https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html

Blog Post: http://www.ksuhortnewsletter.org

Video of the Week: Video of the Week: Building a Raised Bed for Gardens

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REMINDER: Share your 2023 Hort Newsletter Experiences!

We have had great feedback from readers about our 2023 Hort Newsletter. We hope to make the 2024 Hort Newsletter an even more useful resource for our subscribers. Please take a moment to share your K-State Hort Newsletter experiences so we can better serve your needs. Follow the link to a brief survey. All responses are anonymous. Thank you!

Horticulture Newsletter Needs Assessment

GARDEN SPOTLIGHT Request: This year we would like to feature gardeners across Kansas in our weekly newsletter. If you have innovative gardening practices including solutions to gardening challenges, sustainable gardening ideas, gardening with special populations programs (such as schools, assisted living centers, hospitals, etc.), or another gardening venture you want to share, we want to hear from you! Please email Cynthia at [email protected] to tell your story.

***Last week, K-State experienced campus-wide IT complications. This prevented us from distributing our email Hort Newsletter. We apologize for the inconvenience. You should receive Hort Newsletter #2 (from last week) today along with your scheduled Hort Newsletter #3.

ORNAMENTALS

Growing Herbs Indoors

By mid-January many gardeners are getting antsy to start growing. While it may be too soon to start seeds for outdoor gardening, there are many herbs with compact root systems that are well-suited for growing from seed to harvest indoors. Chives, cilantro, basil and dill are good options. They germinate quickly and remain relatively small in size. Though your indoor plants may not achieve the same productivity as those grown outdoors during summer, you can still enjoy fresh cut herbs and get your hands dirty while waiting for spring.

Begin with viable seed from a reputable source. Plant the seeds in containers using a soilless seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist during the germination stage. Secure fluorescent lights 4 to 6 inches above the soil surface. As the seedlings grow you will need to adjust the lights to maintain this distance. Keep lights on for 14 to 16 hours each day. Alternatively, if you have a south-facing window that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight this may be option. If grown using natural light through the window, you will need to rotate the containers as the plants grow to promote uniform growth. Also, be sure the window isn’t drafty. Herbs prefer a daytime temperature between 65- and 70-degrees F and nighttime temperature between 55- and 60-degrees F.

The air in our homes can become very dry during the winter which is detrimental to growing herbs. You can create microclimates with higher humidity by grouping multiple plants close together. Another option is to use a humidifier near the plants. Air circulation is another concern which can be remedied by using a small fan.

Indoor growing conditions are obviously not ideal for growing an herb garden. However, it is an option for gardening during the off-season. Using best practices for the situation and managing expectations is important for determining success.

TREES

Fruit Trees and Winter Damage

Our recent extreme cold snap may have growers anxious about the status of their fruit trees. Fortunately, during dormancy, the freezing temperatures are not harmful.

Fruit trees develop cold hardiness, or the ability to tolerate low temperatures, with exposure to freezing weather. As the weather warms up they lose this cold hardiness which is why early spring frosts can be detrimental. The cold weather we have been experiencing is not harmful since it followed progressively lowering temperatures. Damage to fruit trees typically occurs when the weather fluctuates rapidly from warm to extreme low temperatures. Fruit trees that were not pruned properly are at a greater risk of damage from the extreme cold as well.

As fruit trees begin to set buds the cold hardiness varies. This chart from Washington State University reports the temperatures fruit trees can withstand during various stages of budding. https://treefruit.wsu.edu/article/critical-bud-temperatures/

MISCELLANEOUS

Permanent + Agriculture = Permaculture

Permaculture is a land management strategy that combines ecology, food production and landscape design. By working with nature’s systems, the production yield increases while the manual labor decreases.

One permaculture principle is to turn waste into resources. Composting is one common example of this by turning food scraps and animal waste into soil for growing. Water collection systems such as rain barrels are another example.

