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Washington County Cooperative Extension Service
April 2019
Volume 15
Rain Barrels 2
Soil Test Continued 2
How To Grow Asparagus 3
To Do’s 4
Green Festival 5
Plant of The Month 5
Asparagus Cont. 6
Wheelbarrow Lineup 7
Recipe Of The Month 8
Inside this issue:
HORTICULTURE
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Washington County
Extension Service
Soil testing can tell you many things about your soil that can help you make informed decisions about fertilizer application, site selection for crops and so much more. It is an essential part of a successful agriculture or horticulture enterprise. Home gardens and lawns can also greatly benefit from soil testing.
With the wet pattern Kentucky has been in over the past year, soil testing is paramount to having a quality hay supply for next winter.
There’s really no reason not to test your soil since your local office of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service makes it simple. So, let’s get to it. Why should you test your soil?
1. Know the pH level of your soil. Soil experts will make different recommendations depending on the acidity or alkalinity of your soil and your intended use.
2. Save time and money. Having the proper levels of soil nutrients will help maximize economic yields. Soil testing also reduces the chance of over applying and over
purchasing fertilizers. 1. It’s good for the environment. Soil testing results in a more accurate application of
fertilizers and that ultimately reduces runoff into waterways. 2. They are not expensive. Each county office may charge a nominal fee to cover soil
analysis costs. 3. It is easy. Taking samples doesn’t take a lot of time or skill, and your county agents
can help you along the way. 4. Find out the fertility level of the soil. You gain knowledge about the soil condition
and can make informed decisions about how to improve it. Continue page 2
Eight Reasons To Test Your Soil
Installing a rain barrel has lots of benefits for you and the environment! A rain barrel is a large container connected to the end of a downspout used to collect rainwater and melted snow and ice running off a rooftop. A rain barrel generally consists of a large barrel or drum, spigot, overflow pipe, and an inlet with a screen. Rain barrels can be purchased ready-made or constructed relatively inexpensively. When constructing a rain barrel with a used barrel or drum, be sure that the barrel or drum was used to store
materials that are safe for humans, plants, and animals. Check with local food distributors for used barrels.
Rain barrels can also be constructed from heavy duty trash cans purchased from local department or hardware supply stores.
Rain barrels reduce storm water runoff, which is defined as rain or melted snow and ice that flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, sidewalks, roadways, and parking lots, inhibit storm water runoff from seeping into the ground. As storm water flows across these paved surfaces it
picks up pollutants such as cigarette butts, candy wrappers, oil, automotive fluids, pet waste, soaps used from washing vehicles, and any other substance that has been deposited on the ground. This polluted runoff then enters streams, rivers, and lakes by way of storm drains resulting in poor water quality conditions. Rain barrels decrease storm water runoff by capturing storm water that runs off rooftops. This reduces the amount of polluted storm water runoff that enters local water bodies. These local streams, rivers, and lakes potentially serve as habitat for wildlife, local drinking water sources, and recreation such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
In addition to reducing storm water runoff, rain barrels also decrease the amount of municipal water used, thereby decreasing your water bill. The rainwater collected in a rain barrel can be used for watering gardens, flowers, or lawns. This reduces the amount of water used from public water suppliers, thus not only decreasing your water bill, but also reducing the amount of chemicals and energy used to treat
water. Please note water from rain barrels should be used for outdoor purposes only and should not be used for human or animal consumption.
For more information on rain barrels and how to reduce storm water runoff contact your local Cooperative Extension Service.
Developed by Ashley Osborne, Extension Associate for Environmental and Natural Resource Issues
Rain Barrels Help The Environment
5. Follow soil changes over time. Follow how conditions like drought, prolonged wet periods and other weather scenarios affect the soil.
6. Identify problem areas in your field or garden. You’ll need to take different samples for various land uses such as agricultural, fields, lawns, gardens, fruit trees, shrubs and flowers because they all have distinct fertility and pH requirements.
Source: Frank Sikora, UK soil testing coordinator
Eight Reasons To Test You Soil
One of the first true signs that spring is here is that first mess of asparagus and it has finally emerging from its cold winter nap. If you haven’t checked your bed yet do so soon or you might lose your first picking. If you would like to start a bed of asparagus now is the time to plant!
Asparagus is a long lived perennial vegetable crop. Each plant can be productive for 15 or more years if given proper care. Asparagus will grow in most any soil as long as it has good drainage. Asparagus doesn’t like to have wet feet, it leads to root rot. An ideal pH of 6.5 to 7.5 will give you good results; it will not tolerate a pH under 6.0. If you are thinking of planting asparagus have a soil test done and the soil amended before planting. If you aren’t willing to test your soil apply 10-20-10 or a similar fertilizer at a rate of 6 pounds per 1000 square feet; this can also be broadcast around established plants for added growing power.
