Fruit and Vegetable Crop Walk

Hardin County – There is a segment of agriculture in southeastern Hardin County that specializes in commercial fruit and vegetable production. Hardin County is also home to the Scioto Valley Produce Auction near Mt. Victory where much of this produce is sold. Hardin County OSU Extension has planned a Fruit and Vegetable Crop Walk program on Tuesday, August 2 from 6:00-8:00 pm to help with fruit and vegetable production issues. The location of the program will be on a produce farm at 15237 County Road 209, Kenton. It is open to all fruit and vegetable producers, whether they are commercial or home gardeners.

OSU Extension Integrated Pest Management Coordinator Jim Jasinski will provide information on using IPM techniques to control pests with produce. Ashley Leach, OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Assistant Professor of Entomology will provide an update on specialty crops insects. Gary Gao, OSU Extension Small Fruit Production Specialist will provide information on growing grapes and raspberries. Brad Bergefurd, Technical Specialty Crop Agronomist, Brandt Discovery and Innovation will provide an update for growers on vegetable production fertility. Hardin County OSU Extension Educator Mark Badertscher will provide information about Driftwatch; a voluntary communication tool that enables crop producers, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators to work together to protect specialty crops and apiaries through use of mapping programs.

The program will be held outside so bring your lawn chair and umbrella in case of rain. There will be a diagnostic table so be sure to bring along any weeds, plant nutrition problems, plant diseases, and insect specimens in a sealed plastic bag for questions and answers. The program will conclude with a walk through a produce field, pointing out fruit and vegetable issues and steps to properly manage them. There is no cost to attend this event.

Summer Garden Programs

Hardin County – The Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting two summer garden programs at the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County located at 960 W. Kohler Street in Kenton. The events begin at 6:30 pm with an event on edible plants, “I can eat THAT??!!” on July 19 and another on “Growing Cucurbits” on August 16.

Learn about foraging for food in your backyard Tuesday, July 19 with the edible plants program “I can eat THAT??!!” There are many plants besides fruits and vegetables that are growing in your yard or woods that can be used as food. Come learn about some of them and try a taste. This is a good way to stretch your food budget. This will be presented by Master Gardeners Vicki Phillips and Kim Thomas.

What are cucurbits? Why they are squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, melons, and gourds, of course. Learn the tricks on how to grow these delicious vegetables, and tips on how to keep them pest and disease free. This program on “Growing Cucurbits” will be held Tuesday, August 16 and will be presented by Master Gardener Stewart Coats who is an award-winning gardener.

These events are free and open to the public, rain or shine with the featured program inside the shelter house at the Friendship Gardens with seating. Registration is not necessary to attend. Master Gardener Volunteers will be stationed throughout the Friendship Gardens before and after the programs to answer your gardening questions. All interested gardeners are encouraged to attend.

Planting for Color Topic of Evening Garden Affair

Hardin County – The Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting “An Evening Garden Affair” on Tuesday evening, July 12 at the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County located at 960 W. Kohler Street in Kenton. The event is from 6:30 to 8:00 pm and will feature Rachel Hoverman of OSU Extension-Van Wert County with a program about “Planting for Year-Round Color.”

Attendees will gather in the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County for tours at 6:30 pm with Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. Learn about the many different themed gardens at this educational demonstration garden. There will be snacks and drinks available before moving to Simon Kenton School gymnasium at 7:00 pm for the program presented by speaker Rachel Hoverman, Van Wert County 4-H Youth Development/Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator. Following her presentation on “Planting for Year-Round Color,” a basket of garden themed items will be sent home with a lucky winner.

This event is free and open to the public, rain or shine with the featured program inside the Simon Kenton School with seating. Registration is not necessary to attend. Master Gardener Volunteers will be stationed throughout the Friendship Gardens starting at 6:30 pm to answer your gardening questions. All who have an interest in gardening will not want to miss this event. Parking is at the garden off West Kohler Street or in front of Simon Kenton School. For further information contact the OSU Extension office at 419-674-2297.