Soup Swap. Meet Our Agent In Training! Lawn & Landscape Weed Science. Smyrna Gardening Series. February 2019

Transcription

1 Soup Swap February 1st at 10:00am Lane Agri-Park, Auditorium Here s How It Works: Each person must bring six pints of frozen (or freezable) soup, packed in six one-pint containers, along with six copies of the recipe. We will place all the soup containers (plastic, jars, or freezer bags) on a table. Each person will describe his/her soup. We will draw numbers to determine the order of soup selection. Then, one at a time, each guest will choose one pint of soup. When we've gone through one round, we will draw numbers again (so nobody gets last choice each time); keep going for five more rounds, until all the soups are selected. Don't worry about the math; it always works out. Send each person home with six delicious pints of soup and the recipes!! Please call Carla Bush, Extension Agent at if you plan to participate. Smyrna Gardening Series Join the Master Gardeners at the Smyrna Linebaugh Public Library for FREE classes starting the second week of March. They will be on Saturday mornings at 10 am. See below class dates & subjects: March 9 - Getting Started Gardening March 13 - Growing Annuals & Perennials March 23 - Vegetable Gardening Basics March 30 - Pollinators & Herbs Bring a pen, paper & feel free to ask questions. For more information contact Rachel Painter at reather1@utk.edu or call Meet Our Agent In Training! My name is Nia Gordon. I was born and raised in Memphis, TN. In 2011, I moved to Nashville to attend the illustrious Tennessee State University. I have dedicated most of my time helping others through Extension, M.A.N.R.R.S, Boy Scouts STEM & Girl Scouts. I graduated in 2015 & received a BS in Agriculture Science (Plant and Soil Science) and in 2018 received a MS in Agricultural Science (Plant Pathology). I am an agent in training in Murfreesboro, TN and I can't wait to explore the city!!! Lawn & Landscape Weed Science Tuesday, February 19 at 6 p.m. Weeds are probably the most common pest of home lawns and landscapes. They compete with desirable plants for space, water and nutrients and can detract from the overall general appearance of a lawn or garden. This session will introduce you to the different types of weeds and when you can expect to see them and tools that will help you identify your weed enemies. Participants will also learn of various options available to them for reducing populations of weed pests. There is no charge to attend, but we do ask that you give us a call at and let us know you re coming or Mitchell Mote at mmote1@utk.edu so we ll have enough chairs and materials for everyone.

2 What s Going Wrong Now? A Spotlight on Current Pests and Problems in the Lawn, Landscape & Garden What s up with these moles tearing up the yard? Moles create visible surface tunnels as they travel around your lawn hunting food in the form of worms, grubs, ants, snails and other soil-dwelling critters. You may see an increase in activity (aka the yard being torn up) during their mating season in the late Feb early April time period as males cover more ground in search of a female with low standards. Surface activity often slows some after mating season ends. Traps or traps used in conjunction with poison mole baits that mimic worms still offer the best DIY option of successfully reducing mole populations for most homeowners. Crabgrass prevention time is approaching Crabgrass is a summer annual weed grass that germinates every year when soil temperatures in the top few inches of soil are sustained between 55 and 60 F. In most years, this occurs near the middle of March, but it can occur sooner if we experience early extended warm spells. Preemergent herbicides (frequently called crabgrass preventers) are effective at preventing heavy crabgrass populations in lawns when applied prior to crabgrass germination. The period from late February to early March is an appropriate window for homeowners to target for crabgrass preventer applications. Follow product label directions for correct application rates and subsequent application intervals. Ask an Extension agent if you have a question regarding crabgrass or other weed control. Small Fruits Shortcourse March 14th from 9am 2pm Cost $10, includes lunch Lane Agri-Park, Community Center Bldg. 315 John R. Rice Blvd Murfreesboro, TN Come learn about small fruits including blueberries, tree fruits, and much more! The course will be taught by Carol Reese, UT Extension Horticulture Specialist. * A portion of the training will take place outside, weather permitting. * Registration Deadline is March 6th Payments may be made in advance or on-site Cash or check ONLY! (payable to UT-RCE) Call to register or for more information contact Rachel Painter by reather1@utk.edu. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY 4-H EVENTS AND CLASSES will be cancelled if Rutherford County schools are cancelled due to bad weather. We do not make phone calls for cancelled classes / club meetings, but will post notices on our Facebook page. Agents will determine if the event is going to be rescheduled. OFFICE CLOSING POLICY The buildings and grounds at Lane Agri-Park are under the auspices of Rutherford County government. If the County Government closes it s offices, the Extension office will also be closed. Closures will also be posted to our Facebook page: UT-TSU Extension Rutherford County

