By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

April is Stress Awareness Month! Did you know that stress can affect your physical health? According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, chronic stress can lead to a risk of health problems such as digestive issues, elevated blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, and more.

So, what can you do to combat stress throughout the rest of April and beyond? One practice you can consider adopting is mindfulness. What exactly is this? Mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn defines the term as “awareness, cultivated by paying attention in a sustained and particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

While this should not be considered a “cure-all,” research suggests that practicing mindfulness can reduce chronic stress. Consider starting simply by committing to an uninterrupted time each day to focus on your breathing and practice a mindful meditation. This is a busy time of year for many people, so know that you can start by doing this for as little as five minutes (although you may benefit from increasing the time to 20 minutes or longer). Once you’ve committed to this time, find a quiet place away from technology. Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Then, focus on your breathing and let negative thoughts float away like clouds. There are resources online which can help lead you through a guided mindful meditation if desired.

For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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. 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Anyone can fall victim to a scam and many have.  We all need reminders now and then on how to detect and react to questionable inquiries.  There are a few items of concern I’d like to make you aware of and provide general reminders on how to protect yourself.

Please be aware of the following current events:

Letter offering millions of unclaimed life insurance policy

Letters circulating in Kansas claim to be from an attorney with law firms located in Canada, and state there are millions of dollars in an unclaimed life insurance policy available. The sender asks the recipient to partner with them to claim these monies.

This is a scam.  There are legitimate ways to check for both a life insurance policy benefit and unclaimed property through valid sources. Kansans can locate a life insurance policy using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Life Insurance Policy Locator at eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator. To check for unclaimed property in your or a loved one’s name, visit the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property division at kansascash.ks.gov/up_main.html or call 785-296-4165.

Plastic Medicare Card Marketing

A company called Platinum Marketing & Design is offering plastic cards for a fee.  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advises to be aware and guard your Medicare card and number like a credit card! Don’t share your number, laminate it, make copies, or let anyone else make a copy. If you need an official replacement card, you can print or order one at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Flex Card Scam

Some Medicare Advantage (not Original Medicare) plans offer prepaid debit cards, also known as flex cards, to eligible members to cover some health-related expenses, which may include groceries.  False advertisements claim that Medicare is giving out flex cards containing several hundred dollars to apply toward food and other items.  It involves someone impersonating a Medicare representative who tries to encourage you to purchase a Medicare flex card.

The scam directs people to a website, where they’re asked to provide personal information that can be stolen, such as a Social Security number, credit card number, or bank account information.

The Federal Trade Commission Provides These Four Signs that It’s a Scam

• Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know
• Scammers say there is a problem or a prize
• Scammers pressure you to act immediately
• and Scammers toll you to pay in a specific way

Trust your gut.  Always trust your gut.  If you feel uncomfortable or are unsure, get yourself out of the situation or ask for help from a trusted family member or friend.  For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

Over the past several weeks, I have offered a program called Gray for a Day to several Family and Consumer Science high school classes across the Southwind District.

The main goal of this program is to teach participants how to have empathy and show kindness to those that struggle with sensory and functional challenges due to aging. At the beginning of the first session, one participant asked me why empathy is so important. I paused to think about that answer as opposed to stating the obvious.

The most notable reason would be that all individuals seek kindness, comfort, love, and support. If you were struggling to reach the top shelf at the grocery store, you would hope that a passer-by would notice and offer to help you. But it goes much deeper than that surface-level answer.

Empathy is the ability to notice, share, understand, and consider how others feel. It is a large part of social behavior and establishing healthy relationships. Being able to empathize creates stronger social connections as it drives you to help others. There are ways to establish this skill throughout a lifespan, but it is extremely critical to start at a young age.

For young children, this is a complex set of emotions they begin to learn and develop while sharing toys and spaces and reacting to others’ feelings. One important thing to note is that children are impressionable and will model the behavior of those around them. By providing a good example for them to mimic, adults can help establish a behavioral pattern in young children.

To help support the development of empathy in children, adults can make examples out of others as they see them displaying positive behaviors. If they see unkind interactions, point that out to them and share how that might feel to others. Use verbal affirmations when you see a child do something kind and avoid giving treats or toys as a reward. This will diminish their motivation to engage in such acts. Let them make mistakes and learn from them. Help them understand how to correct their behavior so they can be better in future situations.

Empathy and kindness are critical skills for human development and healthy relationships at all ages. We can all work on enhancing this valuable skill. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

Whether for culinary or medicinal purposes, herbs are a versatile plant. Are you interested in learning how to grow herbs and utilize them as natural seasoning? If so, plan to attend an herb workshop set for Thursday, April 6 at 12:00 Noon at the Buck Run Community Center in Fort Scott. The workshop will cover growing herbs indoors, care and maintenance, the health benefits of cooking with herbs, utilizing them in the kitchen, and herb preservation. In addition, participants will get to taste test a few recipes. For more information, call the Southwind Extension District at 620-244-3826.

