Tree Wrap

I recently got a replacement sweet cherry tree. For winter protection, I mulched and placed a plastic tree wrap around the trunk. I suggest using a wrap during the winter to prevent any chewing on the bark by voles or rabbits. We have young cats and I have witnessed them clawing the bark on many trees.

Sunscald is a term used when cells on the trunk of plants are killed typically on the south and west side of the plant. A tree wrap may prevent injury to these cells during the winter period.

Carrot Harvest

Carrots take a while to grow but the wait is worth it. These were started in this plastic bag lined laundry basket in July. The use of potting media allows for nicely shaped carrot roots. I used a mix of carrot varieties to get the different colored roots. The cool nights in the fall make for tasty carrots. I plan to plant for a spring crop next April.

Officer Know How

Fall is the time of year when many groups elect new officers. Many people are hesitant to take the plunge and give an office a try - but there are many rewards to be gained by serving in an officer role.

Officer endeavors help members to learn:

• Responsibility
• Interpersonal Skills (how to work with others)
• Communication Skills
• Leadership
• Self-Confidence

Officer duties vary per organization and officer role. Set a goal to try out a new officer role this year. Who knows what you might learn!

Popcorn Harvest

The only good thing about this year's popcorn crop was the little time needed for shelling. I got 1.5 poppings out of the crop. It did taste good!

Our sweet corn crop was similar. We hope for better next year.

Ornamental Grasses

Most grasses are well adapted to growing in our environment. There are a wide range of grasses to choose from. Now is a good time to view them as they finish up blooming and turning their fall and winter color.

Join me for a walking tour of the grasses at the KSU Gardens (1500 Denison Ave.) on Saturday, October 16 beginning at 10 am.

The handout can be used as a self-guided tour. It is under Landscape Grasses at http://www.riley.ksu.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=199

Gear Up for National 4-H Week

Fall is here -- and it even is starting to feel like it in the weather department too! National 4-H Week will soon be here; October 3-9, and Riley County 4-H clubs are busy planning for the week.

Randolph Ramblers will be performing a song and skit for 4-H Sunday. They have been busy practicing and will share it on October 17 at 9:30 a.m.

College Hill will be visiting Manhattan Broadcasting to promote 4-H and share 4-H made treats.

Bonfire 4-H members will be sharing brochures about their club and their 4-H experience with their classes at school.

The Riley County 4-H Ambassadors will be visiting local radio stations and sharing more about the 4-H program.

The Extension Office will be conducting a special science experiement on carbon footprints with the 4th grade at Manhattan Catholic Schools.

What are you going to do to celebrate National 4-H Week? Email your ideas to afeld@ksu.edu

Aeration

I aerated the lawn and broadcast seed to repair the lawn. The soil was moist which makes for good 2-3 inch plugs for the seed to fall into. Hopefully, in 10 days the dead areas will be showing signs of green.

Old & New Year Stuff

This time of year is crazy! School has started, fall sports are well underway, and 4-H still has lots to accomplish.

The Kansas State Fair comes at the tail end of the 4-H year, and this year's fair will run September 10-19. 4-H members are also preparing award applications, which are due on September 20. 4-H clubs are electing new officers, designing new program calendars, signing up for new committees and collecting volunteers for the new year. The new year, by the way, begins October 1. Yikes!

The Extension Office is busy turning over enrollments, collecting state fair entries and preparing for the end of the year awards rush. Then the fun begins. All items must be screened and processed in time for the October 24th 4-H Achievement Celebration. Not to mention ordering awards, preparing a program, contacting presenters, event details and communicating with the event committee.

So, when people ask what do we do when we are done with the fair for another year? I really don't know quite what to say!