Month: October 2018

Fall Planting Milkweed Seeds

Submitted by Faye Mahaffey

OSUE Brown County Master Gardener Volunteer

 

Can you believe it’s almost November? I seem to sound like a “broken record” each month, complaining that the days just flew by!

The rain and wind continue to knock down the leaves and now the Cottonwood leaves are creating a heavy mat on the grass. Those leaves are the toughest to deal with as far as I am concerned! And now walking down by the creek has become quite tricky because of all the black walnuts on the ground!

November is a great time to plant milkweed seeds according to Tony Gomez (monarchbutterflygarden.net). It’s too warm for the ground to be frozen, but too cold for seeds to sprout before winter sets in. Remember that perennial milkweed seeds need cold stratification, so why not let winter take care of that naturally! Exposing seeds to cool temperatures before the warmer temps of spring will cause them to break their dormancy, coaxing out your new spring seedlings.

The 10 simple steps to fall planning milkweed seeds include:

  1. Put your seeds into a small bowl and bring out to the planting area.
  2. Clear away any mulch or rocks from the area which could potentially block the growth of a small seedling.
  3. Water the area thoroughly and let it saturate the soil.
  4. Put on garden gloves and stick your index finger in the dirt up to your first knuckle.
  5. Repeat this process for each seed you are planting.
  6. Place a seed in each hole.
  7. Cover the seeds with the already-moist soil.
  8. Mark your seed area with sturdy plant labels.
  9. Do you have squirrels? You might want to consider putting down chicken wire to deter squirrels or other pesky critters from digging up your new milkweed patch.
  10. Relax for the winter!

I am still hoping to get some small trees planted before the ground freezes, but I might have to do it in the rain! We all complained about the hot humid weather and how it kept us from working in our gardens. Now that the cooler weather is here, I would love for it to stop raining long enough for me to finish my October “to-do list”. How about you?

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the garden seminar on Thursday, November 15at the Mt. Orab campus of Southern State Community College. Doug Dyer, OSUE Brown County Master Gardener Volunteer, will talk about Poison Hemlock and other invasive weeds. Remember that all seminars are free and open to the public and are held in Room 208 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The wind is howling, and the leaves are blowing! It’s a great day to stay inside and plan next year’s gardens!

Cover Crops Can Provide Added Benefit

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

October 29, 2018

Cover crops are a frequently discussed topic among agriculturalists of both livestock and crop production. Primarily used to manage soil erosion and soil quality, cover crops can provide added benefit to many farming operations. While cover crops are not always a traditional crop that is planted with the intention to be harvested, they can provide other benefits which may result in higher profits by improving the soil.

Cover crops have been used for centuries, but have made a comeback in popularity due to environmental and ecological efforts, according to Alan Sundermeier, an Ohio State University Extension Educator. Benefits of cover crops include improvements to soil quality, erosion control, fertility improvements, suppression of weeds, and insect control. Cover crops can be planted as soon as the previous crop has been harvested or consumed. For instance, once a field of soybeans has been harvested in September, wheat could be planted immediately following.

There are a variety of plants that serve well as cover crops. These plants include hairy vetch, alfalfa, clovers, rye, oats, wheat, and forage turnips. Sundermeier said, “a combination of two or more types of cover crops may be beneficial for quick establishment and improved nutrient utilization.”

Dr. Jim Linnie, a Highland County grass-fed beef producer, has utilized cover crops on his farm to extend the grazing season and improve the soil quality. Linnie no-tilled his cover crop seed into his existing perennial pastures after his cattle had grazed the pasture to a low height. He used a combination of forage oats, nitro radish, purple top turnip, rape, and hairy vetch. Linnie said his cattle will enjoy this “salad bar” in November and December.

Cover crops planted in Dr. James Linnie’s pasture near Hillsboro, Ohio. Photo credit: Dr. James Linnie. 

As you consider cover crops for your farming operation, think about the use of the land and how long the fields or pastures are green. Fields that experience longer periods of growing seasons can be healthier due to added nutrients, enhanced soil biology, and improved organic matter in the soil. Linnie partnered with Peter Donovan of the Soil Carbon Coalition to study how many days his pasture had a green growing season. The Soil Carbon Coalition utilizes Google Earth Engine’s catalog of satellite imagery to detect the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), which is an indicator of the activity of photosynthesis or the presence of green vegetation.

The Soil Carbon Coalition has an interactive map of the Little Miami watershed, which includes portions of Highland County, available to view on their website. If you are interested in seeing the impact of cover crops from a local perspective, check out the map at https://soilcarboncoalition.org/html/LittleMiami.html. For more information about cover crops and how to incorporate them into your farming operation, contact the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

 

Upcoming Events:

 The Global Climate Change Update with Dr. Thomas Blaine from The Ohio State University will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, from 6: 30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. The program will be held at the Brown County Fairgrounds, Rhonemus Hall. The cost to attend is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact James Morris at morris.1677@osu.eduor at the Brown County Extension Office at 937-378-6716.