Only buy one year old, healthy, disease-free crowns from a reputable grower. Asparagus is sold in crowns which are one year old plants grown from seed. When fully established each crown can produce ½ pound of asparagus spears. You can start your own asparagus from seed but it will have to grow one year where you sow it. The following spring it will have to be dug and spaced out in its permanent location. This basically means you lose one year of spear production in your garden. Another disadvantage to planting asparagus by seed is
getting the variety you want; the best varieties aren’t usually available in seed form.
When selecting a variety of asparagus there are some interesting things to consider. There are new varieties on the market which are far superior to the old varieties. New all male hybrid asparagus such as Jersey Giant, Jersey Prince, and Jersey Knight, these varieties do not produce seed. Basically when asparagus seeds the new plants become weeds that must be pulled out as to not overcrowd the bed. Female plants expand a lot of energy making seeds and don’t produce as many edible spears as do the male plants. The new all male asparagus varieties generally out produce the old Mary Washington varieties by 3 to 1.
Asparagus should be planted after the soil has warmed up to about 50 degrees, usually in April.
There is no advantage to planting it earlier because it won’t grow until the soil warms and the longer it sets in cold wet soil the more likely it is to rot. If you plant asparagus in the vegetable garden plant it on the west or north side so it won’t shade the other vegetables.
When planting asparagus dig a furrow no deeper than 5-6 inches, if you plant it any deeper overall yield will be reduced. Apply 1 pound of 0-46-0 (triple super phosphate) or 2 pounds 0-20-0 (super phosphate) fertilizer per 50 foot of row in the bottom of the furrow before planting. This will stimulate root growth and increase later yields. Toss the crowns into the furrow on top of the fertilizer, it won’t burn the roots, and the plants will grow just fine regardless of how they land in the furrow. The crowns should be space 1-1/2 feet apart. If you plant more than
How To Grow Asparagus
Continued Page 6
April To Do’s
If you haven’t cut your perennials back, do it before the new growth starts.
Pinch off the spent flowers from spring bulbs before they make seed heads. This will cause more food storage in the bulb and increase flower size and productivity for next year.
Don’t cut spring flowering bulb foliage back until it turns completely yellow or brown.
Plant trees and shrubs now, spring rains will help them to get established before hot dry weather sets in.
Save money on fertilizer by adding organic matter to your flower and vegetable gardens.
You can plant tender bulbs such as canna, calla, and dahlia later in the month. Apply slow release fertilizer at planting.
If you haven’t planted your spring vegetable garden due to the wet weather you still have time. You can plant potatoes, onions, cole crops, lettuce, peas, carrots, beets, etc. now.
If you started seedlings indoors
gradually acclimate them to the outdoors. They will sun and wind burn easily. Give them 30 minutes to an hour the first day outdoors and
gradually increase it in 30 minute to an hour increments for a week or so until they have toughened up.
Uncover your roses! Keep the mulch handy in case we have an extreme late cold snap like last year. Prune out any dead, damaged or
diseased tissue.
Spray your lawn for broadleaf weeds. For more information stop by the Extension Office and pick up the publication AGR-78.
Don’t apply nitrogen fertilizer to your lawn in the spring.
Sharpen mower blades and change the oil in you mower before making
your first cut of the season.
After flowering spray fruit trees with an all purpose fruit tree spray. Never spray while in flower you will kill the bees that you desperately need for pollination.
Apply a fresh layer of mulch to your landscape beds.
Plant your mail order or bare root plants as soon as possible.
If you haven’t cut your blackberry canes that fruited last year back do it now before the new growth begins.
Depending on the Raspberries you are growing you should cut back the canes that fruited last year. If you are growing the varieties that fruit on new and old wood cut them back to the ground if you didn’t do it last fall. These will grow all summer and give you a large crop in late summer and fall.
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019, 4:00 – 8:00pm
Behind Washington County Judicial Center, Downtown Springfield
FOOD – MUSIC – KIDS ACTIVITIES –
SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION – LOCAL VENDORS
and…
the RAPTORS are COMING!!!
Meets monthly on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 PM at the Extension Office. Bring a dish its always a pot luck.
Lincoln Trail Beekeeper’s Association News and Events
Beautiful, bright orange, 2” blooms adorn Easter Cactus ‘Colomba’ between March and May. Each flower lasts for several weeks, opening every morning after sunrise and closing at sundown. The iridescent star-shaped blooms are borne on the ends of the succulent’s stems similar to Christmas cactus. In their native habitat, rhipsalidopsis grow as epiphytes in the forests of Brazil and other South American countries. Easter cactus like filtered light but no direct sunlight, well-drained soil and moderate watering and fertilization. Keep the plant cool and moist while it’s in bloom to extend the flowering season.
Plant of The Month Colomba’ Easter Cactus
Save The Date!!!!
