Just like many of you, I’m having difficulty wrapping my mind around how quickly our lives have changed in a very short period of time. Seeing the panic and chaos that’s happening around us can be concerning. Now more than ever, it might be the time for folks to think about becoming more self-sufficient and grow some of their own food.

I have been in contact with a couple of our local suppliers and have seen social media posts that they are stocked with garden seed and supplies. Like many other local retailers, I know they are willing to work with you if you do not feel comfortable going inside the business. Just give them a call and arrange for outside pick-up.

If you are reading this and thinking to yourself that you have never grown anything in your life and just don’t think it’s possible, let me assure you that it is possible. Even for the most novice! You might be thinking that you don’t have space for a garden, or maybe you don’t have a tiller or other equipment. Don’t let that stop you because almost all vegetables can be grown in containers.

The containers don’t have to be anything fancy. Literally, anything that can hold soil and have drain holes drilled in the bottom can be used. Containers that are 16 to 24 inches in diameter work well. Containers less that 12 inches are probably too small – except for lettuces. The most important component of growing vegetables in a container is getting the right potting media. Potting mixes are ideal (instead of soil from your yard). The components are lightweight and hold water and oxygen much better. Make certain that you don’t forget to drill some drainage holes into the bottom of the container.

Fertilizer should be added at planting time and mixed into the soil. If you want to go the organic route, mix blood meal or bone meal into the soil before planting. If you use a synthetic fertilizer, add a slow-release type when preparing the container.

Another benefit to growing vegetables in containers – you don’t have to fight the weather quite as much. Right now, traditional garden soils are way too wet to even think about planting. But with the container system, you can keep them dry inside a garage until you are ready to plant.

Early spring is the ideal time to plant cool season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, radish, onions, carrots and potatoes. All can be easily grown in containers, even potatoes!

Gardening is a great stress reliever. It also allows for good social distancing. If you have kids at home, gardening is the perfect activity to get them outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, all while learning at the same time!

Here’s where I come in. I have lots of resource material to help you. In addition, I’m always available by phone, e-mail or social media to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask! In Extension, we say there are no “dumb” questions! I am here to help you in any way that I can. The Extension mission continues. We are committed to being innovative to connect you with research-based resources and education. We appreciate your patience as we all navigate the challenges associated with this time. 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural 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.

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District 

Family Consumer Science News Column 

Joy Miller 

620-223-3720 or [email protected] 

Census Day is April 1, 2020, the formal beginning of the 2020 U.S. Census.  All Kansas households will receive an invitation with instructions by mail between March 12th-20th. Data collection continues through July 2020. 

The U.S. government uses the population data to help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states, counties, and communities for ten years.  Participation in the 2020 Census ensures your community is represented fairly and receives their share annually.  This could mean more funding for your schools, roads and highways, public health, affordable housing programs, and so much more. 

Who Should Respond to the Census? EVERYONE! Your participation is important, essential, major, meaningful.  How do I respond to the census? The Census Bureau will offer the census form in four ways: 

1. Online: 2020 marks the first year you will have the opportunity to respond to the census online using a computer or smartphone. Online census responses are secure and cost-effective. Not only that, but a user-friendly interface offers help screens and the chance to review your responses before submitting. 

1. Over the telephone: All invitations will provide a toll-free phone number so you may choose to respond to the census from the convenience of your phone. 

1. Using a paper form: You may also wait (until mid-April) to receive a hard copy of your 2020 Census questionnaire. If you choose to respond using the paper form, fill out your questionnaire and drop it off at your mailbox or post office. 

1. By responding to a census enumerator: Census enumerators, also referred to as census takers, conduct non-response follow-ups in an effort to ensure an accurate count. Households that do not respond via online, phone, or mail will be contacted at their residential door by census enumerators for in-person interviews.  

The Census Bureau will NOT call or email you. 

What questions will be asked on the 2020 Census? The survey is ten questions and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. 