Another permaculture strategy is to restore the environment. This involves observing what is and isn’t working well within a landscape. Areas of erosion or flooding as a result of human interference are locations that could potentially be restored by making small changes over time. Even an effort such as returning a lawn to native landscape can be restorative.

Increasing yields is a third permaculture focus. This primarily refers to the harvest from the landscape which can be increased as a result of improving the soil, growing more edible plants, succession planting and using season extenders. Some growers may suggest that increasing the yield also includes other benefits reaped such as enjoyment of watching wildlife invited to the landscape and overall improved well-being.

Minimizing manual labor is one of the goals of permaculture as well as one of the natural outcomes of working with the environment. Growing recommended cultivars and companion planting are strategies to reduce problems with pests. Fewer pests equals less effort from the grower. Likewise, selecting the proper locations for specific plants prevents the grower from battling the environment and allows the plants to flourish.

In short, permaculture is a tool for sustainability. The designs are intended to meet the needs of humans while simultaneously supporting the health of the environment. The principles are based on a respectful approach to others. In Hort Newsletter 2024 we will share various strategies that can be implemented into your landscape to grow towards sustainability.

Designing your Landscape

This is a great time to be making plans for the upcoming growing season. As you’re selecting plants and designing your landscape, don’t forget to check out the resources you have available.

From the K-State Horticulture Resource Center website (https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/) you can scroll down to locate the link to “Recommended Plants”. You’ll find a link to “Kansas Roots” which is goldmine for garden planning. Search plants by name using the plant library or do an advanced search by plant characteristics. You can also find garden centers within your region.

It’s always a good idea to start with your local extension office. The experts there are familiar with your regional growing conditions as well as sources for new plants/seeds. Find your extension agency here: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/

Proper planning is the first step towards a successful growing season. Let us help!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

“How do I find out what’s going on with the soil in my garden?”

This is a great time to get your soil tested so you’re ready for the growing season.

The K-State Research and Extension Soil Testing Lab provides high quality analysis of soil, plant, forage, grain and water for farmers, homeowners and researchers. Visit the Soil Testing Lab site to download the correct form and submit your samples. You will be able to create an account and view your results online.

Have you checked out K-State’s Horticulture Resource Center? We are here to help you achieve garden success! Find links to our current and past newsletters, common plant and pest problems, recommended plants and contacts for expert analyses. We can also help you find your local extension office for region-specific advice.

Contributor:

Cynthia Domenghini, Instructor & Horticulture Extension Specialist

Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources

1712 Claflin, 2021 Throckmorton

Manhattan, KS 66506

(785) 532-6173

For questions or further information, contact: [email protected] OR [email protected]

This newsletter is also available on the World Wide Web at:

http://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html

The web version includes color images that illustrate subjects discussed. To subscribe to this newsletter electronically, send an e-mail message to [email protected] or [email protected] listing your e-mail address in the message.

Brand names appearing in this newsletter are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.

K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision or hearing disability, or a dietary restriction please contact Extension Horticulture at (785) 532-6173.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, Ernie Minton, Dean.

https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html

Blog Post: http://www.ksuhortnewsletter.org

Video of the Week: Video of the Week: Easy to make Grow Light

REMINDER: Share your 2023 Hort Newsletter Experiences!

We have had great feedback from readers about our 2023 Hort Newsletter. We hope to make the 2024 Hort Newsletter an even more useful resource for our subscribers. Please take a moment to share your K-State Hort Newsletter experiences so we can better serve your needs. Follow the link to a brief survey. All responses are anonymous. Thank you!

Horticulture Newsletter Needs Assessment

LANDSCAPE

Managing Plants in the Cold and Snow

With Kansas’s cold weather and snow, there are a few things to consider for plant protection. First, snow is a good thing! In addition to bringing moisture, snow that sticks around serves as insulation against colder temperatures and desiccating wind. For small shrubs and perennials, leave snow where it lands to protect them from further injury and provide winter moisture when it melts. Evergreen trees and shrubs, particularly Arborvitae and plants with multiple leading stems, may need to have heavy snow loads knocked off to prevent breakage.

