By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A local beekeeper has received a grant to study a potential late-summer food source that not only could help bees, but also be of use to cattle and humans.

The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) announced last week that Allen Stovall from AJ Honey Farms, Salina, had received a $14,152 grant from NCR-SARE's Farmer Rancher Grant Program to study the use of a late summer perennial as a food source for honey bees.

Stovall, who operates AJ Honey Farms with his wife, Judy, said that they will be studying the use of Silphium Integrifolium, a part of the Aster (Sunflower) family.

"This flower blooms in the later part of summer from July into September. Honey bees have a hard time finding food during this time of the year. We call this a dearth," Allen told Salina Post. "For honey bees this means it's pretty much a desert during these months unless we can find alternatives to provide for them. Silphium is one of those potential alternatives."

The two-year grant project will have four feeding sites for bees.

"Our honey bees will have access to Silphium at two sites and two sites will not have any Silphium available. We will measure the production from each site and report our findings," he said.

Stovall noted that if the project successfully shows Silphium as a late-summer food source for honey bees, it would add to the perennial's uses. 

"We can use it as a supplement in cattle feed, the seeds from Silphuim can be used to extract human consumable cooking oil (similar to sunflower oil) and as beekeepers we want to see if the honey produced from Silphium can be a passive crop," Allen Stovall said.

The idea for the study was born from AJ Honey Farm's working relationship with The Land Institute.

"Ebony Murrell from The Land Institute came to us a few years ago to do pollination service for the Silphium plant and from that relationship, we have been able to put together a grant proposal that will help in further research," he said. "AJ Honey Farms LLC has been in collaboration with The Land Institute for about three years now in developing this research."

According to NCR-SARE, the grant "was awarded as part of NCR-SARE's Farmer Rancher Grant Program, a competitive grant program for farmers and ranchers who want to explore sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research, demonstration, and education projects." The focus of each grant program is on research and education.

The study will be a two-year endeavor in 2023 and 2024.

"During this time we are looking to educate people about Silphium but we also want to help new beekeepers become educated with their new endeavor. We started out as hobbyists and fell in love with it so much that my wife, Judy, and I are making a career out of it," Allen Stovall said.

Indeed they are. The couple's store, at 901 N. Ninth Street, Suite A, in Salina has been open since October 2022.

"Thanks to our loyal customers and wonderful public support, it looks like we are here to stay," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684715472506.jpeg" alt="A honey bee feeds on a Silphium flower. Photos courtesy Allen Stovall/AJ Honey Farms" />
 <figcaption>A honey bee feeds on a Silphium flower. Photos courtesy Allen Stovall/AJ Honey Farms</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA local beekeeper has received a grant to study a potential late-summer food source that not only could help bees, but also be of use to cattle and humans.The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) announced last week that Allen Stovall from AJ Honey Farms, Salina, had received a $14,152 grant from NCR-SARE's Farmer Rancher Grant Program to study the use of a late summer perennial as a food source for honey bees.Stovall, who operates AJ Honey Farms with his wife, Judy, said that they will be studying the use of Silphium Integrifolium, a part of the Aster (Sunflower) family."This flower blooms in the later part of summer from July into September. Honey bees have a hard time finding food during this time of the year. We call this a dearth," Allen told Salina Post. "For honey bees this means it's pretty much a desert during these months unless we can find alternatives to provide for them. Silphium is one of those potential alternatives."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684715717017.jpeg" alt="Some of Stovall's bees" />
 <figcaption>Some of Stovall's bees</figcaption>
 </figure>The two-year grant project will have four feeding sites for bees."Our honey bees will have access to Silphium at two sites and two sites will not have any Silphium available. We will measure the production from each site and report our findings," he said.Stovall noted that if the project successfully shows Silphium as a late-summer food source for honey bees, it would add to the perennial's uses. "We can use it as a supplement in cattle feed, the seeds from Silphuim can be used to extract human consumable cooking oil (similar to sunflower oil) and as beekeepers we want to see if the honey produced from Silphium can be a passive crop," Allen Stovall said.The idea for the study was born from AJ Honey Farm's working relationship with The Land Institute.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684715865636.jpeg" alt="The study will help determine whether honey produced from Silphium can be a passive crop." />
 <figcaption>The study will help determine whether honey produced from Silphium can be a passive crop.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Ebony Murrell from The Land Institute came to us a few years ago to do pollination service for the Silphium plant and from that relationship, we have been able to put together a grant proposal that will help in further research," he said. "AJ Honey Farms LLC has been in collaboration with The Land Institute for about three years now in developing this research."According to NCR-SARE, the grant "was awarded as part of NCR-SARE's Farmer Rancher Grant Program, a competitive grant program for farmers and ranchers who want to explore sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research, demonstration, and education projects." The focus of each grant program is on research and education.The study will be a two-year endeavor in 2023 and 2024."During this time we are looking to educate people about Silphium but we also want to help new beekeepers become educated with their new endeavor. We started out as hobbyists and fell in love with it so much that my wife, Judy, and I are making a career out of it," Allen Stovall said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684716041046.jpeg" alt="Allen and Judy Stovall with some of their bee hives" />
 <figcaption>Allen and Judy Stovall with some of their bee hives</figcaption>
 </figure>Indeed they are. The couple's store, at 901 N. Ninth Street, Suite A, in Salina has been open since October 2022."Thanks to our loyal customers and wonderful public support, it looks like we are here to stay," he said.

Salina beekeeper receives grant to study late-summer food source for honey bees

By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas District

Monarch butterflies are well known and loved. These butterflies inform our scientific literacy from a young age as we study metamorphosis and their unique relationship with milkweed (their host plant). I always look forward to seeing their beauty each and every season as they migrate north from their overwintering grounds in northern Mexico and fly throughout our region of Central Kansas before returning south later in the year.

The annual monarch census has shown a trend of declines in the monarch butterfly population for many years which is why it is important that we understand how best to provide habitat in our local gardens to help them survive and thrive.

Primary reasons for monarch butterfly decline include the&nbsp;loss of stems of milkweed&nbsp;and the&nbsp;loss of habitat&nbsp;in general due to urbanization and land use changes.&nbsp;Milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly&nbsp;and without it monarch butterflies have no way to reproduce and provide food for their larvae (caterpillars).

It is estimated that&nbsp;an additional 1.8 billion stems of milkweed are needed&nbsp;to conserve our monarch butterflies!

New research is providing some great information on how we can best build our monarch butterfly gardens in our backyards and home landscapes.

Research done at the University of Kentucky has discovered that monarchs will use and thrive in even small gardens that are designed with a few key things in mind.

First, monarchs prefer an easy to find and accessible milkweed plant.&nbsp;When milkweed was planted at the perimeter (edge) of the monarch butterfly garden, research found that it supported 2.5 to 4 times more monarchs.

The image shows an example. The milkweed (m) is planted in clumps on the exterior of the butterfly garden where it is easy to find.&nbsp;Monarchs use visual cues&nbsp;such as leaf shape to locate milkweed and when milkweed is planted on the exterior of the garden it was much more easily found by the butterflies. The nectar plants can be intermixed as desired and planted inside the milkweed.

Isolated milkweed plants are colonized by monarchs much more readily than milkweed that is intermixed with many other types of plants.&nbsp;In fact, it was even better to plant milkweed in individual clumps on the edge of the garden and set them off with mulch.

The research also discovered that monarch butterfly gardens that were placed in an area with open and easy north/south access were more attractive to the butterflies.&nbsp;When possible, plant monarch gardens in a way that allow easy and unobstructed north/south access since this is their natural migration path.

Other monarch butterfly garden components

Don’t forget other key ways to make butterflies feel at home in your garden.

Nectar&nbsp;is the fuel for adult butterflies and every monarch garden should include a variety of nectar producing flowers that bloom throughout the season. The color, as well as the shape, of a flower’s blooms attracts butterflies. While a wide variety of color will attract a greater variety of butterflies, it’s also important to plant your flowers in masses using three or more plants of one variety but remember to keep the milkweed on the perimeter. Here are some examples of plants that can provide nectar.

Water or a ‘puddling’ space&nbsp;is beneficial to monarch butterflies. Provide a “puddling” space by burying a shallow container of sand and keeping it moist. The butterflies will congregate on damp sand to extract needed salts and minerals.

