We had our Scag mower serviced a few weeks back, she had suffered from some sort of oil leak all summer and looked a little weary and unkempt, so I felt a bit negligent when I dropped her off. Taking care of your lawn and garden equipment was something that was pounded into my world view of farm responsibilities when I was growing up. Plus, I am well aware that if you don’t take care of your stuff it means it doesn’t work when you need it.
Many Kentuckians burn firewood as their main source of heat during the winter. Others use it to supplement their heating sources. For many families that means purchasing wood. To gain the most from your investment, pay attention to the seasoning, density and quantity of firewood.
African violets are often purchased in a blooming state. Then, many of us wonder why they never bloom again. What have we done, or not done, to turn these dainty flowering plants into something that can only be appreciated for its fuzzy foliage?
Now is the time of year we resolve to make changes for the better. This year, you can resolve to be a positive influence in the life of a young person by volunteering with 4-H.
Whether leading a club, chaperoning a group of youth at 4-H camp, teaching new skills or helping judge a speech or demonstration contest, adult volunteers are an essential and invaluable part of 4-H. In fact, many 4-H programs would not be possible without the help of caring, adult volunteers.
If you have a less-than-productive grass pasture or hayfield, following a few simple renovation techniques could increase the field’s productivity. Some things you can do include planting a legume such as red clover, controlling pests and adding lime and fertilizer. Be aware though, some techniques require you to start as early as the middle of February.
Adding legumes to pasture and hayfields has several benefits including higher yields, improved quality, nitrogen fixation and more summer growth.
The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in Kentucky is encouraging landowners, farmers and producers to visit their local NRCS office now to receive information and apply for conservation technical assistance and possible financial funding opportunities.
The farm looks like a storm hit recently but it’s really just my husband’s new deer deterrent technique. It seems to be working. In the past we have forgone the Irish Spring soap, human hair and coyote urine for more reliable barriers. Tomato cages, tobacco stakes, wire, spiral plastic trunk wrap, and, yes, an occasional arrangement of lawn chairs, have created distance between rutting and browsing deer.
Division of Conservation Field Representative Kimberly Bartley presents Paul Jeffiers a certificate for 20 years of service. Jeffiers currently serves as vice-chairman on the Spencer County Conservation District Board. He has served as a supervisor for 20 years.