March 18, 2021 Minutes

The Starlite FCE held their March meeting at the Yeager Building at the Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order.  The Pledge of Allegiance and Club Collect was led by Joyce Allen.  Eleven members were in attendance and reported twenty-one and half volunteer hours and that they had recycled fifty-five pounds of cardboard.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.  Doris Ericson presented the treasurers report.  Glenda Miller passed out membership lists and quizzed the club with a Saint Patrick’s Day green quiz.

Old Business consisted of the Easter Party for Tri-Valley.  Glenda Miller had prepared white bunny Easter Bags for the party.  Members provided candy, fruit snacks and snack crackers to fill their eggs and bunny bags.

New Business consisted of Walk Kansas.  Terri Williams announced that it will be starting March 28^th with the theme of Move your Way, Make every Bite Count.  Six members signed up to precipitate in the Cross-Country challenge, which has each person exercising for four hours a week.  It was also announced that the garden club will be having a plant sale the first Saturday in May at the Farmers Market.

It was discussed whether to have the Spring Social within the County only since the District will not be having one.  It was decided to forgo it this year.  Deb Lust moved the Starlite donate $60 to the open class Fair premiums, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.

Deb Lust announced that the Fort Leavenworth VA will be in Fort Scott Monday to give out the Johnson and Johnson Covid shot to Veterans.

Doris Ericson Moved that the meeting be adjourned, Letha Johnson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

After the meeting Glenda Miller presented the program of Decluttering: For a Better Life.  She presented many practical ways to sort through items.

Saint Patrick’s Day refreshments of brownie bites, sandwiches, nuts and water were provided by Joyce Allen and Glenda Miller and enjoyed by all.

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Last year at this time, I wrote an article on how gardens could provide some food security to us during the chaotic time we were all living through. There was a huge interest in gardening. I remember how our local suppliers couldn’t keep vegetable transplants on the shelves! They were selling out that fast. Many folks tried gardening for the very first time. I hope the same interest in gardening continues this year.

Even if you didn’t give gardening a shot last year, start this year! If you are 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. 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. The ”Kansas Garden Guide” is a full-color, in-depth guide to planting a garden. It is available in each of our Extension offices for $6. This is one of our only publications that we charge for, but it is worth it. Another very useful publication is “Growing Vegetables in Pots.” You can find a link to this publication and others by visiting our Southwind Extension District website and clicking on the “lawn and garden” tab: www.southwind.ksu.edu

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.

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.