Add a few light-colored stones&nbsp;protected from the wind on which the cold-blooded butterflies can bask in the sun.

Avoid pesticide use.&nbsp;The chemicals that kill undesirable insects will also kill butterflies and their caterpillars.

Deadhead spent blossoms.&nbsp;Not only will this practice encourage more blooms, it also helps control plants that can become invasive by removing seed heads.

To see more lawn and garden information, visit the <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension Lawn and Garden webpage</a>.

And check out the Salina Post Lawn and Garden page, under the Local tab or <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/garden">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684029290990.png" alt="Photos and images courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Photos and images courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas DistrictMonarch butterflies are well known and loved. These butterflies inform our scientific literacy from a young age as we study metamorphosis and their unique relationship with milkweed (their host plant). I always look forward to seeing their beauty each and every season as they migrate north from their overwintering grounds in northern Mexico and fly throughout our region of Central Kansas before returning south later in the year.The annual monarch census has shown a trend of declines in the monarch butterfly population for many years which is why it is important that we understand how best to provide habitat in our local gardens to help them survive and thrive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028440215.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Reasons for decline</h2>Primary reasons for monarch butterfly decline include the&nbsp;loss of stems of milkweed&nbsp;and the&nbsp;loss of habitat&nbsp;in general due to urbanization and land use changes.&nbsp;Milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly&nbsp;and without it monarch butterflies have no way to reproduce and provide food for their larvae (caterpillars).It is estimated that&nbsp;an additional 1.8 billion stems of milkweed are needed&nbsp;to conserve our monarch butterflies!<h2>Monarch garden structure</h2>New research is providing some great information on how we can best build our monarch butterfly gardens in our backyards and home landscapes.Research done at the University of Kentucky has discovered that monarchs will use and thrive in even small gardens that are designed with a few key things in mind.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028608973.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First, monarchs prefer an easy to find and accessible milkweed plant.&nbsp;When milkweed was planted at the perimeter (edge) of the monarch butterfly garden, research found that it supported 2.5 to 4 times more monarchs.The image shows an example. The milkweed (m) is planted in clumps on the exterior of the butterfly garden where it is easy to find.&nbsp;Monarchs use visual cues&nbsp;such as leaf shape to locate milkweed and when milkweed is planted on the exterior of the garden it was much more easily found by the butterflies. The nectar plants can be intermixed as desired and planted inside the milkweed.Isolated milkweed plants are colonized by monarchs much more readily than milkweed that is intermixed with many other types of plants.&nbsp;In fact, it was even better to plant milkweed in individual clumps on the edge of the garden and set them off with mulch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028730308.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The research also discovered that monarch butterfly gardens that were placed in an area with open and easy north/south access were more attractive to the butterflies.&nbsp;When possible, plant monarch gardens in a way that allow easy and unobstructed north/south access since this is their natural migration path.<h2>Key points:</h2><ol>
 <li>Monarchs will use even very small gardens</li><li>Avoid ‘hiding’ milkweed&nbsp;among other plants</li><li>Plant gardens where there is easy north/south access&nbsp;to incoming butterflies</li><li>Isolated and taller varieties of milkweed plants are preferred&nbsp;by monarch butterflies, set them off with mulch</li><li>Plant milkweeds on exterior of gardens</li><li>Plant several species of milkweed native to our region&nbsp;but avoid using tropical milkweed in Kansas. When native milkweed stops blooming, it is a cue for the monarch to migrate. Since tropical milkweed blooms much later than our native milkweeds it can interfere with the cue monarchs rely on to migrate at the proper time.</li>
 </ol><h2>Other monarch butterfly garden components</h2>Don’t forget other key ways to make butterflies feel at home in your garden.Nectar&nbsp;is the fuel for adult butterflies and every monarch garden should include a variety of nectar producing flowers that bloom throughout the season. The color, as well as the shape, of a flower’s blooms attracts butterflies. While a wide variety of color will attract a greater variety of butterflies, it’s also important to plant your flowers in masses using three or more plants of one variety but remember to keep the milkweed on the perimeter. Here are some examples of plants that can provide nectar.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028882943.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Water or a ‘puddling’ space&nbsp;is beneficial to monarch butterflies. Provide a “puddling” space by burying a shallow container of sand and keeping it moist. The butterflies will congregate on damp sand to extract needed salts and minerals.Add a few light-colored stones&nbsp;protected from the wind on which the cold-blooded butterflies can bask in the sun.Avoid pesticide use.&nbsp;The chemicals that kill undesirable insects will also kill butterflies and their caterpillars.Deadhead spent blossoms.&nbsp;Not only will this practice encourage more blooms, it also helps control plants that can become invasive by removing seed heads.To see more lawn and garden information, visit the <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension Lawn and Garden webpage</a>.And check out the Salina Post Lawn and Garden page, under the Local tab or <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/garden">click here</a>.

CENTRAL KANSAS L&G: How to build a garden for monarch butterflies

By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – She’s not meaning to throw shade to social media, but Rebecca McMahon knows that ‘Instagram Gardens’ aren’t likely to do well in Kansas’ climate.&nbsp;

“Many of those resources that you run across on Instagram are from the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast or even the Great Lakes region,” said McMahon, administrator of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/localfoods/index.html" target="_blank">Kansas State University’s local foods systems program</a>, who grew up in the cooler climate of northern Wisconsin.&nbsp;

“All of those places have much milder climates and much cooler summers than we have in Kansas, so it’s so critical to know what to plant and when in Kansas because the weather is going to fight back.”&nbsp;

McMahon is a co-author of the newest version of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Garden Guide</a>, which was released this spring and available online from the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.&nbsp;

“The Kansas Garden Guide has been around a long time; in fact, I have a copy from 1983 that is about 22 pages and includes line drawings,” McMahon said. “I’ve even had folks tell me that they have versions from the 1970s and earlier. So, as with many things, every so often they need an update and some changes to better reflect the needs of the gardeners that use the guide.”&nbsp;

McMahon said the Kansas Garden Guide was last updated in 2010 with 76 pages. The 2023 version has expanded to 202 pages with full-color pictures and illustrations. The intent of the Kansas Garden Guide is to provide assistance specific to gardening in Kansas’ climate.&nbsp;

“I think one of the big changes is there's a lot more emphasis in this guide on options for folks with smaller gardens, like we often see in our more urban settings… and accessible gardens for folks that either don't have space or the physical ability to have a large traditional type of garden,” McMahon said.&nbsp;

Much of the content is also published with new gardeners in mind, she adds.&nbsp;

“One of the things I noticed when I started looking at older versions of the guide is that there was this assumption that people had grown up as gardeners,” McMahon said. “But what we see anymore is that many of our gardeners are not coming to it with experience. Maybe their parents, grandparents or great grandparents didn’t grow up around the garden.”&nbsp;

McMahon said experienced gardeners also will benefit because “we’re always learning more.” She said one of the advancements in the past decade has been agriculture’s understanding of soil chemistry, including organic matter and soil biology.&nbsp;

In addition to horticulture experts, the Kansas Garden Guide includes updated information from K-State specialists in entomology, plant pathology, food safety and more.&nbsp;

Ordering information and a direct link to the guide is at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf" target="_blank">www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683601063484.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN – She’s not meaning to throw shade to social media, but Rebecca McMahon knows that ‘Instagram Gardens’ aren’t likely to do well in Kansas’ climate.&nbsp;“Many of those resources that you run across on Instagram are from the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast or even the Great Lakes region,” said McMahon, administrator of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/localfoods/index.html" target="_blank">Kansas State University’s local foods systems program</a>, who grew up in the cooler climate of northern Wisconsin.&nbsp;“All of those places have much milder climates and much cooler summers than we have in Kansas, so it’s so critical to know what to plant and when in Kansas because the weather is going to fight back.”&nbsp;McMahon is a co-author of the newest version of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Garden Guide</a>, which was released this spring and available online from the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.&nbsp;“The Kansas Garden Guide has been around a long time; in fact, I have a copy from 1983 that is about 22 pages and includes line drawings,” McMahon said. “I’ve even had folks tell me that they have versions from the 1970s and earlier. So, as with many things, every so often they need an update and some changes to better reflect the needs of the gardeners that use the guide.”&nbsp;McMahon said the Kansas Garden Guide was last updated in 2010 with 76 pages. The 2023 version has expanded to 202 pages with full-color pictures and illustrations. The intent of the Kansas Garden Guide is to provide assistance specific to gardening in Kansas’ climate.&nbsp;“I think one of the big changes is there's a lot more emphasis in this guide on options for folks with smaller gardens, like we often see in our more urban settings… and accessible gardens for folks that either don't have space or the physical ability to have a large traditional type of garden,” McMahon said.&nbsp;Much of the content is also published with new gardeners in mind, she adds.&nbsp;“One of the things I noticed when I started looking at older versions of the guide is that there was this assumption that people had grown up as gardeners,” McMahon said. “But what we see anymore is that many of our gardeners are not coming to it with experience. Maybe their parents, grandparents or great grandparents didn’t grow up around the garden.”&nbsp;McMahon said experienced gardeners also will benefit because “we’re always learning more.” She said one of the advancements in the past decade has been agriculture’s understanding of soil chemistry, including organic matter and soil biology.&nbsp;In addition to horticulture experts, the Kansas Garden Guide includes updated information from K-State specialists in entomology, plant pathology, food safety and more.&nbsp;Ordering information and a direct link to the guide is at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf" target="_blank">www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf</a>.&nbsp;

