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Author Archive

  • Garden Spiders

    People may become concerned when they see a large, noticeable spider setting up shop in or near the garden. These garden spiders feed on insects and are considered beneficial.       There are actually two common species of garden spiders...

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  • Dividing Peonies

    Peonies are a favorite perennial of gardeners because of their beauty and low maintenance. In Kansas, peonies provide a beautiful display of flowers each spring before Memorial Day. Though peonies can be left in place indefinitely, many gardeners wish to...

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  • Fall Turf Care

    Power Raking and Core-AerationSeptember is the optimum time to power rake or core-aerate tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass lawns. These grasses should be coming out of their summer doldrums and beginning to grow more vigorously. This is a good time...

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  • Flowers for September

    After the excitement of spring and summer flowers, many gardeners look over their dull September flowerbeds in dismay. There are many fall-blooming plants, however, that add pizazz to the fall garden. Chrysanthemums rank high on the fall-blooming flower list, but...

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  • Harvesting Winter Squash

    Summer squash such as zucchini and scallop are harvested while immature but winter squash such as acorn, hubbard and butternut are harvested later, in the mature stage, after the rind is tough and seeds have developed. We normally think September...

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  • Trees Losing Bark and Dying

    Some trees such as sycamore, silver maple and redbuds naturally lose the outer layer of bark, especially during years of good growth. This is a natural process and is not a cause for concern.However, this year, we are seeing a...

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  • Lettuce Grow Fall Salad Greens

    Summer's end is no reason to stop enjoying garden fresh salads. Many kinds of greens grow well in the cooler days of fall and are less likely to bolt, or go to seed, giving you an extended harvest. Even in...

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  • Fertilize Strawberries

    An August application of nitrogen on spring-bearing strawberries is important in order to increase the number of strawberries produced next spring. Plenty of daylight and warm temperatures during June, July and August promotes the growth of new runner, or daughter,...

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  • For Seeding Success, Pay Attention to “Other Crop” on the Seed Label

    Fall planting time is close at hand, so it's time to talk about grass seed. Many people have the idea that all grass seed is basically the same. Big mistake! Choosing quality seed is one of the most important steps...

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  • When are Apples Ready to Pick?

    Apples mature over a long period of time depending on variety.  Some varieties such as Lodi can mature in July and others as late as October. Here are some guides to help you decide when to pick your apples. Color...

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University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Program