Corn planting is right around the corner for the Southwind District. It is time to consider adding a residual herbicide to your corn, weed management plan.

Residual herbicides that kill weed seeds/seedlings as they germinate or emerge are an important component of herbicide applications at or before the time of corn planting. These herbicides can control weeds for several weeks, which prevents yield loss due to early-season weed competition and can greatly improve the effectiveness of a post-emergence herbicide application and give more flexibility for post-application timing. Residual herbicides are also an important component of sequential herbicide applications later in the growing season. In general, preventing the emergence of weeds, especially herbicide resistant weeds, is preferable to controlling them after they emerge

Many cases of herbicide-resistant weeds have resulted from over-reliance on post-emergence herbicide applications, thus it is essential to include one or more residual herbicides available for corn. However, it is also important to remember to change residual herbicides to prevent selection of tolerant or resistant weeds. The importance of this is reflected in the recent confirmation of waterhemp and Palmer amaranth that are resistant to S-metolachlor (Dual).

The specific herbicide you use is important, but it is usually less important than making the decision to use a residual herbicide program that includes at least two effective herbicides. But, it is important to know the strengths and weaknesses of each product in terms of the spectrum of weeds controlled. A table summarizing weed species response to various corn herbicides can be found on pages 24-26 of 2023 Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland (SRP 1162).

Categories of residual herbicides for corn

Photosystem II Inhibitors (Group 5). Atrazine is the most widely used PS II inhibitor in corn. It controls a wide variety of broadleaf weeds, including pigweeds, ragweeds, morningglories, and mustards, as well as some grass species. However, atrazine resistance has been reported for many weed species. Atrazine use rates are influenced by soil type, soil pH, and organic matter, and use is prohibited in instances where water contamination is likely. Unless your situation prohibits atrazine use, it is recommended to include atrazine when you apply HPPD-inhibitor and acetamide herbicides.

Very Long Chain Fatty Acid Inhibitors (Group 15). The main VLCFA products used in corn include acetochlor, S-metolachlor, metolachlor, dimethamid-P, and pyroxasulfone In general, these products are very effective in controlling most annual grasses (except shattercane) and small-seeded broadleaf weeds such as pigweeds. They are much less effective in controlling kochia or large-seeded broadleaf weeds such as cocklebur, devilsclaw, morningglory, sunflower, and velvetleaf. An exception are those products containing pyroxasulfone. Though resistance to Group 15 herbicides have been reported in corn/soybean rotations in Illinois, there have been no cases of weed populations in Kansas developing resistance to the Group 15 herbicides to date.

Group 15 herbicides are most effective when applied with atrazine. In past years, often because of cost, reduced rates of these products were applied to help manage heavy summer annual grass pressure, then followed up with a good post-emergence herbicide program. With the increased occurrence of glyphosate- and other herbicide-resistant weeds, it is essential to use the full rates of these products in conjunction with a POST program.

HPPD-inhibitors (Group 27). Examples of HPPD-inhibitors are isoxaflutole (e.g. Balance Flexx) and mesotrione (e.g. Callisto and many generics). These products should be applied with atrazine. HPPD-inhibitors provide excellent for control of kochia, pigweeds, velvetleaf, and many other broadleaf weeds, as well as grasses. Corvus (thiencarbazone + isoxaflutole) will control shattercane and common sunflower better than Balance Flexx, provided the sunflower is not ALS-resistant. Keep in mind, products containing Balance should not be applied to coarse-textured soils when the water table is less than 25 feet below the soil surface. Balance Flexx does not provide adequate control of sunflower.

PPO-inhibitors (Group 14). Examples of PPO-inhibitors include flumioxazin (e.g. Valor) and saflufenacil (Sharpen). Herbicides containing flumiozaxin must be applied 7 to 30 days before corn planting. These herbicides provide excellent control of pigweeds; however, they are marginal on kochia. Fierce (flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone) will provide improved control of velvetleaf and kochia compared to Valor. The addition of atrazine will enhance kochia, pigweed, velvetleaf, and morningglory control, provided the populations are not triazine-resistant. Sharpen and Verdict (saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P) have excellent activity on pigweeds, kochia, and large-seeded broadleaf weeds. However, the length of residual activity can be shorter than other pre-emergence products when all are compared at full rates. Approximately 7 to 10 days of residual can be expected per 1 oz of Sharpen and 5 oz of Verdict.

ALS-inhibitors (Group 2). One example of a pre-emergence ALS-inhibitor used in corn is flumetsulam (Python), which only has broadleaf activity and provides good control of large-seeded broadleaf weeds such as cocklebur, sunflower, and velvetleaf, or the small-seeded common lambsquarters. Flumetsulam is also a component of Hornet, Stanza, SureStart II, and TripleFlex II. These products are especially effective for control of sunflower, along with cocklebur and velvetleaf, but less effective for morningglory control.