K-State's McMahon: ‘Instagram Gardens’ not the norm in Kansas

K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN –&nbsp;Storm season can be stressful for many reasons, but for Kansas gardeners, protecting their plants is a priority.&nbsp;

With Kansas’ storm season in full swing, Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has tips on how to protect and recover gardens from severe weather damage.&nbsp;

“We are entering storm season and various areas of the state will likely have high winds, excessive rainfall and hail,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upham’s recommendations include the following.

“The force of rainfall pounding on the soil can result in a thick crust that prevents seed emergence and partially blocks oxygen from reaching roots,” Upham said. 

Correcting this issue is as easy as lightly scraping the soil surface after it has dried. Upham cautions against deep tiling as it could damage young, tender roots.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Standing water cuts off oxygen to the roots, which can result in plant damage if it doesn’t drain quickly enough,” he said. 

Plants can sometimes handle 24 hours of standing water, but hot weather following the rainfall can cause the water to become hot enough to ‘cook’ the plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There isn’t much that can be done about this unless a channel can be cut to allow the water to drain,” Upham said.&nbsp;

Hail damaged plants should recover quickly as long as only the leaves were damaged. If stems and fruit were damaged the situation may become more serious. 

“The plant can recover from a few bruises, but if it looks like the plants were mowed down by a weed whip, replanting is in order,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Either wind or water can cause plants to lean,” Upham said “They should start to straighten after a few days.” 

He does not recommend trying to bend them back as the plants often break easily.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week. &nbsp; Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a>wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683420104199.jpeg" alt="Stormy weather doesn't have to be the end of garden plants. Photo&nbsp;

by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/robert_c-1017101/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=787257">Robert C</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=787257">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>Stormy weather doesn't have to be the end of garden plants. Photo&nbsp;

by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/robert_c-1017101/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=787257">Robert C</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=787257">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN –&nbsp;Storm season can be stressful for many reasons, but for Kansas gardeners, protecting their plants is a priority.&nbsp;With Kansas’ storm season in full swing, Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has tips on how to protect and recover gardens from severe weather damage.&nbsp;“We are entering storm season and various areas of the state will likely have high winds, excessive rainfall and hail,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upham’s recommendations include the following.Heavy rain&nbsp;“The force of rainfall pounding on the soil can result in a thick crust that prevents seed emergence and partially blocks oxygen from reaching roots,” Upham said. Correcting this issue is as easy as lightly scraping the soil surface after it has dried. Upham cautions against deep tiling as it could damage young, tender roots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Standing water&nbsp;“Standing water cuts off oxygen to the roots, which can result in plant damage if it doesn’t drain quickly enough,” he said. Plants can sometimes handle 24 hours of standing water, but hot weather following the rainfall can cause the water to become hot enough to ‘cook’ the plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There isn’t much that can be done about this unless a channel can be cut to allow the water to drain,” Upham said.&nbsp;Hail damage&nbsp;Hail damaged plants should recover quickly as long as only the leaves were damaged. If stems and fruit were damaged the situation may become more serious. “The plant can recover from a few bruises, but if it looks like the plants were mowed down by a weed whip, replanting is in order,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaning plant&nbsp;“Either wind or water can cause plants to lean,” Upham said “They should start to straighten after a few days.” He does not recommend trying to bend them back as the plants often break easily.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">available to view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week. &nbsp; Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a>wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office.</a>&nbsp;

Tips for protecting gardens during storm season

By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas District

The Central Kansas District Extension Master Gardeners are ready for gardening and are jumping into spring planting season by hosting their annual fundraiser.

The Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage Sale is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in Kenwood Hall, 900 Greeley Avenue in Salina.

It will feature a Master Gardener sale of plants, garden-related items, and garage finds you won't want to miss.

Proceeds from the Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage sale will be used to support the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden in Kenwood Park and other Master Gardener outreach activities and projects, such as the garden tour planned for 2024.

Master Gardeners have been busy growing many unique warm-season vegetables such as heat set, patio, and heirloom tomatoes, squash, peppers, melons, eggplant, and more. The plant sale will also feature divided flowers/perennials, milkweed, houseplants, and more.

Admission to the sale is free and garden item donations are welcome.

Master Gardeners are also providing a children’s activity table during the event.

The fundraiser sale also wiil feature the Dyck Arboretum of Hesston, which will be offering native plants, grasses, and adaptable perennials to boost your spring plans and planting for pollinators, butterflies, and much more.

Faye’s Playground will be at the sale offering unique varieties of iris and daylilies just in time for spring planting.

Paradise Ponds of Ellsworth will also have a unique selection of water/aquatic plants available for purchase.

As an added bonus, you also will be able to support the Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter by purchasing an item from their bake sale table at the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681870753022.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas District The Central Kansas District Extension Master Gardeners are ready for gardening and are jumping into spring planting season by hosting their annual fundraiser.The Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage Sale is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in Kenwood Hall, 900 Greeley Avenue in Salina.It will feature a Master Gardener sale of plants, garden-related items, and garage finds you won't want to miss.Proceeds from the Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage sale will be used to support the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden in Kenwood Park and other Master Gardener outreach activities and projects, such as the garden tour planned for 2024.Master Gardeners have been busy growing many unique warm-season vegetables such as heat set, patio, and heirloom tomatoes, squash, peppers, melons, eggplant, and more. The plant sale will also feature divided flowers/perennials, milkweed, houseplants, and more.Admission to the sale is free and garden item donations are welcome.Master Gardeners are also providing a children’s activity table during the event.The fundraiser sale also wiil feature the Dyck Arboretum of Hesston, which will be offering native plants, grasses, and adaptable perennials to boost your spring plans and planting for pollinators, butterflies, and much more.Faye’s Playground will be at the sale offering unique varieties of iris and daylilies just in time for spring planting.Paradise Ponds of Ellsworth will also have a unique selection of water/aquatic plants available for purchase.As an added bonus, you also will be able to support the Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter by purchasing an item from their bake sale table at the event.

Don't forget: Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage Sale Saturday

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Cole crops planted in the spring need to mature before summer heat arrives, which means a fertilizer boost is necessary, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;

Cole crops are cool-season vegetables and include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“They must grow quickly while the weather is cool,” Upham said. “A side dressing of fertilizer about three weeks after transplanting helps plants continue to grow rapidly.”&nbsp;

Upham suggests fertilizers high in nitrogen. “Do not use lawn fertilizers that have weed killers or preventers,” he said.&nbsp;

Upham said a nitrate of soda or blood meal at the rate of 1/3 cup per 10 feet of row is ideal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“You may also use lawn fertilizers that have close to 30 percent nitrogen such as a 30-3-4 or 29-5-4 but the rate should be cut in half to three tablespoons per 10 feet of row,” Upham said.&nbsp;