Springfield Green Festival
April 26, 2019
one row space them five feet apart.
After planting, back fill the furrow to its original level. You don’t have to gradually fill the furrow, just make sure not to walk on it; this will pack the soil down. If the soil is warm and the asparagus is kept moist it should emerge in a week or so after planting.
One important thing to remember is NOT to harvest the asparagus the first season. It will need all of its energy to produce a larger crown and store food for the following season. If we have a dry summer keep it watered, especially the first year. Generally asparagus doesn’t need to be irrigated, however if we have an exceptional drought the following years harvest will be reduced if you don’t irrigate.
There aren’t many insect and disease problems on asparagus. The one real problem is asparagus beetles which chew on the leaves and stems causing them to turn brown. This
can reduce the yield the following season. Sevin will give good control of asparagus beetles; simply spray at the first signs of damage.
At the end of the growing season don’t cut down the ferns. Leave them through the winter. They will help protect the root systems by catching snow and keep the soil moist and cool. By keeping the soil cool the asparagus will be delayed and won’t be as likely to get frost damaged in the spring. Around the last of March the old ferns can be mowed as low as possible.
I have always heard of people using salt for weed control in asparagus, but it’s really not necessary. Salt will actually impede water infiltration into the soil and can leach into surrounding areas killing other vegetables and plants that aren’t as salt tolerant. The first year use a good layer of mulch for weed control, and it will also conserve moisture. You can also use
labeled pre-emergent herbicides. If you have an old patch of asparagus you can spray round up over the bed before the fronds emerge. This will kill any existing weeds; this is a good time to apply a layer of mulch. It’s a good idea to apply ½ pound of ammonium nitrate fertilizer per 50 feet of row each year when harvest is finished. This will increase shoot growth, which will increase food storage, which will increase harvest the following spring.
Once you start harvesting asparagus it can continue until 75% of the new spears emerging from the soil are less than 3/8 of an inch wide. At this point you should discontinue harvest. Asparagus should be harvested in the morning while it is freshest and stored in the refrigerator at 38-40 degrees.
How To Grow Asparagus
February 7 AM or PM Lasagna Gardening FREE!
February 28 AM or PM Growing Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants $5.00
March 7 AM or PM Simplified Spray Program For Fruit Trees FREE!
March 14 AM or PM Growing Thornless Blackberries in Kentucky $20.00
March 21 AM or PM Growing Oriental Poppies in Kentucky $10.00
March 28 AM or PM Must Have New Perennials $40.00
April 11 AM or PM Growing Root Crops In Kentucky FREE!
April 18 AM or PM Add A Tropical Flair With Elephant Ears $10.00
May 2 AM or PM Sensational Succulents $10.00
May 16 AM or PM Culinary Herbs $10.00
May 23 AM or PM Hardy Cactus For Kentucky Gardens $20.00
May 30 AM or PM Zinnias $5.00
June 6 AM or PM Great Gourds $5.00
June 13 AM or PM Preserving The Harvest FREE!
June 20 AM or PM Making Hypertufa Planters $10.00
June 27 AM or PM The Other Pollinators FREE!
August 15 AM or PM Lacto Fermenting FREE!
August 29 AM or PM Leaf Casting $5.00
Basic Registration For Any and All Classes $5.00 X
Total From Above
Minus Discount of $10.00 if Doing Entire Series And
TOTAL
September 19 AM or PM Helleborus $15.00
November 14 AM or PM Easy Houseplants FREE!
November 7 AM or PM For The Birds FREE!
October 17 AM or PM Tulips $10.00
October 10 AM or PM True Lilies $15.00
September 26 AM or PM Weed Identification and Control FREE!
September 5 AM or PM African Violets FREE!
Gardeners Wheelbarrow Series 2019 Fill Out Registration Return To The Extension Office
245 Corporate Drive Springfield KY, 40069 Office 859-336-7741 Fax 859-336-7445
Email [email protected]
Washington County Cooperative Extension Service
We Are On The Web!!!
washington.ca.uky.edu
Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonCountyKentucky4H/
Ingredients
Directions
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh asparagus 1½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce 2 teaspoons sugar or artificial sweetener 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Directions: 1. Snap off and discard the root ends of the asparagus. 2. Wash remaining stalks thoroughly. 3. Slice stalks into 1½ inch lengths on the diagonal. 4. Blanch asparagus for 1-3 minutes in boiling water, until bright green in color. 5. Cool immediately under cold water and drain. 6. Combine soy sauce, sugar, olive oil, and sesame seeds in a small glass bowl. Mix dressing until sugar is dissolved. 7. In a gallon zip-seal bag, add asparagus and dressing. Turn bag to coat asparagus with dressing and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Turn bag again and chill for an additional 15 minutes before serving.
Asian Asparagus Salad
