Good Soil Core Samples Provide Reliable Results

March 16, 2007

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Good Soil Core Samples Provide Reliable Results

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

Fall is for Nesting, Spring is for Cleaning

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Summer Camp Right Around the Corner

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Good Soil Core Samples Provide Reliable Results

Source: Paula Howe

The results of soil analyses are no better than the core samples you collect for your home lawn, garden or orchard. It’s like the adage, “garbage in, garbage out.”

Your (COUNTY NAME) County Cooperative Extension Service has information on how to properly take samples and the benefits of soil tests. Boxes for samples are also available at the Extension office.

When collecting soil cores from your home garden or lawn, be sure to take samples from the area on which you want fertility data and separate them according to land use. You’ll need to take different samples for a lawn, garden, fruit trees, ornamental shrubs and azaleas because each may have distinct fertility, acidity or alkalinity requirements. For a lawn, collect cores at a depth of four inches. Take cores six inches deep for gardens, ornamentals and fruit trees.

Take at least 10 core samples throughout each land-use area. Don’t collect them when the soil is too wet because the soil won’t properly mix together. Blend core samples well in a clean, dry plastic bucket; then fill the sample box and take it to the local Cooperative Extension Service office.

Analyses will be done at a University of Kentucky soil test laboratory. You will receive research-based recommendations on lime and fertilizer requirements for the land use.

It’s a good idea to collect core samples about the same time each year so you can compare results from year to year.

For more information on soil tests and other gardening topics, contact your (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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Fall is for Nesting, Spring is for Cleaning

Source: Linda Adler

Just a few months ago we were concentrating on making our homes cozy, anticipating cold dark days spent indoors. Now, with the arrival of fresh breezes, warmer weather and longer daylight hours, we naturally start to see the results of our “long winter’s nap”: dust that’s collected in corners, a stale refrigerator, musty bathrooms and chaotic closets. The urge is to throw open the windows, bring in clean air and light, and turn the place upside down for a thorough cleaning.

Admit it, though. The size of the chore can be paralyzing in its scope. But don’t let that dissuade you from grabbing the mop and dust rag and digging in. By keeping a few basics in mind, you’ll end up with a sparkling house without wearing yourself out.

The first thing to think about is organization. A little time spent in advanced planning can make a world of difference in the time it takes you to clean. Gather all the necessary equipment and supplies before you start cleaning. Make sure your cleaning equipment is in good condition. Put your bath and kitchen cleaning supplies in one bucket. Use another bucket for dusting and other supplies. And remember to keep your focus. As you rummage through a cluttered cabinet looking for that bottle of cleaning solution, you might feel the urge to clean out that space then and there. Don’t do it. It will only pull you away from your original plan. By staying on target you’ll finish much more quickly.

The most efficient way to clean an entire house is to tackle the job one room at a time, working in a consistent pattern, such as top to bottom, left to right. This not only reduces distractions to a minimum, but also keeps you from overlooking anything.

First wipe out the ceiling corners, then dust and wipe down the other surfaces in the room, using either a damp or a treated dust cloth. This will prevent dry dust from settling back onto surfaces. If you move from top to bottom, any dust that filters down from the top will be wiped away as you work toward the floor. Leave the floors until last. Be sure to move furniture and large appliances so you can clean under or behind them.

It’s important to read the labels on cleaning products. Look for special warnings from the manufacturer. Remember never to mix chlorine bleach or any cleaner containing chlorine with ammonia, toilet bowl cleaner or rust remover, because the mixture produces a harmful gas. Always keep strong acids away from your skin and eyes, and wear rubber gloves when using strong alkalis.

If you notice musty odors coming from old furniture drawers, remove the contents and let the drawers air for several days. If the weather permits, put the drawers in the sun for a few hours. You can also place the chest on its back so the sun will shine on the inside surfaces. Then, wash all unfinished surfaces with a solution of half vinegar and half water and dry with a soft towel. If the odor persists, spray unfinished areas with a disinfectant cleaner; keep drawers closed to allow the cleaner to penetrate corners. Before replacing the contents, let the drawers air well. Put potpourri, fabric-softener sheets or unwrapped bars of soap in the drawers to give a pleasant fragrance.

With a little perseverance and elbow grease, your indoors can be as fresh and bright as a spring day.

For more cleaning tips and information about other home environment topics, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Extension office.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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Summer Camp Right Around the Corner

Source: Donna Fox

Even though you may not have put away your winter coat just yet, it’s time to start thinking about 4-H summer camps.

Are you ready to experience one of the most fun weeks of your life? Do you like to catch bugs, butterflies, crawdads or fish? Maybe you love swimming, riflery, archery, canoeing, crafts or music. Do you like to go hiking and spend time identifying trees and critters you find along the way? Do you like making new friends and having lots of fun? If any of these things appeal to you, you need to sign up for 4-H camp this summer.

At each of Kentucky’s 4-H camps, you’ll find all of the fun things above and more. You might come to camp a little nervous and uncertain about what’s to come, but you will soon find yourself meeting new friends and learning new skills and activities. You will find the week is gone before it gets started and all too quickly it’s time to go home.

Of course, you’ll be able to take home your memories of the time you spent shooting a bow and arrow, possibly being on the winning team in field relay games, cooling off at the pool and certainly the fun friends and camp staff you met.

Resident 4-H camps are open to all Kentucky youth, ages nine through fourteen. Groups of youths from every county will attend one of the four resident camps during the nine-week summer season. The 4-H camping program provides a safe, secure and fun environment for Kentucky campers. An onsite EMT/health care provider is always available to take care of campers needs.
Our camps have been awarded accreditation by the American Camp Association in recognition of our program using the “best practices in the camping industry” in providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for our campers.

4-H’ers from (County Name) will attend (list name of the camp) from (dates). Registration forms are due (???)

(Add a description of your county’s camp. i.e. XYZ Camp is on so many acres ….with a pool, challenge course etc.)
Camp provides attendees with a diverse and fun learning environment with a focus on the 4-H philosophy of “learn by doing.”

In addition to the traditional 4-H camp activities, the (County Name) 4-H youth development program develops new and innovative classes and activities. Our members will (list locally planned activities here.)
For more information on camps and other activities in our 4-H youth development program, contact the (County Name) Cooperative Extension Service. You can also visit the camp Web site: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/4h/camp. See you at camp!

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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