From hot and steamy, to cool and soggy they weather sure changed rapidly over the weekend, almost as to announce that fall was here. Earlier planted crops begun to turn with last week’s heat, however from what my colleagues are reporting, we here in far NW Ohio are a couple of weeks behind in terms of crop maturity. As hurricane season ramps up in the Atlantic more rain is likely in the forecast. For those earlier planted corn fields stalk quality may become a concern.
Many gardens may be winding down for the year, but there are a few things we can do to make it better for next year. The first is to keep on weeding your garden, which will reduce the weed seed bank for next year. One of the reasons they are “weeds” is the ability to produce tremendous amounts of seeds and will be ready for the right conditions to start up next year. The weeds you pull now can be put in the compost pile, which will kill the seeds and make great organic matter to help the soil.
Going into the fall, aside from Farm Science Review, for which we still have tickets available, there is one major program coming up. On October 9th at 5:00 p.m., we will host the first ever OSU Extension Grill Smart program at Holgate High School. Sponsored by the Ohio Beef Council and Ohio Poultry Association, this program is designed to promote safe grilling and outdoor cooking techniques. Through hands on learning, participants will learn about various meat cuts from beef, pork, and poultry, and how to maximize their palatability and flavor. There is a $20 program fee for meat product and materials. The class is open to a maximum of 20 participants on a first come, first served basis. If interested in improving your grill skills, please RSVP to the Extension office by October 1st.
When I was home in southern Ohio for the county fair last week, the heat was certainly changing the color of the trees in the area. Having lived north of I-70 the better part of the last eight years I certainly enjoy the changing of the leaves more than I once did. If ever in Morgan County for some reason, a drive down OH-78 towards Burr Oak State park when the leaves are changing is certainly worth the time. Be sure to stop by what I know as the Rim of the Word (Google it) as the views are extraordinary.
Here locally if you want some additional fall color around the landscape, now is a great time to plant mums. I’ll end this week with a quote from Ohio native, Thomas Edison: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work”. Have a great week. Go Bucks!
Sept. 18/20 – Farm Science Review
Oct. 9 – Grill Smart
Garth Ruff,
Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator
OSU Henry County Extension