Posts by ashlee
Garden Soil Preparation – It’s Not Too Late
Autumn is an excellent time to add organic materials and till garden soils. Winter can still be a good time to take care of this chore as long as the…
Read MoreDraining Hoses and Irrigation Lines
Hoses and shallow irrigation lines may be damaged over the winter if water is not drained. If there is a main shut-off valve for the system, close it and…
Read MoreProtect Our Pollinators
It’s Easy Being Green, Just Say No By Dennis L. Patton, M.S., County Horticulture Agent, K-State Research and Extension/Johnson County “Protect our pollinators!” has become a mantra in the…
Read MoreOrganic Does Not Mean Pesticide-free
By Dennis L. Patton, M.S., County Horticulture Agent, K-State Research and Extension/Johnson County I was flying home after attending a recent conference. Seated next to me was a very pleasant…
Read MoreFall Colors of Trees
Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown. Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives…
Read MoreFall Planting of Asparagus and Rhubarb
We sometimes receive questions as to whether asparagus or rhubarb can be moved in the fall. Though these crops are traditionally transplanted in the spring (mid-March to mid-April), a…
Read MoreGardeners’ Gathering Thursday, August 17, 2017 “Gardening for Bees and Butterflies”
The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City present “Gardening for Bees and Butterflies “ by our special guest, Heather Holm. She is the author of “Pollinators of Native Plants” and…
Read MoreHarvesting and Roasting Sunflower Seed
Sunflowers are usually ready to be harvested beginning in mid-September and into October. Seed heads can ripen on the plant, but they will need protection from birds. Try covering the…
Read MoreSeptember Gardening Calendar
Ornamentals Weeks 1-4: Continue planting evergreens now. Weeks 1-3: Cuttings of annuals can be taken now to provide vigorous plants for overwintering. Weeks 1-3: Herbs such as parsley, rosemary, chives,…
Read MorePear Harvest
Most pear cultivars should not be allowed to ripen on the tree. They should be picked while still firm and ripened after harvest. Tree-ripened fruits are often of poor quality…
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