When clearing snow from paved surfaces, avoid piling it onto plants or near plants sensitive to salty runoff or splashing from vehicles. Parking lots are often cleared by pushing snow into large piles- make sure not to pile snow on top of low-growing plants or in a way that crushes plants or damages tree trunks. Large piles of snow take a long time to melt, and evergreen plants need to photosynthesize in the winter so avoid burying them under a mountain of snow.

Chemical treatments used to prevent human falls on hard surfaces can be detrimental to ornamentals and pets. Consider alternative de-icing salts like calcium chloride and calcium magnesium acetate and follow the label instructions. Sand can also help provide traction. (Cheryl Boyer)

HOUSEPLANTS

Are My Houseplants Receiving Enough Light?

Plants have many ways of communicating their needs to the grower. Too much or too little light will trigger responses from plants. Not all plants have the same lighting requirements. While many houseplants are well-suited to traditional house lighting, those of us who have brought in our flowers, succulents and other outdoor plants to overwinter in the living room may have plants that are trying to tell us something. Determine the lighting needs of your specific plants and adjust accordingly.

Too much light? Indoors, too much light is typically a concern for plants kept in a south or southwest facing window. Artificial lights that are kept too close to plants or left on for too long can also cause stress. If your plants are beginning to display spots on the leaves that are pale or faded this could be symptoms of excessive light.

Too little light? Plants with insufficient lighting are not able to efficiently produce chlorophyll. Consequently, they may lose their green coloring turning to a paler shade of green or even white. As the plants attempt to grow toward the light source the stems can become elongated or “leggy”. Leaves may drop prematurely and flower buds may not develop. Plants that should be variegated may become solid in color.

If low light is a problem for your indoor growing, check out the video of the week for a grow light you can easily make for your home. If you plan to start seeds indoors, grow lights may be necessary to ensure seedlings receive enough hours of light at the right intensity. (Cynthia Domenghini)

TURF

Effects of Ice on Turfgrass

When temperatures drop below freezing ice forms inside the plants. Ice that forms outside plant cells (extracellular freezing) is typically not a problem. However, plant cells cannot survive ice that forms inside the cells.

The most important part of the turfgrass plant regarding survival is the crown, or growing point. Ice forming outside cells inside the crown is common and usually not harmful. It can become an issue, primarily in warm season grasses, like bermudagrass, when temperatures are very cold for extended periods of time. This forces water inside cells to exit toward the ice. Too much water leaving the cells will cause dehydration, which can cause the crown to die.

In the central US we don’t deal with extended periods of ice cover on turf. Ice cover can result from sleet, freezing rain or snow melting and refreezing. Being under ice cover for more than 60 days can start to cause issues with lack of oxygen and/or accumulation of toxic gases under the ice.

We do see ice develop on leaf surfaces of turfgrasses, otherwise known as frost. Cool-season grasses tolerate frost on leaves just fine. Warm-season grasses don’t like frost and will often go dormant shortly have the first hard frost in the fall. Foot traffic on frozen turf can cause problems as ice crystals are pushed through the leaf surface and punctures cells causing them to collapse. The result is often brown patches of turf where the foot traffic was present.

Protect your lawn by avoiding walking on it when frost is present. Also keep tools such as mowers, wheelbarrows and carts off the grass during these conditions. (Jack Fry)

TREES

Conservation Trees from Kansas Forest Service

The Kansas Forest Service Conservation Tree Planting Program offers tree and shrub seedlings for use in conservation plantings including wildlife habitats, windbreaks, wood lots, timber plantations or educational and riparian plantings. Seedlings are one to two years old and vary from 8 to 36 inches tall.

