As the days get longer and the temperatures get higher, many of us will likely spend more time outside enjoying the sunny spring days.

Although there are many health benefits tied to spending time outdoors, there is one potentially dangerous side effect of sun exposure that can be dangerous – skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 3.3 million Americans have some type of skin cancer. Most diagnoses are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and can be prevented. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps.

As much as we all love being outside during the spring and summer months, it is important to keep your skin healthy.

The best place to start would be to reduce sun exposure, especially during the peak time of day for high UV index, which is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are planning to be outside for extended periods, wear protective gear such as hats, long sleeve shirts, pants, and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the season or weather forecast. UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause sunburns even when it’s cloudy.

Some individuals are more sensitive to UV rays and need higher SPF sunscreens. Make sure to read the labels of sun lotions, gels, oils, and sprays to ensure it is the right fit for you. Apply sunscreen to all uncovered areas thirty minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. Spots like the back of the neck, the tops of ears, and the back of the hands are easy to overlook but are usually the areas with the highest exposure. If you work up a sweat or go for a swim, make sure to apply it more often as sunscreen is not waterproof.

When choosing a sunscreen, avoid spray cans as they can be accidentally inhaled. They are also less likely to be applied in adequate amounts and can leave missed spots. Look for sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredient. These chemicals are generally safer for children because they aren’t absorbed into the skin. Avoid products that contain the chemicals oxybenzone, octinoxate (octylmethoxycinnamate), or retinyl palmitate/retinol/vitamin A. All have higher toxicity concerns associated with them. Always read and follow all label directions and precautions on sunscreen products. Some have specific warnings regarding the use on children.

If you notice a spot on your skin that changes in size, shape, color, or is itchy or painful, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. A yearly check up with a skin doctor can help with early detection and prevention, especially for those with a family history of skin cancer.

Follow these tips to ensure you are enjoying your time outside safely and in a way that won’t cause major health concerns now, or in years to come. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

The popularity of container gardening has dramatically increased in recent years. As we live in a world of limited time and space for gardens, container gardens seem to be a practical fit. Residents of apartments, long term care facilities or houses with small lots can still enjoy gardening. Poor soil or no place to put plants in the ground is no longer an excuse for not enjoying plants.

Building a container garden is really quite simple. However, they tend to need a bit more attention than a garden in the ground. Careful attention needs to be paid to the potting media, watering and fertilizing.

Garden soil is great for growing things in the ground but when using containers, the soil needs to be changed. Container soils need to be well aerated and well drained but yet still be able to retain moisture. This is why a soil substitute, or potting mix (media), is often used. These mixes may contain soil (called a soil mix) or no soil at all (called a soilless mix) and may also contain other ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. You can also your own mix by using one part soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite. The same potting media can be used from year to year if the plants in the containers were healthy during the growing season with no major disease issues.

What about the contain itself? Containers come in many different styles and sizes. Containers can be made from clay, plastic, ceramic or wood. I personally use empty cattle supplement lick containers and they actually work quite well. The only essential thing is that the container must have drain holes in the bottom.

As for the size of container, it depends on the type of plants to be planted. Small plants can be grown in fairly small, shallow containers while larger plants will need more space. Most annual flowers and small vegetables do best in 12 inch pots. Larger vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes or peppers will require a 16-24 inch container.

When choosing plants – most of the standard varieties of vegetables will grow well in containers. However, there are some cultivars bred specifically for small spaces. Lettuce, spinach, radish and onion are all early season vegetables that can be easily grown in containers. For the more warm season vegetables – sweet, hot and banana peppers do well in large containers. Tomatoes, dwarf varieties such as Patio, Pixie, Tiny Tim or Tumbling Tom, are a good choice. If you like a small vine tomato, consider Mountain Belle (cherry), Mountain Glory or Sunmaster.

We have a very useful publication titled “Growing Vegetables in Pots.” It gives complete information on planting, care, fertilization, and variety selection. Visit www.southwind.ksu.edu to download.

If you have gardening questions, I can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 620-244-3826.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. 

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