect Spray - Hi-Yield&nbsp; &nbsp; Eight Vegetable, Fruit &amp; Flower&nbsp; Conc. - Bonide&nbsp; &nbsp; Eight Yard &amp; Garden RTS - Bonide&nbsp; &nbsp; Garden and Farm Insect Control- Hi-YieldLauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions she can be contacted by e-mail at lfick@k-state.edu or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;