Bare root and container-grown seedlings are available. Bare root seedlings should be planted as soon as possible though they can be stored for a couple of days in the shipping box if kept in a cool, shaded location. To store longer than this, keep the sealed box at 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Another option is to “heel in” the seedlings. Heeling in seedlings requires digging a V-shaped trench. Remove the seedlings from the packaging and cover the roots with soil in the trench. Pack firmly and water thoroughly. Seedlings should be planted in their permanent location before they begin growing. Drying out is a common cause of planting failure for seedlings. Protect the seedlings by wrapping them in wet burlap and/or keeping the roots covered in moist medium until planting.

Container-grown seedlings should also be planted as soon as possible for the greatest chance of success. If the planting is going to be delayed proper care must be given to ensure survival. Remove the plants from the cardboard shipping box and store them upright in light shade. Protect the seedlings from wind and saturate with water three times per week.

The Kansas Forest Service offers instructions for planting and care of tree and shrub seedlings (Tips on Planting Trees and Shrubs). Orders are accepted now through May 1st, but order early to ensure availability. Shipments begin mid-March. Orders may be picked up as well. To place an order call 1-888-740-8733 or visit kansasforests.org.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

“How should I be watering my young trees during the freezing temperatures?”

The extreme cold temperatures have many gardeners wondering what to do with trees and shrubs. On days when the temperature is above freezing, and if the soil is not frozen, it is safe to water. Apply water deeply, at least 8-12 inches, to ensure most of the roots are being reached. The first few years of establishing trees and shrubs it may be necessary to water every two to four weeks if there has been little to no precipitation.

To determine if water is needed insert a metal rod into the soil. If it can be inserted easily up to 12 inches deep the soil is likely sufficiently moist. Dry soil is more difficult to push through so if there is resistance to the metal rod, it is probably time to add water.

Did you know K-State offers a Horticulture Resource Center? This is designed to facilitate your success in gardening. Find links to our current and past newsletters, common plant and pest problems, recommended plants and contacts for expert analyses. We can also help you find your local extension office for region-specific advice.

Contributors:

Cynthia Domenghini, Instructor & Horticulture Extension Specialist

Jack Fry, Professor and Extension Specialist

Cheryl Boyer, Professor and Extension Specialist

Kansas Garden Guide

Kansas Forest Service

Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources

1712 Claflin, 2021 Throckmorton

Manhattan, KS 66506

(785) 532-6173

For questions or further information, contact: [email protected] OR [email protected]

This newsletter is also available on the World Wide Web at:

http://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html

The web version includes color images that illustrate subjects discussed. To subscribe to this newsletter electronically, send an e-mail message to [email protected] or [email protected] listing your e-mail address in the message.

Brand names appearing in this newsletter are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.

K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision or hearing disability, or a dietary restriction please contact Extension Horticulture at (785) 532-6173.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, Ernie Minton, Dean.

We love our houseplants! They are not without needing some TLC though to keep them healthy and happy. There are some tasks that make a houseplant thrive. Leaching is one of these tasks.

Fertilizers are salts, or are converted to salts, before plant takeup. They must be salts in order for the plant roots to absorb them. However, salt levels can build up over time and eventually may harm plant roots leading to scorched leaves and unhealthy plants. Though this can happen under field conditions, especially in low rainfall areas, it is particularly critical with houseplants.

Houseplants have a certain soil volume that doesn’t change until a plant is repotted. Salt can be a crucial concern especially if the houseplants are fertilized so heavily that the plants can’t use all the nutrients and fertilizer salts build up. This is especially common in winter when houseplants do not use much fertilizer due to low levels of light.

Leaching an overabundance of salts can be an important practice to ensure the health of our houseplants. Leaching is not a complicated or difficult process. It consists of adding enough water to wash out excess salts.

How much water is enough? Add the amount of water that would equal twice the volume of the pot. This, of course, would need to be done outside or in a bathtub or sink. Water must be added slowly so that it doesn’t overflow the rim of the pot. If salt has formed a crust on the surface of the soil, remove it but don’t take more than 1/4 inch of the underlying media. This may also be a good time to repot the plant.