• Name 
• Relationship to householder 
• Phone number 
• Household tenure (own/rent) 
• Age 

• Number of people in household 
• Sex 
• Usual place of residence 
• Race 
• Hispanic origin 

For more information and insights into the 2020 Census, visit census.gov. Follow us on Facebook (Southwind Extension) and join us Tuesday, March 31st for Facebook Live to learn more about the Census, how it is used, and the potential impact on your community.  

Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Swallowtails and other beautiful butterflies call southeast Kansas home.

If you are interested in attracting these to your yard and incorporating a more naturalistic approach in your landscape, plan to attend the “Protecting the Pollinators” program on March 30^th at 6:30 pm in the Round Room at the Fort Scott Community College.

June Stipp, Extension Master Gardener, will provide information on planting butterfly nectar and host plants, as well as how to incorporate a water source and warming area into the landscape.

Krista Harding, District Extension Agent, will discuss the proper use of insecticides.

This program is co-sponsored by the Bourbon County Garden Club and the Southwind Extension District.

It is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to the Southwind Extension District – Fort Scott office by calling 620-223-3720.

Submitted by Kathy S. McEwan

Family and Consumer Sciences Agent

Foods & Nutrition, SNAP-Ed Coordinator

Southwind Extension District – Iola Office

P.O. Box 845, Iola KS 66749

620-365-2242

[email protected]

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District, Director & Agent

K-State Research & Extension in the Southwind District is proud to present our 2020 Speakers Bureau as a service to the community. We offer presentations on a wide variety to topics and hope there is at least one that may suit your needs. Our speakers are District Extension Agents who have agreed to give presentations to elementary and secondary schools; civic and professional organizations; and community groups. We are confident that you will find the presentations insightful and entertaining.

The topics that are offered for 2020 are:

Check Your Credit will ask the question “When was the last time you checked your credit?” We ask the question because one in five people have an error on at least one of their credit reports according to a study conducted by the Federal Trade Commission. Learn more about this new program to establish yourself as financially capable.

Everything But the Moo will virtually illustrate many of the non-food items made from cattle. The program is based on the idea that Native American used every part of the buffalo and wasted nothing. Today, we still use nearly every part of the food animal. Examples of these products include leather, gelatin, china, cosmetics and fertilizers.

Herb Growing addresses the versatility of herbs for culinary or medicinal purposes. Are you interested in learning how to grown your own herbs? This presentation will cover herb care and maintenance, and how to incorporate herbs into the landscape, as well as tips for growing herbs in your kitchen.

Let’s Play Leadership in the Classroom offers various team building games encourages adults and students to work together and gain all important leadership skills. After all, what better way to learn about leadership than through play! This program can be adjusted for a specific leadership request as a program on demand.

Have you thought about the medical care you would receive if you became ill and were unable to speak for yourself? Would you want to be put on life support? Who would you choose to make medical decisions on your behalf?

Maybe there has been a health emergency in your family or neighborhood that if there had been a plan in place, some difficult decision-making could have been avoided. Most of us would agree that advance health care planning is necessary and is something we shouldn’t put off.

You can ensure that you will receive the type of care that you want by stating your health care wishes in writing before a health crisis occurs. Kansas State Research and Extension offers free advance health care planning documents that can help you plan for your medical future.

Barbara Stockebrand, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for the Southwind Extension District will be offering a program on Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas on March 10^th at 6:00 p.m. at the Bronson Public Library, located at 509 Clay Street, in Bronson.

Plan to attend this informational meeting to learn more about these documents, why you should plan ahead, and how to properly store your documents. For more information, call the Southwind Extension District Office in Yates Center at 620-625-8620.

Life brings with it many stages. There are the formative years of growing and education, the middle years of working and maybe raising a family – and the later years, which can be even more challenging and more fulfilling than the earlier stages.

K-State Research and Extension has joined with community partners in bringing the Aging With Attitude Regional Expo to the Fort Scott community for a second year. The event will be held at the Community Christian Church, on 1919 Horton Street, on April 24, 2020. It is a one-day educational event from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The expo promotes positive attitudes about aging and provides inspiration, answers questions and delivers information to seniors, their families and caregivers about making the most of life. The event has rotated between five locations in the southeast Kansas area over the years to stay true to its ‘regional’ approach. It will be the 10^th anniversary for this annual event.

Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation will present an upbeat keynote address on some of the lesser known attractions in southeast Kansas.

Breakout sessions are offered on various topics relating to aging issues. Morning session topics will include disaster preparedness, downsizing, fraud awareness, the hemp culture, new healthcare options through telemedicine, and tips for making homes safer and more efficient through advanced technology.

Afternoon sessions include brain boosters – the fads and facts, the ideal environment of aging in place, a review of Medicare cost savings programs, telling your family story, and conversations on valuable records. There will be a fun exercise activity during both the morning and afternoon.

Other community partners engaged with the expo planning include Angels Care Home Health, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Integrity Home Care + Hospice, Medicalodges – Fort Scott, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Southeast Kansas Library System, and interested community individuals.

A goal of the expo is to empower older adults–with information and education that is shared throughout the day–to make more confident and proactive decisions that influence how they age.

A grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is providing partial funding to support the 2020 Aging with Attitude Regional Expo.

Registration is $15 per person and covers snacks, lunch, speaker fees and program materials. The pre-registration deadline is April 15. After the deadline, registration is $25 per person, and lunch is not guaranteed. Check out the expo website for registration and program information at www.agingexpo.k-state.edu or contact the Southwind Extension District Office by calling 620-625-8620.

It’s been a long winter. I can remember many times when February brought stretches of really nice spring-like weather. Not this year! Are you itching to get out of the house and do something productive in the landscape? If you have fruit trees, now is the time to prune. A little planning ahead with fruit trees, such as pruning, can mean big rewards later in the growing season.

Are you like many who are “afraid” to prune? Don’t be. When done correctly, pruning is an essential component of growing a healthy, productive fruit tree. Fruit trees should be pruned every year and for several reasons. The first is the development of a strong tree structure. Pruning should begin when the tree is planted and continued each year thereafter. Another reason to prune is the increased penetration of sunlight for the development of fruit buds and for the fruit to mature properly.

Trees can be pruned this early (winter) because they are dormant. This can be done in January, February and even early March. Pruning when trees are dormant makes it easier to see undesirable branches because leaves aren’t present. It is important to do any pruning before dormant sprays are applied, to avoid spraying some of the wood that will later be removed. Total spray coverage of limbs, branches and shoots will be increased after pruning. Do not prune if temperatures are below 20°F because this can cause tissue damage.

Have your fruit trees been neglected for quite some time? If so, pruning can seem like an overwhelming task; where to start, how much wood to remove, etc. But a neglected tree can be revitalized.

The first step in revitalizing a neglected tree is to prune wood around the trunk area and near the ground. Remove all sucker growth around the trunk by cutting as close as possible to the point of origin. Next, remove all branches that hang below a 4-foot level. Prune them off at the supporting limb. Stand back and study the tree and decide the next cut to make. Retain scaffolds that are growing away from the tree center at wide angles with the trunk. Scaffolds are one of the main branches making the basic framework of a tree. They should be positioned on different sides of the tree for good distribution of the fruit crop.

The right tools are needed for proper pruning. Tools always need to be sharp so clean cuts can be made. Cuts that result in bark tears, stubs, or jagged surfaces are slow to heal and may even not completely heal. A scissor type of hand shear is used to prune small size wood, usually ¼ inch in diameter. Long handled loppers should be used to cut ¼ to ½ inch wood. These will need to be used generally by the third year of tree growth. For branches larger than ½ inch, use a fine-toothed pruning saw.

The Extension office has a couple of publications on pruning fruit trees that explain in more detail how to prune depending on the species and age of the tree. These publications have diagrams that demonstrate how and where pruning cuts should be made. As with most Extension services, this publication is free of charge.

If you would like me to evaluate your trees, give me a call and a home visit can be scheduled.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural 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.

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

Family Consumer Science

Joy Miller

620-223-3720 or [email protected]

March 15-May 9, 2020

Once again…it’s time for Walk Kansas! K-State Research and Extension has been offering this health initiative since 2001. Walk Kansas is a team-based program, designed to inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active, make better nutrition choices, and learn positive ways to deal with stress.

