 | Scott EckertHorticulture Extension Agent Your front door to the resources of Kansas State University. Information on trees, turf, shrubs, insects, gardens, and other related topics are available through our office. Services available are insect identification, plant identification, and soil tests with fertilizer recommendations. |
Master Gardener Classes Open for Fall
The Master Gardener program is a volunteer program in which K-State Research and Extension “trades” classroom
training for volunteer time. After the initial 40 hours of comprehensive instruction in horticulture, volunteers donate an
equivalent number of service hours annually. To maintain the Master Gardener title, a volunteer continues to contribute
those hours every year.
Participation in our program makes you one of over 1,500 Kansas Master Gardeners who contributed over 85,000 volunteer hours last year to support the K-State Research and Extension Service. First organized in 1972 in the State of Washington, the Master Gardener program spread across the country and into several Canadian provinces.
For more information please see our brochure.
Classes run every Thursday, September 16 to December 12, 2021 from 9am to 3:30pm. The cost for the course is $110.00.
Application (Applications may also be pick up or returned to the Extension office in the basement of Courthouse)
Youth Veggie Garden Project
The Youth Veggie Garden Project is a free program for all youth in Harvey County who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade. Each youth participant receives several free plants and seeds to grow throughout the summer. After growing these plants, participants have the option of entering plants in the Harvey County Fair for display.
Gardening with kids is a great family bonding experience that can teach life skills, too. After learning to care for their garden throughout the summer, your child will feel great pride in their fair entries.
If your garden is doing well and you are considering entering the produce in the fair, you may view the rules and guidelines in the 2021 Harvey County Fair Book, under 4H Crops and Garden, beginning on page 38. https://harveycountyfair.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fair-Book-June-22-2021.pdf
For helpful information and tips see the publication “Exhibiting Fruits and Vegetables”. https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/C405.pdf
Asian Jumping Worms Enter Kansas
These earthworms are native to East Asia and are considered invasive as they damage soil by leaving behind their worm castings. These castings are dry and grainy and make it difficult for native seeds to germinate and do not support our native plants well. Asian Jumping Worms live up to their name by wriggling and writhing when disturbed.
Their body color is a darker gray than the lighter colored European earthworm. They also have a white, smooth clitellum (band) that is the same diameter as the rest of the worm. European earthworms have a pinkish clitellum that is ridged and slightly raised. Unfortunately, the Asian Jumping Worm reproduces much more rapidly than our native earthworms.
Recommendations: The first step in control is to prevent their spread. Check soil, compost or any other material that you are considering bringing onto your property for these organisms. If Asian Jumping Worms are found on your property, don’t panic. Collect and discard any that you see. Worms can be sealed in a plastic bag and thrown in the trash.
References:
1. Jumping Worms, University of Wisconsin Extension
2. Jumping Worms, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
K-State Garden Hour
Welcome to the K-State Garden Hour Webinar Series, hosted by K-State Research and Extension horticulture staff across the state of Kansas. We hope you'll join us on select Wednesdays at noon for some horticultural refreshment and training. Sessions will be recorded and posted here after each event.
Your one-step registration will allow you to participate in any of the featured topics within the 2021 K-State Garden Hour series. Registering will also remind you of the upcoming live event and notify you when the recording is available.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2021 SERIES!
Helpful Links
What should I grow in my area?
Preferred Trees of South Central Kansas
Care Calendar for Tall Fescue Lawns
Pesticide Applicator Licensing
