Even though winter begins this week, don't let that stop you from thinking about spring and ordering conservation trees. The Kansas Forest Service is offering low- cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase again this year. These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.. ...

It is hard to believe that winter is just around the corner. It has been a beautiful fall. Unfortunately, we are still lacking moisture. To protect perennial plants this winter, it will be important that they go into winter with moist soil. The exceptionally dry growing season we had this year, coupled with the weather last year, has caused many plants to be under high levels of stress. ...

It won't be long and winter will be upon us. But before the bitter cold hits, a couple of lawn tasks still need to be done. November is the time to give cool-season lawns the last nitrogen application of the season. Why November? November is a good time because it will really help the grass next spring. ...

Bulbs are a good addition to any landscape or garden because they offer a variety of bloom color, flowering time, plant height and shape. Now, (October) is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs. Before you plant, spend some time thinking and planning about the location...

Finally! Fall is here. I don't think I can recall a year that I have been more ready for fall to come than this year. More than anything, I think I'm optimistic that with the fall season, rain will come too. With the change of season, now is the time to do some tidying up around the home, tuck things in for winter, and yes, start making plans for the next growing season...

Peonies are one of my favorite perennial flowers. Like most perennials, the blooms don't last long but they are beautiful and smell wonderful. They are a favorite of many gardeners because of their low maintenance. Though peonies can be left in place indefinitely, many gardeners wish to increase their plantings and use a process known as division to gain more plants. ...

Extension Master Gardener training is being offered this fall in Parsons beginning Friday, Sept. 14. This is a wonderful opportunity for avid gardeners who want to learn more about growing and caring for plants, and who want to share their knowledge with others. Classes will be held 9 am to 4 p.m. on Friday's from Sept. 14-Nov. 9, excluding Sept. 21 and Oct. 19...

Once again, this year we are short on rainfall. In looking at the drought forecast, it doesn't look like we will be out of this pattern anytime soon either. Unfortunately, many trees and shrubs have still not totally recovered from last year's heat and dry weather. Combine the two and it is going to be even more important to supplement water trees and shrubs this year...

Many of you have probably been enjoying some homegrown tomatoes for a couple weeks now. Unfortunately, some tomatoes are suffering from various environmental problems. Blossom end rot has been affecting tomatoes this year. This condition is easily recognized by the flat, blackened, leathery area on the blossom end of the fruit (opposite the stem end). This condition is often first seen when the fruit is about half-grown and continues as it matures...

For most gardeners, annual flowers have probably been planted for several weeks now. As we head into the heat of summer, annual flowers are picking up blooming speed. To keep the blooms going, a nitrogen fertilizer application and removing spent flowers is a must...

Ears of sweet corn are a popular addition to summer meals. The flavor and quality of freshly picked sweet corn is outstanding. It used to be simple to decide which sweet corn to plant. You simply chose a cultivar and planted when the soil temperature reached 55 degrees...

What a nice spring we have experienced so far. It's hard to believe how warm it has been and how early things seem to be growing this year. With the exceptionally warm temperatures, what about planting vegetables in April? Hopefully, all of the cool season vegetables that could be planted in March are in the ground and doing well. ...

Strawberries are the most popular type of berry in the United States and are the first fruit to ripen in the spring. They are the only fruit where the seeds are on the outside instead of the inside. So when is the best time to plant strawberries? Right now -- the middle of March until the first of April...

The recent weather does not indicate that it is winter but, of course, the calendar does. But it's not too early to start thinking about this year's fruit crop. A little planning ahead with fruit trees can mean big rewards later in the growing season...

Out with the Christmas decorations and in with the gardening stuff! That seems to be the philosophy of most stores anymore. Don't believe me? Then head out and check out the shelves at your nearest discount store. Of course, it is much too early to be out working in the garden, but now might just be the time to buy a new houseplant since the new shipments will be arriving. A houseplant could brighten your home a little bit through the rest of the winter...

Are you searching for a gift for the gardener in the family? If you know little to nothing about plants, buying a gift for a gardener can be a daunting task. But in actuality, it really couldn't be easier. Most gardeners have one or two items that they would love to have, but probably never splurge and buy for themselves...

It's starting to get colder out, and winter will soon be knocking on our door. But before the bitter cold hits, there is still time to give lawns a shot of fertilizer and to kill some pesky lawn weeds. November is the time to give cool-season lawns the last nitrogen application of the season...

Bulbs are a good addition to any landscape or garden because they offer a variety of bloom, color, flowering time, plant height and shape. Now (October) is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs. Before you plant, spend some time thinking about and planning the location...