If it doesn’t rain, fertilizer must be watered in.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;wupham@ksu.edu, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682815090584.jpeg" alt="Cole crops are cool-season vegetables and include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.&nbsp; Photos courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Cole crops are cool-season vegetables and include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.&nbsp; Photos courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — Cole crops planted in the spring need to mature before summer heat arrives, which means a fertilizer boost is necessary, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham.&nbsp;Cole crops are cool-season vegetables and include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They must grow quickly while the weather is cool,” Upham said. “A side dressing of fertilizer about three weeks after transplanting helps plants continue to grow rapidly.”&nbsp;Upham suggests fertilizers high in nitrogen. “Do not use lawn fertilizers that have weed killers or preventers,” he said.&nbsp;Upham said a nitrate of soda or blood meal at the rate of 1/3 cup per 10 feet of row is ideal.&nbsp;&nbsp;“You may also use lawn fertilizers that have close to 30 percent nitrogen such as a 30-3-4 or 29-5-4 but the rate should be cut in half to three tablespoons per 10 feet of row,” Upham said.&nbsp;If it doesn’t rain, fertilizer must be watered in.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682815255836.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Upham and his colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;wupham@ksu.edu, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower need a boost 

Arbor Day is coming up on April 28 and is a perfect time to promote tree planting and the benefits of trees in our communities.&nbsp; Trees provide many benefits to our farms, homes, and cities that we often forget about.&nbsp; &nbsp;They create biodiversity, provide countless ecosystem services, enhance property value, and even improve our quality of life and health.&nbsp; Planting a tree is a very strategic investment for our future.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/garden">To see more garden-related stories, go to Salina Post's Garden Page</a>

It can be very easy to get in a hurry when planting a tree and make mistakes that will not allow a tree to thrive to its full potential.&nbsp; Here are five tips to help you plant your tree correctly and ensure long-term success.

Select a tree recommended for Central Kansas

Selecting the right tree for the right place is the essential first step in any tree planting.  Kansas climate is diverse and challenging and selecting a tree that will thrive in our soil and climate is essential. Go to the planting site and look up and around. Remember to consider both the mature height and width of any trees you will plant. Choose varieties suited to our area and those that are the most resistant to common insect and disease pests and drought. Choose varieties suited to our Kansas soils that often are very alkaline (high pH).  The Extension office has tree lists that will help narrow down appropriate trees.

<a href="https://ckdlawngardens.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/recommended-trees-for-central-kansas.pdf">Recommended Trees for Central Kansas</a>

Don’t forget that certain native trees are ‘food hubs’ and vital to sustaining the biodiversity (life) around us. Bur oak is a perfect example. This native oak supports hundreds of native insects and caterpillars which in turn support a vast array of song birds. Bur oak acorns also support scores of other wildlife. Choosing to plant a native ‘food hub’ tree is a wise decision.

If the tree is container grown,&nbsp;examine the roots before planting.&nbsp;Often container trees are root-bound and have excessive amounts of circling roots in the container. Circling roots will continue to grow in a circle after planting and need to be cut or straightened in order to prevent future damage to the tree.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Girdling roots that aren’t cut or removed or teased out of their circling shape will eventually grow into the tree trunk&nbsp;and choke off the cambium tissue and the tree will not thrive long term.

You only plant a tree once, so make sure to provide a correct size planting hole.&nbsp; Planting trees too deep is a very common mistake that has long term consequences.&nbsp; Before placing the tree in the planting hole, locate the first root (flare root) coming off of the tree trunk. This flare root should be at or just slightly above the soil surface when planted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also dig wide.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. By digging a planting hole that is wider than the root ball, you are creating less compacted soil conditions around the tree that allow newly developing roots to establish and grow.

Initially, trees should be watered at planting and again the next day and up to once or twice a week the first month depending on rainfall.&nbsp; After the first month monitor the soil closely and water regularly as needed. Use a probe such as a screwdriver to check soil moisture around the tree roots weekly.&nbsp; Be careful not to water too frequently since soils must have some time to dry to allow oxygen to reenter for plant roots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some trees can be killed by being planted in a heavily irrigated fescue lawn where too much moisture suffocates the roots.&nbsp; A happy medium must be found.

Research shows that&nbsp;trees that are mulched properly grow and establish much more quickly than trees that aren’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is due to the fact that the tree roots are not in competition with the surrounding turf and enjoy the many other benefits mulch provides (including protection from mowers and trimmers getting too close and wounding the tree trunk).&nbsp; A proper mulch layer for a new tree is 4 inches deep and spread outward from the trunk several feet or more.&nbsp; Be careful not to pile the mulch up on the tree trunk itself as this can lead to rots or rodent damage in the lower trunk bark.

For more information check out this step-by-step instruction guide on planting trees from K-State Research and Extension.

<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/docs/How%20to%20plant%20a%20tree.pdf">Click to view this KSU publication</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682643982814.png" alt="Photos courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas DistrictArbor Day is coming up on April 28 and is a perfect time to promote tree planting and the benefits of trees in our communities.&nbsp; Trees provide many benefits to our farms, homes, and cities that we often forget about.&nbsp; &nbsp;They create biodiversity, provide countless ecosystem services, enhance property value, and even improve our quality of life and health.&nbsp; Planting a tree is a very strategic investment for our future.<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/garden">To see more garden-related stories, go to Salina Post's Garden Page</a>It can be very easy to get in a hurry when planting a tree and make mistakes that will not allow a tree to thrive to its full potential.&nbsp; Here are five tips to help you plant your tree correctly and ensure long-term success.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682644136543.png" alt="Basswood/Linden trees tolerate our high Central KS soil pH and are loved by pollinators." />
 <figcaption>Basswood/Linden trees tolerate our high Central KS soil pH and are loved by pollinators.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Select a tree recommended for Central Kansas</h2>Selecting the right tree for the right place is the essential first step in any tree planting. Kansas climate is diverse and challenging and selecting a tree that will thrive in our soil and climate is essential. Go to the planting site and look up and around. Remember to consider both the mature height and width of any trees you will plant. Choose varieties suited to our area and those that are the most resistant to common insect and disease pests and drought. Choose varieties suited to our Kansas soils that often are very alkaline (high pH). The Extension office has tree lists that will help narrow down appropriate trees.<a href="https://ckdlawngardens.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/recommended-trees-for-central-kansas.pdf">Recommended Trees for Central Kansas</a>Don’t forget that certain native trees are ‘food hubs’ and vital to sustaining the biodiversity (life) around us. Bur oak is a perfect example. This native oak supports hundreds of native insects and caterpillars which in turn support a vast array of song birds. Bur oak acorns also support scores of other wildlife. Choosing to plant a native ‘food hub’ tree is a wise decision.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682644309476.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Remove girdling roots</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682644450903.png" alt="This 10-year-old oak was planted with circling/girdling roots that are now damaging this tree-this damage is irreversible." />
 <figcaption>This 10-year-old oak was planted with circling/girdling roots that are now damaging this tree-this damage is irreversible.</figcaption>
 </figure>If the tree is container grown,&nbsp;examine the roots before planting.&nbsp;Often container trees are root-bound and have excessive amounts of circling roots in the container. Circling roots will continue to grow in a circle after planting and need to be cut or straightened in order to prevent future damage to the tree.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Girdling roots that aren’t cut or removed or teased out of their circling shape will eventually grow into the tree trunk&nbsp;and choke off the cambium tissue and the tree will not thrive long term.<h2>Plant to the correct depth</h2>You only plant a tree once, so make sure to provide a correct size planting hole.&nbsp; Planting trees too deep is a very common mistake that has long term consequences.&nbsp; Before placing the tree in the planting hole, locate the first root (flare root) coming off of the tree trunk. This flare root should be at or just slightly above the soil surface when planted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also dig wide.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball. By digging a planting hole that is wider than the root ball, you are creating less compacted soil conditions around the tree that allow newly developing roots to establish and grow.<h2>Water correctly</h2>Initially, trees should be watered at planting and again the next day and up to once or twice a week the first month depending on rainfall.&nbsp; After the first month monitor the soil closely and water regularly as needed. Use a probe such as a screwdriver to check soil moisture around the tree roots weekly.&nbsp; Be careful not to water too frequently since soils must have some time to dry to allow oxygen to reenter for plant roots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some trees can be killed by being planted in a heavily irrigated fescue lawn where too much moisture suffocates the roots.&nbsp; A happy medium must be found.<h2>Mulching is critical</h2>Research shows that&nbsp;trees that are mulched properly grow and establish much more quickly than trees that aren’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is due to the fact that the tree roots are not in competition with the surrounding turf and enjoy the many other benefits mulch provides (including protection from mowers and trimmers getting too close and wounding the tree trunk).&nbsp; A proper mulch layer for a new tree is 4 inches deep and spread outward from the trunk several feet or more.&nbsp; Be careful not to pile the mulch up on the tree trunk itself as this can lead to rots or rodent damage in the lower trunk bark.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682644657384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Step by step instruction</h2>For more information check out this step-by-step instruction guide on planting trees from K-State Research and Extension.<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/docs/How%20to%20plant%20a%20tree.pdf">Click to view this KSU publication</a>

CENTRAL KANSAS L&G: Plant a tree this spring

In celebration of Arbor Day this Friday, Kansas Wesleyan University will be holding an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony and planting three trees on campus.  