Rimsulfuron is another ALS-inhibiting herbicide that is a component of Basis Blend, Instigate, Prequel, Realm Q and Steadfast Q. Products with rimsulfuron will provide short residual control of grass and broadleaf weeds and should be used as a setup herbicide with a good post-emergence weed control program. If ALS-resistant broadleaf weeds are present, these ALS-containing herbicides often will be less effective.

The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.

Adding a residual herbicide to your program could be a key piece to a successful corn-herbicide program this growing season. Choosing the correct residual herbicide for your operation can be difficult, so it is important to consider all of the options available. The Southwind Extension District offices have free 2023 Chemical Weed Control books available for producers and landowners. You can also contact Chad Guthrie, crop production and forage management agent, at any Southwind District office for more information.

Spring has sprung, but we still haven’t received adequate moisture to pull the area out of a drought situation. According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor, all of the Southwind District counties remain in the moderate to severe drought classification. The drought is predicted to remain, but will improve. Unfortunately, the drought has caused permanent damage to some of our landscape plants – mainly fescue lawns and ornamental shrubs.

The fescue lawns in the area are not looking very good. I’ve noticed that some have areas of green-up and others have definite dead spots. In my own yard, the drought damage is very visible! Part of my yard is near an old hedge row and the grass located 20 feet or so out is completely dead. The hedge row successfully robbed all of the moisture and intensified the drought on the grass.

As much as I would like to overseed this spring, I’m going to refrain and wait until fall. You might be wondering why? Spring is not the ideal time to overseed fescue lawns because of the shorter time frame between seeding and when the hot summer conditions arrive. It is best to overseed in the fall when the temperatures are cooler and the plant can get a root system established before the brutal summer conditions.

That’s not to say that there aren’t times when a spring seeding can be successful. However, it requires committed watering and care from the time of seeding through the summer. The best time to attempt a spring seeding is mid-March through early April. We are near to closing the window of opportunity for this year. If you think scattering some seed out on the ground will suffice, you will be disappointed! It is definitely take more effort than that.

Soil preparation will be important and the use of verticutter is recommend. Verticutting slices grooves in the soil which will allow for good seed to soil contact for germination. Once the soil is prepared, the seed can be broadcast.

The ground must have moisture through germination and into early establishment in the form of light, frequent waterings. On average, it will take two weeks for the grass to emerge. After the seed is up, reduce the watering frequency. How often should you water? The grass will show you signs when it needs water. This will be evident by it wilting or it showing a bluish color to the blades.

The turf will need an application of fertilizer. At seeding, use a starter type fertilizer. About five or six weeks later, use a high nitrogen – slow release source of fertilizer at the rate suggested on the bag. As for crabgrass control, there is a product recommended for use on spring seedings. The active ingredient in the product is Dithiopyr. This product can actually be applied a little later in the growing season than other crabgrass preventing products and yet still provide season long control.

Have you noticed brown shrubs in area landscapes? Damage from the 2022 drought and winter injury is being seen on various woody plants, especially euonymus, boxwood and yew. Many that are brown have most likely died. However, the best time to assess the extent of the damage and the potential for recovery is May. By that time, new growth should have developed and it will be clear if the buds are going to put on some new growth and the shrub is still alive.

If you have questions about lawn care, gardens, trees or shrubs, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the Extension office. Most Extension services are free of charge.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

One thing we can count on is life changing all the time.  I was recently asked to present on Advance Directives and was reminded what an important topic it is.  Though not always easy, providing some clarity for your family can be a great gift to them when an illness or injury does occur.

Advance directives are legal documents that give family, friends, and health care providers information about your end of life wishes. Having advance directives in place can help avoid confusion and stress in an emergency.  It is not an overreaction to think about this and honestly, anyone 18 or older should consider putting these directives in writing.

The most common advance directives are:

• durable power of attorney for health care,
• living will, and
• pre-hospital do not resuscitate

In Kansas, an attorney is not needed to complete these documents but you must have witnesses sign them.  Advance directives can be a difficult topic to both contemplate and discuss. Here are some steps to help.

• Gain more understanding of each option from your physician, health care providers, financial providers or your attorney.
• Take some time to contemplate your goals and wishes. One way to help others understand your wishes is to think about what your idea of good and bad critical care would look like for you.
• Discuss your personal preferences with family, friends or a religious advisor. At any point, you can change your preferences, and revise your documents.
• Designate several health care agents. If you only choose one, it may be the person who was injured or ill with you.  These individuals can be designated in a particular order so only one person acts as the official agent at any one time.

To help people in thinking and talking about these issues, the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, created a research based online resource called PREPARE, which is available in English and Spanish.  This is a nice resource that breaks it down into several steps.  You can watch/read about each step at your own pace so that it is not overwhelming.

Kansas specific and form fillable directives and wallet cards can be found here:  http://bit.ly/KSdirectives

Read more at:  https://bit.ly/3jtrb3q

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.