New features for Walk Kansas 2020 include a Walk Kansas app. The app is being piloted in iOS format for iPhone and iPad and is free through the App Store. The app allows tracking activity and may be synced with a fitness tracker.

Newsletters and activities will focus on the Blue Zones nine lifestyle characteristics. Blue Zones are the places across the world where people live measurably longer and healthier lives. Physical activity, walking in particular, is the heart of Walk Kansas, participants will be introduced to the Mediterranean eating style, developing social connections that support healthy living, share ways to lower personal stress, focus on your sense of purpose, and more!

The last feature being introduced this year is badges that can be earned for logging your progress, checking online resources, and using the online system in several ways. The badges will appear on the account dashboard when earned.

How does Walk Kansas work? Walk Kansas is an eight-week team-based program. A group, up to six people, form a team with one serving as the captain. Teams can be family, coworkers, friends, community organization members, neighbors, or part of a faith-based community. Team members do not have to live in the same town, county, state or country.

Each team selects a goal, or challenge, they will collectively work towards. Beginning March 15th, log minutes of physical activity and amount of fruits/vegetables eaten each week. Participants also receive a weekly newsletter and motivational messages.

Take the first step, register for Walk Kansas. Online registration is available February 19 through March 15 at walkkansasonline.org. Paper form registration is available at your local extension office or download at southwind.k-state.edu/walk-kansas. If you do not have a team and would like to join one, register as an individual. You will be connected with a team that has similar goals. Cost is $10 per participant, youth K-12 are free.

For more information or resources, visit walkkansas.org or contact me at 620-223-3720 or [email protected].

Stocking supplies, cleaning equipment are among management strategies

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Cattle producers who have not yet started the spring calving season still have time to plan ahead, and a Kansas State University veterinarian notes that could make a big difference in having a successful year.

“This is the time for a pre-emptive strike,” said A.J. Tarpoff, a beef veterinarian with K-State Research and Extension. “If you haven’t started calving yet on your operation, now is the time to start thinking about what you can do to be ready.”

Tarpoff noted that producers need to make sure they have the necessary supplies on hand, which may require buying or repairing items and facilities. Then, he adds, set in motion a plan to manage the birth of the new calves.

“Calving books are a phenomenal tool,” Tarpoff said. “It could be just a little pocketbook where you write down who calved, when they calved, if there was difficulty, and whether it was a male or female coming out. There is a lot of information that we can capture about the birthing process so that we’re able to make better decisions within our herd in the future.”

One of the newer management techniques that can lead to successful calving is to feed cows at dusk. “There have been several research studies that show reliable results that a higher percentage of animals are born during daylight hours when we feed the cow in the late evening hours,” Tarpoff said.

Feeding late in the evening, he said, will help decrease midnight or early morning births, which are hard on workers and can make the birth more complicated if there are difficulties.

Tarpoff hosted a series of calving schools across Kansas over the last several weeks to help the state’s producers be adequately prepared to bring in as many healthy animals as possible. The final session for this season was video-streamed on Facebook Live. A recording of that session can be seen on the K-State Research and Extension Facebook page.

One of his recommendations is that producers use a cooler to store tools and equipment: “On cold days and nights, the cooler will help equipment to stay nice and warm. We can close it up and know that our equipment is not going to freeze,” he said.

Tarpoff said producers should check calving chains or obstetric straps for rust, sharp spots or fraying. He also suggests having multiple sets on hand in case there are multiple births at once. The straps should be cleaned, disinfected and hung to dry after each use.

“Once those straps are dried, put them in a closed container so that you don’t re-contaminate them by accident,” he said. “Then, throw them back into your cooler kit.”

Producers should have a meeting with their local veterinarian to discuss situations that may occur, and what medicine or other supplies may be needed to handle those. “They can prescribe the products you’ll need and set you up to be a little more prepared,” Tarpoff said.

Producers can also contact their local extension agent or visit KSUBeef.org for more information on getting prepared for spring calving.