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Author Archive

  • 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...

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  • When is watermelon ripe?

    https://youtu.be/EDX3yL2bnu4

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  • Is My Lawn Still Alive?

      ​Normally, a healthy lawn can stay dormant for a good 5 weeks and still recover. After the five weeks are up, it is important to keep the crown hydrated because if the crown dies, the plant dies.  The recommendations...

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  • Heat Stops Tomatoes from Setting Fruit

      Temperatures that remain above 75 degrees F at night and day temperatures above 95 degrees F with dry, hot winds will cause poor fruit set on tomatoes. High temperatures interfere with pollen viability and/or cause excessive style growth leading to a lack of...

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  • Gardeners’ Gathering

    Thursday, August 17, 2017 “Gardening for Bees and Butterflies” The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City present “Gardening for Bees and Butterflies “ by our special guest, Heather Holm. She is the author of “Pollinators of Native Plants” and “...

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  • Squash Vine Borer

      ​If you have squash or related plants that suddenly wilt and die, you may have squash vine borer. This insect will bore into the stems of squash, zucchini, pumpkins and gourds. Hubbard squash are a favorite, and butternuts are...

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  • Gardeners’ Gathering

    Thursday, June 15, 2017 “Garden and Pioneer Home Tour of Atkins-Johnson Farm in Gladstone” The Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City will guide you through a “Garden and Pioneer Home Tour of Atkins-Johnson Farm” in Gladstone, Thursday, June 15, 2017,...

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  • Fruit: Thinning Excess Fruit

    Fruit: Thinning Excess Fruit   A few areas of Kansas have avoided late freezes resulting in a heavy fruit crop this year. At first glance, this might seem to be a good thing. But too many fruit can cause problems...

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  • Water Lilies: Easier than you Think

    Loved by most, but grown by few, water lilies suffer from the perception they are difficult to grow. Such is not the case. The special conditions needed to allow these aquatic beauties to grace one's garden are not all that...

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  • Fruit: Fertilizing Strawberries and Brambles

    Most garden soils in Kansas have adequate levels of all nutrients other than nitrogen IF the area has been fertilized in the past. However, it is recommended that a soil test be done to be sure of the nutrient needs...

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University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener Program