Pinching raspberry canes

My black raspberry canes are growing fast. The new canes should be summer-tipped by removing 2-3 inches from the top. That leaves a 3 feet long cane from the ground. I pinch mine off but hand shears or gloves may be recommended. This promotes growth of side branches and stocky plants that are more ridged. It is necessary to tip the ends of new canes several times during the summer.

Broccoli Harvest

My only successful broccoli crop. I transplanted 24 plants of various broccoli, kale, cauliflower and cabbage in my raised bed. They all died after a few weeks. I need to stick with containers.

Deer Patrol

A deer likes to snack on my roses flower buds. See missing buds on the rose stems. A few years ago, I got this scare sprinkler to attempt to change the deer behavior. I can't say it does or doesn't work. At least my children get a kick out of running by it.

Lawn weed

Black medic is really growing well in my field and others in Riley County this year. The clover like leaves and yellow flowers are characteristics. My higher managed lawn is thick and few weeds are able to grow there. Proper fertilizing, mowing and watering is the best way to manage weeds. Black medic's prostrate growth habit can crowd out the desirable plants. Cultivation is one method of management. Herbicides containing MCPP, Dicamba and Triclopyr are labeled for black medic. Read and follow label directions. It is tomato season and products containing 2,4-D can damage sensitive crops. Use caution when applying all herbicides.

Ornamental Grass Bed

This is the new ornamental grass bed by the Riley County Office Building near 5th and Humboldt. It containes a few of the recommended grasses by K-State Research and Extension. You can learn about these grasses in the publication "Ornamental Grasses" at http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/hort2/mf3048.pdf

Courthouse Hosta Bed

This is the second year for our Hosta bed. It usually takes 3 - 4 years to get established. Stop-by and see these "Prairie Bloom" varieties suited to the Kansas climate for shade to partial shade locations. The bed is north of the Riley County Courthouse at 5th and Poyntz in Manhattan. The complete list of "Prairie Bloom" Hostas is at http://www.prairiestarflowers.com/Prairie%20Bloom%20pages/Hosta_allpics.html. Information on growing Hostas is at http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/doc3179.ashx.