The next Highland County Monthly Extension Program will be held on December 10, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. at the Ponderosa Steakhouse in Hillsboro, Ohio. More details will be coming soon, please save the date and plan to attend.

Thoughts about Gardening

Submitted by Faye Mahaffey

OSUE Brown County Master Gardener Volunteer

It finally happened! The Marigolds and Zinnias were killed by the frost and the large Bushel Gourd vine that was trying to eat my garden is now a brown wilted mess. This time of the year brings a mixed bag of emotions for me. I have regret about what I didn’t accomplish, but at the same time, I am already planning for the next growing season! It’s time to pull the tomato cages, straighten up the potting shed and clean and oil the garden tools.

Have you ever been asked why you garden? As I talk with other gardeners about the “joy” they find in this hobby the reasons include: 1) It’s my exercise, 2) I want more control over what my family eats, 3) I enjoy growing my own food, 4) I like having a beautiful property I can be proud of, 5) I like being and feeling healthy, 6), It gives me piece of mind, 7) It relaxes me, 8) I like being connected to the natural world, 9) I love flowers, and 10) I enjoy spending time outdoors and around plants. What can you add to this list?

A National Garden Bureau survey asked gardeners why they garden, and their responses are inspiring. The top 10 reasons include:

  1. Garden for safe, healthy food. Start your own garden and know that the foods you and your family eat are fresh and safe.
  2. Garden for exercise. You can get all the exercise you need in your own backyard for free! Gardening activities provide both cardio and aerobic exercise. As we age, gardening can help reduce osteoporosis. If you have physical limitations, there are adaptive tools to help you get the job done.
  3. Garden for Beauty. A garden can enhance any outdoor setting. Trees and shrubs not only provide color and shade, but shelter for birds and wildlife. Think of the garden as another room to be enjoyed.
  4. Garden to learn. You can learn by reading and you can learn by doing! Gardeners find that the more they learn about plants and gardening, the more they want to know.
  5. Garden to make money. The love of plants can lead to a rewarding job at a local garden center, or to owning your own business. Landscaping an investment property can add to the resale value by as much as 15 percent.
  6. Garden to meet people. Gardeners love to share their gardens and their knowledge. Gardening is a great way to expand your social circle. Join a Garden Club or consider training to be an OSUE Master Gardener Volunteer!
  7. Garden to be creative. Gardening provides an outlet for creative and artistic expression. Try something new every season. Keep a project folder or notebook and add to it when you see something that catches your eye!
  8. Garden to win. Gardening is a friendly way to show off your skills. County and state fairs provide an opportunity to show everyone the giant pumpkin or perfect zinnia.
  9. Garden for emotional needs. Gardens play an important part in our well-being. A garden might serve as a tranquil retreat or private escape from the demands of everyday life. Gardening builds confidence and self-esteem.
  10. Garden for lasting memories. Gardening is a great activity that can be shared with children and grandchildren – the gardeners of tomorrow. Memories of past gardens and gardeners are cherished. Help build these memories for the next generation.

I have wonderful memories of working in the garden with my mother. She loved to grow flowers and create beautiful arrangements for church each Sunday.

Interested in learning more about a noxious weed that has been put on Ohio’s invasive list? Doug Dyer, OSUE Brown County Master Gardener Volunteer, will talk about Poison Hemlock and other invasive weeds at the November 15thgarden seminar at the Mt. Orab campus of Southern State Community College. Remember that all seminars are free and open to the public and are held in Room 208 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy putting your gardens to bed and start planning for next year!

 

 

Global Climate Change Update

Dr. Blaine will be speaking about the history and trends of climate change. He will also be addressing the common questions that surround the subject:

  • “Hasn’t Earth been much warmer than it is now for most of its history? If that is true (and it is), then why worry about a few degrees warming in the next 50-100 years?”
  • “Isn’t it likely that the warming is natural and not caused by humans at all?”
  • “Hasn’t global temperatures always fluctuated? After all, the glacial grooves at Kelley’s Island prove that Ohio was once covered with ice. Something caused that global cooling, and when the ice age ended, something caused massive global warming – and none of it was humans. So why the concern about global warming now?”

 

 

Fall Foliage

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

October 10, 2018

Fall has arrived in southern Ohio. For many individuals, fall began on September 22 with the autumn equinox. My personal perception of the start of “fall” is the commencement of grain harvesting in the area. Others could debate that the start of fall is when the leaves begin to change color. When the fall foliage reaches its peak, the leaves are certainly a beautiful sight to see.

For many areas in the United States, fall foliage is a large tourist attraction. Vibrant red, yellow, and orange leaves provide a kaleidoscope of colors for leaf enthusiasts to enjoy. However, this year the change in color of the leaves has had a slower start than other years. Deciduous trees, which are trees that loose their leaves at the end of each growing season, have been impacted by the weather patterns we have experienced this year.

Trees and plants survive on photosynthesis to break down chlorophyll. During the summer chlorophyll causes the green color of leaves. As the trees begin to shut down for the winter, the leaves start to change color due to the changes in their chemical compound.

