Tree Pruning

Trees pruned correctly will seal over to prevent insect and disease from having an opening. These pictures represent the process. The pruning cut is made outside the branch collar which is a swollen area where the branch and trunk meet. Now is a fine time to manage your trees and make limb removal decisions.

Removal of a limb requiring a pruning saw is removed in three steps. The first cut is made under the limb, 12 inches from the trunk. Cut a third of the way through the trunk. The second cut is made from the top down 14 inches from the trunk until the limb snaps off. The final cut removes the remaining portion of the limb. This final cut is made outside the branch collar and leaves mostly a circular wound.

For good information on pruning, go to http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/pruning.shtml

Tree Pruning

Lawn Fertilizing

Applying fertilizer takes some effort. The easiest way is to measure the square feet of area. This is done by multipling length times widith. Use the right amount of product to get 1 to 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen per thousand square feet. Put the fertilizer setting low and go over the lawn in several directions until the fertilizer is used up.

This picture indicates where the fertilizer was applied and where it wasn't. To remedy this lawn, apply some more nitrogen fertilizer between the dark areas.

Member Achievements

A big celebration is set for Sunday, November 8! Riley County 4-H members will receive special recognition for 4-H achievements. We will recognize members for Leadership, Citizenship, project work, and more. A new award will be presented for Citizenship this year to one Riley County member.

We will also be recognizing volunteers for their years of service. A family will be honored as 4-H Family of the Year and another long time 4-H volunteer will receive the Volunteer Service Award.

A slide show of achievements will be shared, followed by a light dinner. The delicious finish will be a build your own ice cream sundae!

Great work 4-H members! We look forward to celebrating your work at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday!

Fall soil preparation

Fall is the best time to loosen the soil. Organic matter can be worked in and any added nutrients that a soil test would indicate beneficial. This raised bed of mine was allowed to grow a cover crop all year. I planted it last fall with grass. The organic matter will break down over winter and it should be ready to plant my spring salad crops.

We have had plenty of moisture and working the soil when it is wet isn't best. However, the freezing and thawing this winter will help loosen the clods made when turning over wet soil.

Winterizing Roses

Last year it got cold fast and my hybrid tea roses went through several hard freezes before I got the mulch put on them. None died but they were very small and took a while to bloom. The forecast called for really cold temperatures so I hurriedly got them covered this year with woodchip mulch.

The hard frost didn't happen but I'm not going to uncover. It will be interesting to see how they survive the winter. Healthy plants going into dormancy is important as well as winter protection.

Hardy shrub roses that don't require protection are becoming more popular. See a recommended list of shrub roses at http://www.riley.ksu.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=199

The BIG Sale

Raising money takes a l-o-n-g time, according to teen time! The mission is to raise enough money to travel to Washington, D.C. in June. So, in honor of this longstanding 4-H tradition, Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) would like to invite you to the BIG fall sale.

The “garage” sale will take place at Pottorf Hall on Saturday, October 10, from 7:30-11:00 a.m. Pottorf Hall is located at CiCo Park in Manhattan, right off of Avery Avenue.

The building will be filled with furniture, appliances, adult clothing, children’s clothing, games, toys, books, shoes, bags, kitchen items, crafting supplies, linens, electronics and much more. Large items will be priced, and clothing will be sold by the bag for $4. All remaining “bagable” items will be sold for $4 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Baked goods and coffee will be sold too. Come support local teens as they learn more about our nation’s government, and collect some wonderful items!

National 4-H Week

Happy National 4-H Week! National 4-H Week is currently being celebrated across the United States, October 4-10, 2009. Clubs are hosting recognition events, school information events, displaying their project work and helping people learn more about this family program. Watch for 4-H announcements and listen for what 4-H members are doing in your local community in newspapers and local radio stations.

4-H is over 100 years old, and offers learning experiences for boys and girls. 4-H is for families! Parents and other adults help children learn by teaching them about a specific project – for example – plant science. Adults also serve as mentors and assist youth in planning events and running their meetings.

Riley County is home to 14 community 4-H clubs and 3 project clubs. The clubs meet throughout the county, so there is certain to be one near you. October 1 started the new 4-H year; now is the time to consider 4-H for your family. 4-H experiences start for youth as young as 5, and continue through high school. Here is hoping that you catch that clover enthusiasm!