The public is invited to come to the Outdoor Living Room (west of Pioneer Hall) on campus at 1 p.m. Friday to participate.  

A Sterling Silver Linden, a Jane Magnolia donated by Landscape Consultants, and an Oklahoma redbud donated by the City of Salina Parks and Forestry will be planted to mark the occasion. 

The Sterling Silver Linden is an adaptable and pollinator-friendly shade tree

The Jane Magnolia is a later blooming magnolia that will announce spring on campus with its beautiful flowers.

The Oklahoma redbud is a tough and reliable small tree that blooms early and is also a great resource for pollinators.

Students, faculty, and staff at KWU and City of Salina Parks and Forestry will assist with the 2023 planting ceremony.

K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Agent Jason Graves, who is a part of the KWU Tree Advisory Committee, said Arbor Day is a perfect time to promote tree planting and the benefits of trees in our city.

"Trees without a doubt provide many benefits to our farms, homes, and cities that we often forget about. Trees create biodiversity, provide countless ecosystem services, enhance property value, and even improve our quality of life and health. Planting a tree is a very strategic investment for our future," Graves noted in a news release. 

Kansas Wesleyan takes its trees seriously and the KWU Tree Advisory Committee, composed of students, community members, and faculty, has been working over the last five years on a tree inventory to identify and tag more than 230 trees on campus.

A new project to create an online arboretum map will begin in late 2023. 

Kansas Wesleyan earned Tree Campus Higher Education recognition for the first time in 2018 and has been a recognized Tree Campus for five years running. The City of Salina is also recognized as a long-time Tree City USA Community.

For more information about the Arbor Day tree planting at Kansas Wesleyan University, contact Stephanie Welter at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:stephanie.welter@kwu.edu" target="_blank">stephanie.welter@kwu.edu</a>&nbsp;or John Swagerty at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:john.swagerty@kwu.edu" target="_blank">john.swagerty@kwu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682530185452.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wesleyan University representatives plant a tree during a previous Arbor Day celebration. Photo courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wesleyan University representatives plant a tree during a previous Arbor Day celebration. Photo courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTIn celebration of Arbor Day this Friday, Kansas Wesleyan University will be holding an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony and planting three trees on campus. The public is invited to come to the Outdoor Living Room (west of Pioneer Hall) on campus at 1 p.m. Friday to participate. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682530914936.png" alt="Map courtesy <a href="http://kwu.edu">kwu.edu</a>" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy <a href="http://kwu.edu">kwu.edu</a></figcaption>
 </figure>A Sterling Silver Linden, a Jane Magnolia donated by Landscape Consultants, and an Oklahoma redbud donated by the City of Salina Parks and Forestry will be planted to mark the occasion. The Sterling Silver Linden is an adaptable and pollinator-friendly shade treeThe Jane Magnolia is a later blooming magnolia that will announce spring on campus with its beautiful flowers.The Oklahoma redbud is a tough and reliable small tree that blooms early and is also a great resource for pollinators.Students, faculty, and staff at KWU and City of Salina Parks and Forestry will assist with the 2023 planting ceremony.K-State Research and Extension Horticulture Agent Jason Graves, who is a part of the KWU Tree Advisory Committee, said Arbor Day is a perfect time to promote tree planting and the benefits of trees in our city."Trees without a doubt provide many benefits to our farms, homes, and cities that we often forget about. Trees create biodiversity, provide countless ecosystem services, enhance property value, and even improve our quality of life and health. Planting a tree is a very strategic investment for our future," Graves noted in a news release. Kansas Wesleyan takes its trees seriously and the KWU Tree Advisory Committee, composed of students, community members, and faculty, has been working over the last five years on a tree inventory to identify and tag more than 230 trees on campus.A new project to create an online arboretum map will begin in late 2023. Kansas Wesleyan earned Tree Campus Higher Education recognition for the first time in 2018 and has been a recognized Tree Campus for five years running. The City of Salina is also recognized as a long-time Tree City USA Community.For more information about the Arbor Day tree planting at Kansas Wesleyan University, contact Stephanie Welter at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:stephanie.welter@kwu.edu" target="_blank">stephanie.welter@kwu.edu</a>&nbsp;or John Swagerty at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:john.swagerty@kwu.edu" target="_blank">john.swagerty@kwu.edu</a>

Kansas Wesleyan University to celebrate Arbor Day Friday

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Attracting butterflies to the garden through plant selection has grown in popularity, said Kansas State University horticulture instructor Cynthia Domenghini. Knowing what species of plants butterflies prefer can help gardeners with their selections, she said.&nbsp;

Annual plants that attract butterflies include:&nbsp;

“Group similar species of annuals together to create a planting more likely to attract butterflies,” Domenghini said. “Including a mix of annuals with varying bloom times can lengthen the butterfly season.”&nbsp;

Early blooming perennials that attract butterflies include:

Mid-season blooming perennials include:&nbsp;

Late-season blooming perennials include:&nbsp;

“Other features you can incorporate in the garden to appeal to butterflies include areas of full sun. Butterflies are cold-blooded so they seek sunshine for warmth,” Domenghini said. “Shade is also necessary so they can escape from intense sun.”&nbsp;

Water is also important for butterflies and can be provided with a birdbath or water-filled saucer on the ground, Domenghini said.&nbsp;

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to&nbsp;&nbsp;Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu">cdom@ksu.edu</a>,&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682296413484.jpeg" alt=""Including a mix of annuals with varying bloom times can lengthen the butterfly season," according to K-State&nbsp;horticulture instructor Cynthia Domenghini. Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/cooky07-11795645/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4112665">Cooky07</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4112665">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>"Including a mix of annuals with varying bloom times can lengthen the butterfly season," according to K-State&nbsp;horticulture instructor Cynthia Domenghini. Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/cooky07-11795645/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4112665">Cooky07</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=4112665">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — Attracting butterflies to the garden through plant selection has grown in popularity, said Kansas State University horticulture instructor Cynthia Domenghini. Knowing what species of plants butterflies prefer can help gardeners with their selections, she said.&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/garden">To see more garden-related stories, go to Salina Post's Garden Page</a>Annual plants that attract butterflies include:&nbsp; ●Ageratum●Cosmos●French marigold●Petunia●Verbena●Zinnia“Group similar species of annuals together to create a planting more likely to attract butterflies,” Domenghini said. “Including a mix of annuals with varying bloom times can lengthen the butterfly season.”&nbsp;Early blooming perennials that attract butterflies include: ●Allium●Chives●Forget-me-not●Lilac&nbsp;Mid-season blooming perennials include:&nbsp;●Bee balm●Butterfly bush●Black-eyed Susan●Buttonbush●Butterfly weed●Daisy●Daylily●Gaillardia●Lavender●Lily●Mint●Phlox●Privet●Sunflower●VeronicaLate-season blooming perennials include:&nbsp;●Aster●Glossy●Abelia●Sedum“Other features you can incorporate in the garden to appeal to butterflies include areas of full sun. Butterflies are cold-blooded so they seek sunshine for warmth,” Domenghini said. “Shade is also necessary so they can escape from intense sun.”&nbsp;Water is also important for butterflies and can be provided with a birdbath or water-filled saucer on the ground, Domenghini said.&nbsp;Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html" target="_blank">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to&nbsp;&nbsp;Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu">cdom@ksu.edu</a>,&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.&nbsp;

K-State horticulturalist offers gardening for butterflies tips

During the spring and early summer one of the most common plant problems often inquired about is that of herbicide injury.   The spring and early summer is a popular time to spray weeds in the lawn and landscape, but unfortunately many herbicides can be very damaging to desirable landscape plants as well.