This year, we have experienced a hot summer with steady rainfall. This combination has caused a delay in the start of the color change, and also may cause the colors to not be as vibrant as other years.  According to Christine Gelley, an OSU Extension Educator in Noble County, “color changes are most dramatic in years where summer transitions to fall with a series of warm sunny days, followed by crisp (not freezing) nights.”

In Highland County, some of the trees are beginning to change color, but many of the trees are still a shade of green. Dryer weather, cooler nights and sunny days could increase the rate of the color change in the area. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources publishes a fall color report that is updated regularly. Paint Creek State Park is listed as “changing” colors. Currently, there are several Ohio state parks that are near their color peak, but none are listed as at the peak of color yet. To see the Fall Color Report visit: http://www.ohio.org/season/fall?field_dates_value%5Bdate%5D=09/01/2018&field_dates_value2%5Bdate%5D=11/30/2018.

 

Upcoming Events

Beef Quality Assurance Training: 

  • Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producer Stockyards, Hillsboro, Ohio

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the BQA training. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.

The Global Climate Change Update with Dr. Thomas Blaine from The Ohio State University will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, from 6: 30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. The program will be held at the Brown County Fairgrounds, Rhonemus Hall. The cost to attend is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact James Morris at morris.1677@osu.eduor at the Brown County Extension Office at 937-378-6716.

The next Highland County Monthly Extension Program will be held on December 10, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. at the Ponderosa Steakhouse in Hillsboro, Ohio. More details will be coming soon, please save the date and plan to attend.

Avoid Forage Toxicities After Frosts

Leadership Highland Agriculture and Natural Resources Day

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

October 17, 2018

 

From left to right: Mat Greene, Liz Brennfleck, Diana Grooms, Michelle Unsworth, Rob Holt, Destiny Bryson, Scott Hopf, Evan Davis, and Ken Davis at the Davis’ farm.

The Leadership Highland class of 2018-2019 met on October 17, 2018, for the Agriculture and Natural Resources Day. Participants learned more about agriculture, natural resources, and conservation in Highland County and Ohio.

The first tour of the day was to the Fallsville Wildlife Area. Participants met with Kash Adams, the Fallsville Wildlife Area Manager, who discussed the covey of Quail which reside in the wildlife area. Adams described the ideal habitat for Quail and how the Fallsville Wildlife Area staff creates those habitats. Adams led a hike to the Fallsville Wildlife Area waterfall, which has seen an increase in visitors since being featured on social media tourism sites.

Leadership Highland participants and Kash Adams at the Fallsville Wildlife Area waterfall.

 

Fallsville Wildlife Area Waterfall

The second stop of the day was Davis Farms. Ken and Christa Davis hosted the participants of Leadership Highland in their farm shop to discuss the innovations and technologies used in modern agriculture. Participants then met with Evan Davis in one of the family’s cornfields, where they gained first-hand experience on the process of harvesting with a combine, grain cart, and semi-trucks. The final stop of the Davis Farm tour was of their grain bin facility, where Leadership Highland participants learned about the importance of drying and storing grain to maintain grain quality.

Evan Davis showed participants about the technological features of the combine head.

 

Ken Davis describes harvest on his farm while his son, Evan, drives the combine in the background.


 David Daniels, the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, spoke before lunch about his career in agriculture and trends in agriculture throughout the state. Daniels stated that one of the main challenges facing agriculture is the public perception of agricultural practices and being able to effectively communicate with consumers. Dr. Andy Londo, Assistant Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Ohio State University Extension, Dr. Greg Davis, Assistant Director of Community Development of Ohio State University Extension, and Kathy Bruynis, Highland County 4-H Youth Development Educator and Extension Area Leader, also joined the Leadership Highland class for lunch and Daniels’ presentation.

 

Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David Daniels spoke to the participants of Leadership Highland and guests about his background and Ohio agriculture.

 

The final tour of the day was of The Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon. Dr. Tom Worley, Director of OSU South Centers, provided a tour that highlighted all areas of South Centers programs and research. Leadership Highland participants learned about the CFAES Center for Cooperatives, Direct Agricultural and Food Marketing, Family Nutrition and Wellness, the Soil and Water laboratory, aquaculture, and aquaponics programs housed at South Centers. Participants were given a wagon tour of the small fruits and horticulture research test plots. These test plots included viticulture, blueberries, and research on water required to efficiently produce corn and soybeans in inhospitable climates on Earth and potentially Mars. The final portion of the tour was of the Endeavor Center, where participants were able to view the television studio used to produce many Extension television programs.

Dr. Gary Gao spoke to the group on the wagon tour of the research test plots at South Centers.


Special thanks to Bagshaw Enterprises Inc. and Rob Holt who provided a passenger van for the Agriculture and Natural Resources Day tours, and to all of the guests, speakers, and hosts who made the day possible. For several Leadership Highland participants, this was their first time to tour a farm during harvest, see the Fallsville waterfall, or to tour South Centers. The next meeting of Leadership Highland will be Health and Public Safety Day in November.

Upcoming Events: 

Beef Quality Assurance Training: 

  • Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producer Stockyards, Hillsboro, Ohio

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the BQA training. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.