Cabbage Looper

Usually, the imported cabbage worm feeds on my broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. It might be a different year for pests since the cabbage looper is the one feeding. I picked them off this broccoli which is growing in a container. The others in the garden are under row cover which keeps the moths from laying eggs on them.

There are several insecticides for management. I've used products containing Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad in the past. The insects are most often on the underside of the leaves so treatments need to be applied there. Cole crop leaves are waxy so use a spreader/sticker with the insecticide for improved results.

Cooking Camp

Youth currently in grades Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd are invited to cook – during Cooking Camp, June 14-18, 2010. The camp will be held at the Leonardville Community Building from 1:30-4:00 p.m. each day. Extension Agent, Andrea Feldkamp and Nutrition Assistant, Marina Hairgrove will be teaching the camp.

Campers will get to explore new foods, learn about kitchen safety, how to select fresh produce, prepare snacks and treats, read a recipe, measure wet and dry ingredients, and learn how to prepare food for others.

Space is limited to 25 campers, and registration is due June 1. Visit www.riley.ksu.edu to register today! Campers will design their own apron, recieve a chef hat and a book of recipe's from the week. Come join us!

String trimmer

String trimmers are suppose to make trimming fast and easy. Unfortunately, they often kill plants when used improperly. They remove bark from trees. Tall fescue is best cut no shorter than 2 inches and higher is better. The grass around this tree is less than an half inch. The grass will use up its food storage attempting to replace the leaf blade. Thinning and death of the grass will be the result from this practice. The appearance is bad enough of an uneven lawn. This was professionally cut grass. Someone was paid to hurt the grass and tree.

Cedar rust

The cedar-apple rust disease is active during rainy periods. It is usually done for the season around Memorial weekend. Susceptible apple and crabapples are treated with a fungicide like myclobutanil to protect leaf and fruit tissue. This disease rarely harms the juniper or cedar so protective treatment for those plants in July is not suggested.

Make a Splash at Camp!

The camping season is almost here! Youth from second – seventh grades will soon be attending 4-H Camp at Rock Springs 4-H Center. The Purple Power Pack Camp Group (Dickinson, Geary, Morris, Pottawatomie, Riley and Wabaunsee counties) will be camping June 9-12, 2010.

Campers will be swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, creating crafts, trying archery, exploring the outdoors, playing water games, learning about shooting sports, experiencing family style dining and much more! Of course, there will be a campfire and lots of fun learning about nature.

Parents can register youth online at www.riley.ksu.edu Click on “Register for 4-H Camp.” Have your credit card ready, for online payment. Hurry, registration is due May 5!

Camp only comes along once a year – and you won’t want to miss it! Be a part of 4-H Camp 2010, as we “Make a Splash” during this year’s camp theme experience!

To Demonstrate

It has been said that more people fear giving a speech than death. There really is nothing to fear, and you will be surprised at how easy a speech becomes with more opportunities to give them. Speaking is a way to share thoughts and ideas with others, so have no fear, speech tips are near!

Please Do:
· Pre-measure ingredients, if performing a cooking demonstration.
· Bring a table covering for your work space.
· Face the audience when you speak.
· Cover product brand names, or place product in an unmarked container.
· Make a list of supplies, and gather in advance of the presentation.
· Have completed examples ready to share.
· Clean up your work space after the presentation.
· Have a “hooking” introduction and summarizing conclusion.
· Organize the speech in a way that the listener can understand the topic.
· Visual aids should be neat, easy to read and relate to the presentation.
· Dress for a presentation should be neat and clean.
· Wear an apron, if the presentation might be messy.

Last, but not least – remember your smile! People will enjoy the presentation more with a smile, and you will have fun too. Want to learn more? Contact the Riley County Extension Office for publications on demonstrations, illustrated talks and project talks.

Starting Seeds

My cabbage and broccoli seeds have germinated. I grow them in my unheated safe room. The heat mat gets them off to a quick start. Soon, I will need to transplant them to individual cells.

Under our hot topics are the links to how to start your own plants from seed.

Voles in the Yard

Voles or field mice have been active in a portion of our Eyestone property. They enjoyed the snow cover to protect themselves from predetors while foraging. Grasses, forbs, seeds, tubers, insects, and bark are some of their food sources.

For me they are just a nusiance to live with. To learn all about voles you can go to:

http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/ro_b177.pdf