All herbicides are capable of drifting and broadleaf weed herbicides are especially prone to &nbsp;moving with the breeze.&nbsp; This herbicide drift is what often causes damage to numerous other plants in the landscape.&nbsp; Damage will be found on trees, shrubs, vegetables, and other landscape plants when herbicides are incorrectly applied.&nbsp; Some herbicides are more volatile, meaning that the warmer the temperature is, the more likely the spray is to drift as an invisible vapor in the air.

Many forms of 2,4-D can volatilize at or above temperatures in the mid-80s and this means that&nbsp;spraying without caution on a warm and windy spring or summer day can create clouds of vapor that can potentially harm non-target plants.&nbsp;It is also important to keep in mind that drift can occur from many blocks and even miles away if the wind is blowing, so pinpointing the source can be difficult.

Symptoms of herbicide injury can vary, but usually include new leaves and shoots being shrunken, curled, puckered, bent, twisted, or distorted.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomatoes are very sensitive to herbicide injury and are often one of the first plants to show damage.&nbsp; Redbuds and grapes are also very sensitive.&nbsp; All plants can be susceptible depending on the amount of herbicide in the air and their stage of growth.

After herbicide injury has occurred all you can do is wait.&nbsp; Many woody plants will simply grow out of it later on.&nbsp; If the drift was light there will likely be no long-term effects.&nbsp; Plants may look bad for several weeks or even longer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Plants with injury should be kept from incurring more stress&nbsp;as much as possible and may need supplemental water during times of heat, wind, and drought.

If herbicide drift occurs in a vegetable garden the yields can be greatly reduced and sensitive plants like tomatoes or green beans can be easily stunted or killed. If herbicide drift occurs early in the growing season it is usually best to replant any vegetables that were significantly affected.

The best way to prevent herbicide drift is to avoid spring and early summer applications of herbicides as much as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plants are easily damaged in spring and early summer because they are actively growing and have young growth that isn’t hardened off.&nbsp;If herbicides will be applied plan to apply very carefully on a calm day when the temperature isn’t too hot.&nbsp;

Fall applications of broadleaf herbicides to control common lawn weeds such as dandelions, henbit, chickweed, and bindweed are preferred and safer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Apply fall applications in October through early December depending on the weather. This is the ideal time for broadleaf weed control because many landscape plants are going dormant and weeds are much more likely to translocate the herbicide to the plant roots for a better kill. Remember to be very careful when applying any herbicide early in the growing season as it is easy to unintentionally damage other plants in the landscape.&nbsp;Spring herbicide injury can lead to an entire season of unsightly growth or even long-term damage on other landscape and vegetable plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before applying any herbicide, always read and follow label directions very carefully.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682193304417.png" alt="Photos courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas DistrictDuring the spring and early summer one of the most common plant problems often inquired about is that of herbicide injury. The spring and early summer is a popular time to spray weeds in the lawn and landscape, but unfortunately many herbicides can be very damaging to desirable landscape plants as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682193219330.png" alt="Herbicide injury to sycamore leaves." />
 <figcaption>Herbicide injury to sycamore leaves.</figcaption>
 </figure>All herbicides are capable of drifting and broadleaf weed herbicides are especially prone to &nbsp;moving with the breeze.&nbsp; This herbicide drift is what often causes damage to numerous other plants in the landscape.&nbsp; Damage will be found on trees, shrubs, vegetables, and other landscape plants when herbicides are incorrectly applied.&nbsp; Some herbicides are more volatile, meaning that the warmer the temperature is, the more likely the spray is to drift as an invisible vapor in the air.Many forms of 2,4-D can volatilize at or above temperatures in the mid-80s and this means that&nbsp;spraying without caution on a warm and windy spring or summer day can create clouds of vapor that can potentially harm non-target plants.&nbsp;It is also important to keep in mind that drift can occur from many blocks and even miles away if the wind is blowing, so pinpointing the source can be difficult.<h2>Symptoms</h2>Symptoms of herbicide injury can vary, but usually include new leaves and shoots being shrunken, curled, puckered, bent, twisted, or distorted.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomatoes are very sensitive to herbicide injury and are often one of the first plants to show damage.&nbsp; Redbuds and grapes are also very sensitive.&nbsp; All plants can be susceptible depending on the amount of herbicide in the air and their stage of growth.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682193689826.png" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682193767022.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><h2>What to do</h2>After herbicide injury has occurred all you can do is wait.&nbsp; Many woody plants will simply grow out of it later on.&nbsp; If the drift was light there will likely be no long-term effects.&nbsp; Plants may look bad for several weeks or even longer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Plants with injury should be kept from incurring more stress&nbsp;as much as possible and may need supplemental water during times of heat, wind, and drought.If herbicide drift occurs in a vegetable garden the yields can be greatly reduced and sensitive plants like tomatoes or green beans can be easily stunted or killed. If herbicide drift occurs early in the growing season it is usually best to replant any vegetables that were significantly affected.<h2>Be careful</h2>The best way to prevent herbicide drift is to avoid spring and early summer applications of herbicides as much as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plants are easily damaged in spring and early summer because they are actively growing and have young growth that isn’t hardened off.&nbsp;If herbicides will be applied plan to apply very carefully on a calm day when the temperature isn’t too hot.&nbsp;Fall applications of broadleaf herbicides to control common lawn weeds such as dandelions, henbit, chickweed, and bindweed are preferred and safer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Apply fall applications in October through early December depending on the weather. This is the ideal time for broadleaf weed control because many landscape plants are going dormant and weeds are much more likely to translocate the herbicide to the plant roots for a better kill. Remember to be very careful when applying any herbicide early in the growing season as it is easy to unintentionally damage other plants in the landscape.&nbsp;Spring herbicide injury can lead to an entire season of unsightly growth or even long-term damage on other landscape and vegetable plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before applying any herbicide, always read and follow label directions very carefully.

CENTRAL KANSAS L&G: Caution when spraying, avoid herbicide injury

Stutzmans Greenhouse's plant sale fundraiser for the Salina Rescue Mission is underway.

Now in its 18th year, the fundraiser is at Stutzmans' Salina location at S. Ninth Street and W. Cloud Street. If you haven't been there yet, there's some good news. Because of the weather, the fundraiser has been extended through Monday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you need some help selecting just the right plants for your yard, never fear! Local master gardeners are scheduled to be on hand during the day

"It started years ago, they would bring in flowers to the Sam's Club from the Stutzmans' location in Hutch, and it was so well received that we created a location here in Salina," said Stutzmans' Shirley Miller. "Chad is such a great help to me. I don't even need to train him. &nbsp;He's just carrying soil and helping people box up and I think I told him, 'I'd hire you!' And then, the master gardeners help the customers during the day, so that actually gives us time to do the registers. So it's just been a nice collaboration with the master gardeners and the rescue mission."

Chad Young, Salina Rescue Mission executive director, echoed that sentiment.

"It has been a wonderful partnership we are so blessed to be part of," said Young. "To think we have been doing this for now 18 years and each year is a success. Thanks to Ben Miller with Stutzmans and the master gardeners, we are able to raise funds to change lives right here in Salina."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681956062027.jpeg" alt="Photos by Nate King/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Nate King/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTStutzmans Greenhouse's plant sale fundraiser for the Salina Rescue Mission is underway.Now in its 18th year, the fundraiser is at Stutzmans' Salina location at S. Ninth Street and W. Cloud Street. If you haven't been there yet, there's some good news. Because of the weather, the fundraiser has been extended through Monday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681956255262.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you need some help selecting just the right plants for your yard, never fear! Local master gardeners are scheduled to be on hand during the day"It started years ago, they would bring in flowers to the Sam's Club from the Stutzmans' location in Hutch, and it was so well received that we created a location here in Salina," said Stutzmans' Shirley Miller. "Chad is such a great help to me. I don't even need to train him. &nbsp;He's just carrying soil and helping people box up and I think I told him, 'I'd hire you!' And then, the master gardeners help the customers during the day, so that actually gives us time to do the registers. So it's just been a nice collaboration with the master gardeners and the rescue mission."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681956395460.jpeg" alt="Stutzmans' Shirley Miller, left, with Chad Young, Salina Rescue Mission executive director, and Brigid Hall, master gardener." />
 <figcaption>Stutzmans' Shirley Miller, left, with Chad Young, Salina Rescue Mission executive director, and Brigid Hall, master gardener.</figcaption>
 </figure>Chad Young, Salina Rescue Mission executive director, echoed that sentiment."It has been a wonderful partnership we are so blessed to be part of," said Young. "To think we have been doing this for now 18 years and each year is a success. Thanks to Ben Miller with Stutzmans and the master gardeners, we are able to raise funds to change lives right here in Salina."&nbsp;<figure>
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Buy plants at Stutzmans to benefit Salina Rescue Mission

The Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage Sale is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon May 6 in Kenwood Hall, 900 Greeley Avenue in Salina.

