Jacob Weber
Horticulture
T
he 4-H Gardening Institute program was launched this month on March 11 – 14; presentations were given in Fredonia, Parsons, Independence and Girard. The Institute program was intended for youth of 4-H age and their families. James Coover presented a lesson on garden soil management, Jeri Geren discussed composting with hands-on simulation of making a compost pile, and I presented lessons on common garden pests, and gardening tips and techniques. The Wildcat District 4-H agents are also helping with this program event by hosting a pumpkin growing contest.
Due to the fact it was the first year for Gardening Institute program we didn’t know what to expect as far as participation. Attendance was fair but less than what was hoped for, especially at the Girard location. However, participants were very impressed with the presentations. Surprisingly, several adults attended the events as a matter of personal interest. Indications are that future programs of this type could be expanded to include adult gardeners while still maintaining an emphasis on educating youth and their families.
Another event that Jeri Geren and I were involved with on March 20 was a container gardening program hosted by Block 22 of Pittsburg, Kansas. We presented the lesson to two different groups of school children from local Pittsburg schools; one group was from the high school and the other group from the junior high. The program began with Jeri giving the students a set of quizzes (for fun, not for a grade); one quiz covered garden insects, and the other was on seed identification. When the students finished Jeri and I went over and discussed the correct answers. Next, I discussed the important issues of growing plants in containers. Then Jeri and I helped each student plant a pansy in a 5-inch pot which they were to take home at the conclusion of the program. The following companies donated supplies: In the Garden, pansies; Van Becelaere’s Greenhouse, plastic pots; Home Depot of Pittsburg, potting soil.
And for your gardening tips please listen in on Coffeyville radio station KGGF 690 AM every Wednesday morning at 7:40 a.m. You can also catch more gardening information from pre-recorded messages called Extension Minutes that air on KGGF, KLKC and KKOW (860 AM) radio stations. As always, I’m available to answer gardening questions; give me a call at any of the Wildcat District offices.