3 Congratulations 4-H Hippology! Junior Team, placed 3rd overall Ellie Hogan, 4th Individual Bethany Lancaster, 9th Individual Team members: Lydia Burka, Bethany Lancaster, Ellie Hogan. Horse Bowl: 1st place Junior High Team, placed 2nd overall Kitryna Copeland, 9th Individual Jadyn Hayes, 10th Individual Team members: Addison Stagner, Jadyn Hayes, Jitryna Copeland, Faith Whitman. Horse Bowl: 4th place Senior High Team, placed 5th overall Emma Jo Shamburger, 9th Individual Team members: Emma Jo Shamburger, Liza McQueen, Alissa Moses, Penelope Keagan Senior Horse Bowl, placed 1st overall Team members: Charity Chandler, Emma Jo Shamburger, Liza McQueen, Alissa Moses. February 12th 6pm-8pm Lane Agri-Park Front Office Building 315 John R. Rice Blvd. Murfreesboro Call to register by the Monday before the class to reserve your seat and training materials! Pay at the door with a check payable to: TN Cattlemen s Association. $40 Non Members $20 for TN Cattlemen's Assn. Members For more information, contact: Kim or khall58@utk.edu Come to get to know Libby on a tour of the recently renovated Linebaugh Library, 105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro, Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. Tour the new resources our updated library has to offer, like the technology engagement center and group study areas. We will hear from Carol Ghattas, Librarian, who will introduce us to Libby that offers ebooks and audiobooks for free! Call or cybush@utk.edu to let us know you plan to join us. This tour is hosted by the Bookworms Book Club and Family and Community Education Clubs in Rutherford County. Contact Carla Bush, FCS Extension Agent if you have questions. Correct Accurate Pesticide Use March 5, p.m. Lane Agri-Park Office Complex Auditorium Pesticides are tools available to homeowners that can help them manage a multitude of pests in lawns, gardens, and landscapes. Just like other tools, there are right and wrong ways to use pesticides. Correct usage will help to ensure any pesticides effectiveness. This free session will teach participants the steps necessary to use pesticides correctly and accurately. The use of both liquid and solid pesticide formulations will be covered. Please call us at between 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri or Mitchell Mote at mmote1@utk.edu to let us know you re coming.

4 Declutter: Home, Head, Heart March 1st at 10 a.m. Declutter Your HOME, HEAD, and HEART at the Me Inside of Me event this year. Ruth McDe (McConnaughie Dershem) speaker, life coach and writer is the creator of Declutter Life and will be inspiring us to identify and minimize distractions that keep you from your purpose. This event is open to the public! This Me Inside of Me event is hosted by Family and Community Education Clubs of Rutherford County. Admission is $5 and includes lunch. RSVP by calling or if you plan to attend. For more information, contact Carla Bush, Extension Agent or H Honor Club On December 15, 16 Honor Club members and 8 adult volunteers participated in Wreaths Across America at Stones River Battlefield. Wreaths Across America is a nationwide program to remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to honor those that serve today. Over 1.8 million wreaths were placed at cemeteries across the country. Welcome Our Two new Program Assistants My name is Priscilla Hogue. I am a mother of three who is currently working on my Masters in Ag Ed with a specialization in Extension. My undergrad is in Business Information Systems. In recent years, I have realized my true passion is teaching life skills. With over thirty years of volunteering, I am pursuing a career in Extension. I live with my husband and three kids on five acres here in Murfreesboro, TN. I am looking forward to my role as a Program Assistant. My name is Alison Garrett and I am a new resident to Middle TN. I'm originally from McKenzie, in West TN, and I graduated from The University o f Tennessee at Martin with a degree in Animal Science Production. I have an extensive background in 4-H and am excited to get to share what 4-H means to me and to the students in Rutherford County. Besides teaching, I enjoy hikes with my fiancé and our two dogs and cooking/trying new foods.

5 Master Food Sessions The Master Food Volunteers have scheduled monthly educational sessions on the second Saturdays of each month at 10 a.m. at Linebaugh Library in the Club Room. We have planned the following dates, topics & instructors: Feb 9 - Smoothies LaVon Orput, Marilyn Spence Mar 9 Fresh, Frozen, Canned Pam Sites, Ray Ann McCord No Class for April. We have committed to another event on this day. May 11 Move...It Matters Linda Parker, Marilyn Spence June 8 Water LaVon Orput, Marilyn Spence July 13 Farmers Market Fresh Marilyn Spence, Linda Parker Home Garden Variety Trials The Tennessee Home Garden Variety Trials program was initiated in 2017 with the goal of helping home gardeners answer the question, which variety will do best in my Tennessee home garden? This program takes a citizen science approach to answering that question by involving home gardeners in the variety evaluation process. Participation involves just three easy steps, 1. Select your trials 2. Grow your garden 3. Tell us what you think. This year, there are 23 trials to select from, including beans, okra, cucumber, watermelon, pumpkin, squash, basil, and flowers. Varieties will include tried and true, new releases, and even some yet to be released material! Children 18 and under also have the opportunity to participate in our brand new pizza trial, which will include tomato and basil varieties. Click link below for more information. Vegetable%20Garden%20Trials.aspx For more information contact Carla Bush at cybush@utk.edu or call Mark your calendars! April 13th Planting for Pollinators This class will discusses inviting in the bees, butterflies and birds with just a bit of planning. This hour-long program will cover the basics of attracting pollinators to your garden or pots/containers. Whether annual or perennial flower or vegetable there are numerous plants that attract pollinators and make your garden alive with activity and beauty. Good for both beginners and more advanced gardeners Join the Master Gardeners at the Murfreesboro Linebaugh Public Library for this FREE class on March 2nd at 9am in the upstairs boardroom. Bring a pen, paper and feel free to ask questions. Please call the Library to pre-register for this class: UT-TSU Rutherford County Extension, 315 John R. Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN rutherford.extension.edu Follow us on :