It will feature a Master Gardener sale of plants, garden-related items, and garage finds you won't want to miss. 

Proceeds from the Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage sale will be used to support the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden in Kenwood Park and other Master Gardener outreach activities and projects, such as the garden tour planned for 2024. 

Master Gardeners are also providing a children’s activity table during the event. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681870753022.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas District The Central Kansas District Extension Master Gardeners are ready for gardening and are jumping into spring planting season by hosting their annual fundraiser.The Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage Sale is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon May 6 in Kenwood Hall, 900 Greeley Avenue in Salina.It will feature a Master Gardener sale of plants, garden-related items, and garage finds you won't want to miss. Proceeds from the Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage sale will be used to support the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden in Kenwood Park and other Master Gardener outreach activities and projects, such as the garden tour planned for 2024. Master Gardeners have been busy growing many unique warm-season vegetables such as heat set, patio, and heirloom tomatoes, squash, peppers, melons, eggplant, and more. The plant sale will also feature divided flowers/perennials, milkweed, houseplants, and more.Admission to the sale is free and garden item donations are welcome.Master Gardeners are also providing a children’s activity table during the event. The fundraiser sale also wiil feature the Dyck Arboretum of Hesston, which will be offering native plants, grasses, and adaptable perennials to boost your spring plans and planting for pollinators, butterflies, and much more.Faye’s Playground will be at the sale offering unique varieties of iris and daylilies just in time for spring planting.Paradise Ponds of Ellsworth will also have a unique selection of water/aquatic plants available for purchase.As an added bonus, you also will be able to support the Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter by purchasing an item from their bake sale table at the event.

Master Gardener Plant and Garden Garage Sale set for May 6

Early spring is a good time to bring awareness to the lifecycle of bumble bees.&nbsp;Bumble bees are a "keystone" species.&nbsp;Large numbers of other species in our Kansas ecosystems depend on them. These magnificent pollinators are at the center of a thriving ecosystem and our native plants rely on them to reproduce. Bumble bees are also critical pollinators of vegetables and fruits.

Bumble bees are quite the efficient pollinators.&nbsp; In fact, the way in which bumble bees pollinate is in part due to the ‘buzz’ they make as they move from flower to flower.&nbsp; ‘Buzz’ pollination is quite interesting.&nbsp; The bumble bee actually grabs the pollen producing structure of the flower in its jaws as it vibrates its wing muscles. This creates vibrations that dislodge pollen from the flower and results in pollination.&nbsp;

Bumble bees are the only pollinators used for certain greenhouse crops and are also active in cooler temperatures and for longer lengths of time compared to honey bees due to their larger bodies.&nbsp; These bees are each capable of pollinating a single flower, while it may take up to 7 honey bees to accomplish the same effect.

The strength of bumble bees also allows them to push open and access many different types of flowers and is another reason they are such successful pollinators.

Bumble bees are suffering significant declines in population due to loss of habitat&nbsp;and other factors and so the creation of new habitat is an important part of ensuring the benefit of bumble bees is not diminished even further.&nbsp; Providing habitat for these amazing bees is not difficult and here are three simple things you can do to enhance bumble bee survival in your landscape.

Of course, flowers are a key ingredient for any pollinator habitat.&nbsp; Bumble bees need flowers from which to gather pollen and nectar.&nbsp; They utilize pollen and nectar for survival and reproduction and a diverse group of flowers is key to bumble bee habitat success.&nbsp; It is particularly important to provide blooms both early and late in the season during times when food is scarce.&nbsp;

The bumble bee bee lifecycle is important to understand.&nbsp;Only the queen bumble bee overwinters. The entire colony dies in the fall and&nbsp;the queen must be well fed and find a protected place to survive the winter while she waits for spring to arrive.

Late season flowers are critical for allowing the new bumble bee queen to build up her fat stores for overwintering and early season flowers are critical to her ability to nourish a new colony.&nbsp;In spring, the overwintering queen must not only feed herself, but collect enough pollen and nectar to nourish the first batch of developing offspring. This requires flowers.

A few good early spring plants for central Kansas include: American plum (Prunus americana), redbud, chokeberry, golden current, fruit trees, Jacob’s ladder, wild geranium, violets, bluestar (Amsonia), bluebells (Mertensia), prairie smoke, golden alexander, baptisia (false or wild indigo), spiderwort, penstemon, and early figwort.

Goldenrod, aster, sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) and sunflowers can provide a good source of nectar and pollen in the late fall for bumblebees.

Bumble bees generally nest underground, often in abandoned holes made by squirrels or other rodents.&nbsp; Some species also nest in cavities such as hollow logs, dead trees, under rocks, an unused birdhouse, or even under a compost pile.&nbsp;&nbsp;By maintaining at least a few natural, undisturbed areas for bumble bee nesting in your landscape you will support healthy bumble bee colonies.

Bumble bee queens need access to small cavities just below or even on the ground surface.&nbsp; They utilize things such as leaf litter and loose soil, and are also known to overwinter in wood piles, rock walls, and walls in sheds.&nbsp;

Ornamental grasses left standing for winter make great bee overwintering sites.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is important to keep at least some undisturbed natural areas available where these bees will not be harmed while overwintering. &nbsp;Overwintering sites near a flower bed are also the best since the queen needs close access to food while beginning the new nest in spring.

Finally, any pollinator friendly landscape should&nbsp;avoid the use of pesticides.&nbsp; In the event that an application must be made, be sure to do it when bees are not active (after dark) and avoid using broad spectrum insecticides which are highly toxic to bees.

