Leaf Eaters

This walnut branch had both walnut caterpillar and fall webworm feeding on it. The missing leaves are from the caterpillar. The webbing is from the fall webworm. Storms, environment or finished eating have resulted in them no longer around. Even if they were, neither cause harm to the tree. Only missing leaves. I don't worry about them. You could knock them out of the tree if you wanted to save some leaves from being eaten.

Planting Bed

It was decided to extend the planting bed outside of the screened in porch. The porch is used to sit on and bringing the garden closer will be enjoyed. Tentative plans is to get a bird bath as a focal point along with using many fragrant plants.

The first step was to determine how big to make it. I used glyphosate to kill the grass. My son and I turned the soil over using a potato fork. We went to get a load of compost from the transfer station to mix into the soil. The compost won't be ready until after August 1. We settled for a load of free woodchips. It is too hot to work on this project anyway.

Squash Vine Borer

K-State Research and Extension asked for assistance in monitoring the squash vine borer. I had given up planting squash/pumpkin because the borer always killed my plants.

I was given a pheromone trap so planted a pumpkin. So far, the trap has caught 10 male adult borers. Last night I went to check and there was one inside the lure.

Their mating season is suppose to be coming to and end. We will see how long I keep catching them.

Watering

I have needed to supplement moisture using various irrigation equipment on different plantings. This is my drip system that I use in the raised beds. I purchased a water meter to see how much water I'm using. It ran for an hour and used 48 gallons in this 70 square feet bed. The soil was wet down 16 inches. You can't see but there are tomatoes planted in this bed. I will wait until the soil dries down and water again if it hasn't rained.

Passion for 4-H

4-H has been mentioned much of late, due to a CNN article posted on June 23. Essentially, the writer of that article, believes that 4-H desensitizes members to animal slaughter. The article has generated much activity, both for and against, the writer's viewpoint.

As a youth development professional, I have the opportunity to see snapshots of growth in the youth involved in the 4-H program. I have watched members gain confidence after successfully completing a presentation, find a career path based upon positive project experiences, be responsible for his/her own money while attending a week's worth of camp, and grow into strong community advocates and adult leaders.

Teachers have often mentioned that they can tell which students are members of the 4-H program. The students often possess a higher degree of self-confidence, responsibility and comfort with public speaking. The results of a child's participation in 4-H are often evident after three years of involvement.

4-H builds community capacity and networks human capital. This is the answer to connecting families and making your community a positive place to raise children.

I would love to hear how 4-H has made a difference in your life. Read the CNN article at http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/06/23/does-4-h-desensitize-kids-to-killing/?hpt=hp_c2 Then email your response to afeld@ksu.edu I would love to post some of your comments right here on our blog. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!