Radio, preferably a battery-operated and Non-perishable packaged or canned food, juices,

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1 Knott County Ag & Natural Resources Newsletter Issue Knott Co Extension 149 Parks Br PO Box 462 Hindman Ky P: cconway@uky.edu WHAT TO READ INSIDE Winter Preparedness Winter Preparedness Poinsettias for the Holidays Holiday Trees East KY Beekeeping School Garden and Mushroom Classes Apple Rootstock Orders East Ky Farmer Conference Dates to Remember "It is important to pack a winter disaster kit now in order to be prepared for any inclement weather,"" Disaster kits contain provisions that will be needed for 72 hours. You may find you need these provisions if the ice and snow close roads or if you lose electricity during a winter storm. Families can be prepared by packing the following in a winter disaster kit: Moisture wipes. three days. A flashlight and extra batteries. Food, at least enough for three to seven days. Radio, preferably a battery-operated and Non-perishable packaged or canned food, juices, Water, at least one gallon daily per person for foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non- NOAA weather radio. Cash, since banks and ATMs may not be open electric can opener, cooking utensils, fuel, paper plates, utensils. or available for extended periods. Important documents in a waterproof container. Blankets and pillows. Clothing, seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes. Examples include insurance, medical records, bank Medical supplies, first aid kit, medicines, account numbers, and social security card. prescription drugs. Special items, for infants and the elderly. Toiletries and hygiene items. Moisture wipes. A flashlight and extra batteries. Keys for the house, important buildings and even cars. Tools, it is a good idea to have a set with you during the storm. Vehicle fuel tanks filled.

2 Page 2 Poinsettias for the Holidays Traditional red and green colors are well represented in the flowers available for the holidays. Poinsettias, the most popular and spectacular holiday flowers, can combine both these colors. Poinsettias are the most popular potted plant grown in the United States, with annual sales exceeding 70 million plants. More than 60 varieties and 500,000 plants are grown and sold in Kentucky each year. The three to six bloom red poinsettia is the most frequently used, but several other sizes, shapes and colors are available. The poinsettia is not poisonous to people or pets, but is classified as a nonedible plant material. Extensive university research and laboratory testing have proven that poinsettias are not poisonous. One scientific study concluded that no toxicity occurred at ingestion levels much higher than those likely to take place in a home. The main information resource for most poison control centers states that a 50- pound child would have to ingest more than 500 poinsettia leaves to surpass an experimental dose." Some people have skin sensitivity to the white milky sap produced when a part of the plant is broken or injured. Ingesting a plant part may cause some discomfort. Active young children, who are apt to put just about anything in their mouths, and curious cats might choke on fibrous poinsettia foliage. Therefore it is a good practice to put poinsettias and all other non-edible plants out of children's and pets' reach. Poinsettias will remain beautiful far beyond the holiday season when cared for properly. Keep these tips in mind. Choose a plant with small, tightly clustered yellow buds in the center and crisp, bright, undamaged foliage. At home, put the poinsettia in a room with bright, natural light. Ideally, plant foliage should be exposed to direct sunlight one or more hours daily. Avoid locations where there are drafts and close heat sources. Do not put the plant on top of a television set or near a radiator. Water the plant when the soil becomes dry; drooping leaves may indicate it needs watering. Be sure to discard excess water in the drip saucer. If you want to keep a poinsettia after the holiday season, fertilize it with ordinary houseplant fertilizer a few weeks after buying it. "Written by Rick Durham, UK horticulture specialist"

3 Keep Trees Fresh for the Holidays Memories of Christmases past are often wrapped in the scent of a freshly cut pine tree. Some have traded in those scent-wrapped memories for the perceived convenience of an artificial tree, thinking there s less mess, as well as fewer hazards with the plastic tree. In reality, a real tree is easy to care for and will stay fresh in your home if a few simple steps are taken to care for it properly. A real Christmas tree is a renewable resource. For every tree that is harvested, another is planted in its place. And at the end of the holidays, it can be recycled. There are a variety of specimens and sizes available in real trees. In Kentucky, Christmas tree farmers typically plant white pine and Scots (or Scotch) pine. The white pine retains its needles, which have a soft, flexible texture. The Scots pine s needles are shorter than those of the white pine and the color can vary from bright green to dark green. The species retains its needles well and resists drying. Douglas and Fraser firs are also popular choices at local tree lots. The Douglas has dark green or blue green needles that are shorter and softer than pine needles. Shearing gives it a denser form than the Fraser, which is a naturally pyramidshaped tree, with even shorter needles than the Douglas. Both trees have good needle retention and a pleasant scent. For the freshest tree, the ideal choice is one you cut yourself from a tree farm. The Kentucky Christmas Tree Association has a list of member tree farms on their website, If buying a tree from a tree lot, there are two simple tests to check for freshness. Bend one of the tree s green needles. If the needle snaps rather than bends, the tree is dry. If the tree is a reasonable size, lift it a foot or so and thump the base of the trunk on the ground. If green needles fall out, the tree is too dry. If you see brown needles fall out, don t worry. Those are last year s needles and are naturally shed by the tree. Cutting it later rather than earlier will insure that the tree stays fresh throughout the entire holiday season. Real Christmas Trees are easy to care for. Page 3 Transporting a tree from either farm or lot can expose it to drying conditions. Ask to have the tree tied with twine or placed in a sleeve of plastic netting. This will allow less sur- face area to be exposed to the elements during the trip. Once you get your lot-purchased tree home, it s a good idea to cut off one or two inches from the bottom of the trunk. Place the tree in a bucket of warm water and store it away from drying sun or wind, preferably in a garage or enclosed sun porch. Gradually move the tree into the house, to minimize shock from a drastic change in temperature. In the house, be careful to place your tree away from sources of heat such as fireplaces, stoves, heat registers or radiators. Keeping the thermostat set at a lower temperature will help to prevent the tree from drying out too quickly. Keep the tree well-watered. A fresh tree can easily drink a gallon or more of water each day, so using a tree-stand that holds at least that much water will make your job easier. After the holiday season, remember to recycle your cut Christmas tree. Recycled trees can have many uses. Placed in an outside sheltered location with peanut buttered pine cones, and strings of popcorn and cranberries, your tree can serve as a good winter habitat for wildlife. They can also be used in some areas of the state as fish habitat in lakes. Check with Knott Co Extension to find out if your town has a recycling service that chips trees into mulch. Putting the tree into the trash should always be the last resort. The picture of a real tree swathed in strands of lights and treasured ornaments is often the quintessential image of Christmas. With a little care and forethought, it can add to your family s memories of a joyous Christmas." "Source: Deborah Hill"

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7 Now Taking Orders for 2019 Apple and Pear Rootstock Want to save some of those favorite heirloom fruit trees that are getting old? The Knott County Extension Office is now taking orders for apple rootstock for spring grafting. This is a great way to save money, heirloom fruit trees, and manage the height of your trees. Orders need to be placed by Tuesday, February 5, For more information, or to place an order, contact me at the Knott County Extension Office Page 7

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