Jason Graves'&nbsp;Central Kansas Lawn &amp; Garden&nbsp;blog is republished on Salina Post with permission. For more lawn and garden information, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681833350057.png" alt="Photos courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas DistrictEarly spring is a good time to bring awareness to the lifecycle of bumble bees.&nbsp;Bumble bees are a "keystone" species.&nbsp;Large numbers of other species in our Kansas ecosystems depend on them. These magnificent pollinators are at the center of a thriving ecosystem and our native plants rely on them to reproduce. Bumble bees are also critical pollinators of vegetables and fruits.<h2>Buzz pollination</h2>Bumble bees are quite the efficient pollinators.&nbsp; In fact, the way in which bumble bees pollinate is in part due to the ‘buzz’ they make as they move from flower to flower.&nbsp; ‘Buzz’ pollination is quite interesting.&nbsp; The bumble bee actually grabs the pollen producing structure of the flower in its jaws as it vibrates its wing muscles. This creates vibrations that dislodge pollen from the flower and results in pollination.&nbsp;Bumble bees are the only pollinators used for certain greenhouse crops and are also active in cooler temperatures and for longer lengths of time compared to honey bees due to their larger bodies.&nbsp; These bees are each capable of pollinating a single flower, while it may take up to 7 honey bees to accomplish the same effect.The strength of bumble bees also allows them to push open and access many different types of flowers and is another reason they are such successful pollinators.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681832867084.png" alt="A bumblebee has pushed open and entered this penstemon flower to access the pollen and nectar inside." />
 <figcaption>A bumblebee has pushed open and entered this penstemon flower to access the pollen and nectar inside.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Bumble bee habitat</h2>Bumble bees are suffering significant declines in population due to loss of habitat&nbsp;and other factors and so the creation of new habitat is an important part of ensuring the benefit of bumble bees is not diminished even further.&nbsp; Providing habitat for these amazing bees is not difficult and here are three simple things you can do to enhance bumble bee survival in your landscape.<h2>Provide flowers early and late</h2>Of course, flowers are a key ingredient for any pollinator habitat.&nbsp; Bumble bees need flowers from which to gather pollen and nectar.&nbsp; They utilize pollen and nectar for survival and reproduction and a diverse group of flowers is key to bumble bee habitat success.&nbsp; It is particularly important to provide blooms both early and late in the season during times when food is scarce.&nbsp;The bumble bee bee lifecycle is important to understand.&nbsp;Only the queen bumble bee overwinters. The entire colony dies in the fall and&nbsp;the queen must be well fed and find a protected place to survive the winter while she waits for spring to arrive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681833480953.png" alt="The bumble bee queen is on her own in the winter and early spring and must find habitat and food resources to survive and begin the new colony. Graphic by Jeremy Hemberger" />
 <figcaption>The bumble bee queen is on her own in the winter and early spring and must find habitat and food resources to survive and begin the new colony. Graphic by Jeremy Hemberger</figcaption>
 </figure>Late season flowers are critical for allowing the new bumble bee queen to build up her fat stores for overwintering and early season flowers are critical to her ability to nourish a new colony.&nbsp;In spring, the overwintering queen must not only feed herself, but collect enough pollen and nectar to nourish the first batch of developing offspring. This requires flowers.A few good early spring plants for central Kansas include: American plum (Prunus americana), redbud, chokeberry, golden current, fruit trees, Jacob’s ladder, wild geranium, violets, bluestar (Amsonia), bluebells (Mertensia), prairie smoke, golden alexander, baptisia (false or wild indigo), spiderwort, penstemon, and early figwort.Goldenrod, aster, sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) and sunflowers can provide a good source of nectar and pollen in the late fall for bumblebees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681833644884.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681833716396.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681833787389.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Provide nesting and overwintering sites</h2>Bumble bees generally nest underground, often in abandoned holes made by squirrels or other rodents.&nbsp; Some species also nest in cavities such as hollow logs, dead trees, under rocks, an unused birdhouse, or even under a compost pile.&nbsp;&nbsp;By maintaining at least a few natural, undisturbed areas for bumble bee nesting in your landscape you will support healthy bumble bee colonies.Bumble bee queens need access to small cavities just below or even on the ground surface.&nbsp; They utilize things such as leaf litter and loose soil, and are also known to overwinter in wood piles, rock walls, and walls in sheds.&nbsp;Ornamental grasses left standing for winter make great bee overwintering sites.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is important to keep at least some undisturbed natural areas available where these bees will not be harmed while overwintering. &nbsp;Overwintering sites near a flower bed are also the best since the queen needs close access to food while beginning the new nest in spring.<h2>Avoid pesticides</h2>Finally, any pollinator friendly landscape should&nbsp;avoid the use of pesticides.&nbsp; In the event that an application must be made, be sure to do it when bees are not active (after dark) and avoid using broad spectrum insecticides which are highly toxic to bees.Jason Graves'&nbsp;Central Kansas Lawn &amp; Garden&nbsp;blog is republished on Salina Post with permission. For more lawn and garden information, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CENTRAL KANSAS L&G: Bumble bees are important pollinators

MANHATTAN – A popular guide to gardening in Kansas has undergone a major makeover that one of its authors said helps to “better reflect the needs and experiences of a wide range of Kansas gardeners, especially our newest gardeners.”&nbsp;

An updated version of the Kansas Garden Guide – which in 2022 was downloaded 35,931 times, or about 100 times a day –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf" target="_blank">will be available to order by early May from the K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.&nbsp;

The guide already is available to view online in its entirety. Viewers can print pages that relate to specific information.&nbsp;

“We are always learning new things about growing plants in Kansas and understanding the science of soils, plants, and microorganisms better,” said Rebecca McMahon, administrator of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/localfoods/index.html" target="_blank">Kansas State University’s local foods systems program</a>.&nbsp;

“So,” she added, “we need to update our publications to reflect changes in practices, as well. Also, the way that people think about and approach gardening changes over time. Gardens today are usually smaller and there are many new gardeners that have started gardening over the past several years.”&nbsp;

McMahon was one of several editors of the new guide, which has expanded to 202 pages complete with full-color pictures and illustrations. The Kansas Garden Guide – originally printed in the early 1980s -- was last printed in 2010, and included 76 full color pages.&nbsp;

●Planting and maintaining a garden, including watering, fertilizing and other best practices.

●Fall gardens and extending the garden season.

●Managing insect pests and identifying plant diseases and environmental stressors.

●Taking advantage of pollinators and beneficial insects.

●Growing herbs, including a wider variety of herbs.

●Growing vegetable crops, including tips on choosing varieties, crop rotation, common concerns, and more.

●Updated planting and harvesting calendars.&nbsp;

Cheryl Boyer, a nursery crop production and marketing specialist for K-State Research and Extension, said she “wouldn’t want to tackle my home garden without this guide.”&nbsp;

“The Kansas Garden Guide is essential for successful edible gardening in Kansas,” she said. “We have excellent demonstration gardens in nearly every Kansas county, showing off what we can accomplish with the knowledge contained in the Kansas Garden Guide.”&nbsp;

Boyer added that while the guide is oriented to home gardeners, commercial growers also will benefit from the updated recommendations: “This would make an excellent resource for every nursery, garden center and hardware store to have on hand.”&nbsp;

McMahon said perhaps the most important aspect of the publication is that the guidelines are specific to Kansas’ growing conditions.&nbsp;

“Most other gardening resources that Kansas gardeners are going to find are more reflective of conditions in other parts of the country,” McMahon said. “The Kansas Garden Guide focuses on what you need to know to have success in our challenging climate.”&nbsp;

In Kansas, home gardeners produce $20 to $25 million worth of vegetables each year, according to information published in the new guide. These vegetables not only help Kansans save money on food costs, but also contribute to overall nutrition and health.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681677543182.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT MELGARES K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN – A popular guide to gardening in Kansas has undergone a major makeover that one of its authors said helps to “better reflect the needs and experiences of a wide range of Kansas gardeners, especially our newest gardeners.”&nbsp;An updated version of the Kansas Garden Guide – which in 2022 was downloaded 35,931 times, or about 100 times a day –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf" target="_blank">will be available to order by early May from the K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.&nbsp;The guide already is available to view online in its entirety. Viewers can print pages that relate to specific information.&nbsp;“We are always learning new things about growing plants in Kansas and understanding the science of soils, plants, and microorganisms better,” said Rebecca McMahon, administrator of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/localfoods/index.html" target="_blank">Kansas State University’s local foods systems program</a>.&nbsp;“So,” she added, “we need to update our publications to reflect changes in practices, as well. Also, the way that people think about and approach gardening changes over time. Gardens today are usually smaller and there are many new gardeners that have started gardening over the past several years.”&nbsp;McMahon was one of several editors of the new guide, which has expanded to 202 pages complete with full-color pictures and illustrations. The Kansas Garden Guide – originally printed in the early 1980s -- was last printed in 2010, and included 76 full color pages.&nbsp;New or expanded content includes:&nbsp;●Starting and planning a garden.●Raised bed and container gardening.●Improving soil health and composting.●Planting and maintaining a garden, including watering, fertilizing and other best practices.●Fall gardens and extending the garden season.●Managing insect pests and identifying plant diseases and environmental stressors.●Taking advantage of pollinators and beneficial insects.●Harvesting and storing produce.●Growing herbs, including a wider variety of herbs.●Growing vegetable crops, including tips on choosing varieties, crop rotation, common concerns, and more.●Updated planting and harvesting calendars.&nbsp;Cheryl Boyer, a nursery crop production and marketing specialist for K-State Research and Extension, said she “wouldn’t want to tackle my home garden without this guide.”&nbsp;“The Kansas Garden Guide is essential for successful edible gardening in Kansas,” she said. “We have excellent demonstration gardens in nearly every Kansas county, showing off what we can accomplish with the knowledge contained in the Kansas Garden Guide.”&nbsp;Boyer added that while the guide is oriented to home gardeners, commercial growers also will benefit from the updated recommendations: “This would make an excellent resource for every nursery, garden center and hardware store to have on hand.”&nbsp;McMahon said perhaps the most important aspect of the publication is that the guidelines are specific to Kansas’ growing conditions.&nbsp;“Most other gardening resources that Kansas gardeners are going to find are more reflective of conditions in other parts of the country,” McMahon said. “The Kansas Garden Guide focuses on what you need to know to have success in our challenging climate.”&nbsp;In Kansas, home gardeners produce $20 to $25 million worth of vegetables each year, according to information published in the new guide. These vegetables not only help Kansans save money on food costs, but also contribute to overall nutrition and health.&nbsp;The direct link to the guide is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf" target="_blank">www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S51.pdf</a>.&nbsp;