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Garden Spiders

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Though some consider spiders to be unwelcomed, they are a valuable resource for pest control.
The yellow garden spider is commonly found in our Kansas gardens. The body is one-inch long and has yellow markings on the dark-colored abdomen. Legs of the garden spider are black with a yellow or reddish band.
The banded garden spider is similar in size with yellow and white bands marking the legs and abdomen. The legs have black and orange bands.
These two varieties of spiders are types of orb weavers and construct large, circular webs often in bushes, tall grasses and other areas with high insect populations. These spiders are not dangerous to humans and should be left alone to allow them to continue feeding on pests in the garden.
Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent

Ornamental Sweet Potatoes

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Guest Columnist
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Ornamental sweet potatoes are mostly valued for their attractive foliage as it drapes down the sides of containers and spreads over the ground within planters. As with other ornamental vegetable varieties, though ornamental sweet potatoes are edible, they are grown for their aesthetic value. Consequently, the flavor quality of ornamental varieties is often lacking. In the case of ornamental sweet potatoes, the tuberous roots are much more bitter than the edible counterpart. If you choose to consume them, follow the curing instructions in this newsletter.
Ornamental sweet potatoes can be overwintered by digging them just before the first frost and storing until it’s safe to plant in the spring. Remove the above ground growth and keep the roots in moist peat moss in a cool, dark room. Alternatively, the entire plant can be moved indoors and kept as a houseplant during the winter. Check the plant first for signs of disease or pests. Cut the vines back to about one-foot and carefully transplant into the desired container. Keep the plant in a space with plenty of natural light until warmer weather returns in the spring.
Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent

Vegetable Crop Rotation

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Crop rotation is the recommended practice of changing the location of plants within the same family each growing season. Plants within the same family are often susceptible to similar pests. They also have similar nutrient requirements. By planting crop families in different areas of the garden each season, a common host plant is removed. Pests that overwinter in the soil or debris are not able to continue their life cycle which prevents the population from growing exponentially. Additionally, the varied root system depths and nutrient requirements prevents nutrient depletion in the soil. Often, cabbage, peas, lettuce, onions and other cool-season crops have more shallow roots. Warm-season crops tend to have a more extensive root system.
To plan your crop rotation draw a diagram of your vegetable garden now while you remember where everything is. Next year, as you making your planting plan, reference this sketch and alternate locations for each plant family. For example, in the area where you have tomatoes this year avoid planting anything from the Solanacaeae family (eggplant, pepper, potato) next year. If you planted bush beans this year, be sure to avoid planting anything from the fabaceae family (lima beans, peas, pole beans, etc.) in the same location next year.
Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent

About the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission

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Legal Creation in Kansas

The Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission (KGSC) is an entity created by the State of Kansas, action of which is codified in K.S.A. 2-3002.

Purpose

KGSC is committed to sorghum promotion, research, and information designed to strengthen, expand and develop new foreign and domestic markets for sorghum. The Commission focuses “on sound stewardship of financial resources, ensuring sorghum is a long-lasting, profitable crop for Kansas.”

The Commission assists in the development of markets, consumer education and promotion of grain sorghum to enhance producer profitability.

Checkoff Program

The Commission receives “passback” funds from United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP). The Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 established the USCP.  The board administers a coordinated program designed to expand foreign and domestic markets and uses for sorghum.  Membership comprises sorghum producers and sorghum importers.  The Secretary appoints board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized the establishment of 22 industry-funded research and promotion boards.  These promotion boards empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which ensures fiscal accountability and program integrity for participating stakeholders.

For More Information

Please visit the United Sorghum Checkoff Program or call (806) 687-8727.

Center for Sorghum Improvement

To improve sorghum, the Commission partners with the Center for Sorghum Improvement housed at Kansas State University. To contact the Managing Director, Sarah Bowser, please call (785) 477-6018 or email [email protected].

The Nature Conservancy Expands its Annual Photo Contest in Kansas

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Guest Columnist
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Local prizes for photos taken in Kansas offer more opportunities to win—while helping to preserve nature

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced its Global Photo Contest began accepting submissions on August 30. The competition is open to all and will be accepting entries through September 29. This year, all entries are eligible for the global prizes, but photos taken in Kansas will also automatically be eligible for additional local prizes.

“Kansas is home to rolling prairies, geologic wonders, and astounding biodiversity,” says Laura Rose Clawson, director of marketing & outreach for TNC in Kansas. “A single photograph can stop you in your tracks and inspire others to action. By entering your most captivating photos of nature, you can help amplify the message that protecting and restoring nature is a priority.”

Kansas submissions will be assessed by a panel of judges including National Geography photographer Jim Richardson, outdoor writer and hunter Douglas Spale, and TNC trustee and professional photographer Meleda Lowry. Together this panel will award three prizes: one first place winner will receive a a private lesser prairie-chicken viewing at TNC’s Smoky Valley Ranch; one second place winner will receive one-time night access to Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park for night-sky viewing or photography; and one third place winner will receive a private tour of any TNC preserve in the state.

Photographers of all skill levels are encouraged to enter. Winners will be announced in November 2023.

Go to nature.org/photocontestkansas for more information on contest rules, photo specifications and how to enter.

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