WLRY the Farm Page

For those without a Pesticide or Fertilizer license, or anyone wishing to add a category to an existing license, we will host a testing session with ODA in the Ag Center on  Wednesday, April 3, 2024  beginning promptly at 11 a.m. Call our office (740-5419) or visit https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/pesticides/exam-registration to reserve a seat. Seats are very limited.

It is time to prepare your lawn for the coming year, time to build the foundation for a vigorous, healthy lawn that will be the envy of your neighbors. Your foundation should be built upon the firm footing of a soil test. A soil test is the way to determine the current fertility status of your lawn. The soil test also provides the information necessary to maintain the optimum soil fertility from year to year.

An important benefit of the soil test is that it takes the uncertainties and guesswork out of fertilizing your lawn. Another benefit is that the soil test is extremely cost effective. You can apply only the fertilizer required, at the proper time and eliminate costly over application of unneeded nutrients. This helps protect the environment.

The quantity and availability of nutrients are altered by our activities. The fertilizers, compost, mulch, lime, and/or sulfur we apply affect the amount of nutrients present in the soil. In addition, the natural leaching process reduces the amount of nutrients.  Most turf grasses and ornamental shrubs grow best in soils that are slightly acid with a pH of 6.1 to 6.9. Rhododendron and azalea prefer a more acid soil.  The soil test is the best way to determine if your soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.

Now is a great time to take a soil sample on established lawns.

The best tool for sampling soil is a soil probe, but most homeowners do not own a soil probe. A simple spade or shovel will work very well for getting a sample. No matter what tool you use, the sampling procedure follows a few simple procedures:

• Obtain a soil testing packet from the Fairfield County office of Ohio State University Extension for $6.50 & submit to University of Kentucky.
• Remove the top turf thatch, debris, or residue from the surface
• Sample 6-8 inches deep
• Sample when the soil is suitable for spading
• Take samples in a random pattern throughout the lawn
• Take a minimum of 10 samples, each at the same depth and volume
• Use a plastic bucket to collect the samples
• Mix the sample thoroughly
•  Bring to OSU Extension in Fairfield County to mail your samples  for soil testing.  Once your results have been determined  you will receive a summary of your results via email with recommendations from OSU Extension in Fairfield County.

GROWING AND USING HERB SERIES OFFERED  

Tuesday, April 16 at NOON at the Library in Lancaster

Growing Herbs: Whether you have a backyard garden or a few containers on your patio, everyone can grow herbs that transform good food into a great meal. Join OSU Extension Educator, Carrie Brown, as we explore selecting and growing fresh herbs at home.

Class is Scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, 2024 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: Fairfield County District Library, 219 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Lancaster, OH

Contact email: brown.2766@osu.edu for more details.

To register:  https://fcdlibrary.libnet.info/event/10147480

 

USING AND STORING FRESH HERBS 

MONDAY,  APRIL 29 at NOON at the Library in Lancaster 

Cooking with herbs can be a quick and simple way to add interesting flavors to foods without adding salt, sugar, or fat. Join OSU Extension Educator, Shannon Carter, to learn tips on using, storing and preserving fresh herbs.

Class will be held Monday, April 29, 2024 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Location: Fairfield County District Library, 219 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Lancaster, OH

For details:  Contact email: carter.413@osu.edu

To register:   https://fcdlibrary.libnet.info/event/10234758

To be eligible, entries must be born from a ewe owned by the exhibitor prior to January 1st of the current year and raised at the 4-H/FFA member’s immediate family property or family property that adjoins the exhibitor’s residence (i.e. grandparents, aunt/uncle) in Fairfield County. Proof of ownership of the ewe will be in the form of registration papers, farm Scrapie tag, or Scrapie tag with an accompanying bill of sale.

Entry must be one of the exhibitor’s junior fair market lamb projects. Lambs must be born after January 1st of the current year.

The market lamb selected to be shown in the homegrown market lamb show will be included in the general market classes.

Homegrown market lamb class will be held separately – before the general market lamb show, and only one lamb per exhibitor will be permitted to show in this class.

The top five (5) places will be selected and receive an award. The Champion Homegrown Market Lamb selected will sell 6th in the overall sale order (unless it places either Grand or Reserve Grand Champion in the general market lamb show or the exhibitor is selected as the Sheep Premier Exhibitor).

Exhibitors must complete the Homegrown Market Lamb Intent Form (http://go.osu.edu/homegrownmktlamb) as soon as possible following the birth of their Homegrown Market Lamb(s). This will notify the Sheep Committee to make a farm visit within two weeks of lambing.

 

All entries must agree to a market lamb committee member(s) entering their barn/housing unit for visual inspection of animals. Failure to do so will lead to immediate disqualification.  Homegrown Market Lamb(s) must take part in June weigh-in at the fairgrounds. No exceptions.