Extension on the Go

Extension on the Go Episode 59 [ 4 min 59 s ] Download

“you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens (touching skillfully, mysteriously) her first rose…” ~ e.e. cummings (Photo by Eric Hill)

Spring – named for the time when plants and animals spring to life after the long, cold winter. If you’re a gardener, warm temperatures and sunshine make you eager to get your hands dirty and to prepare your garden for the growing season.

Today’s guest is Jennifer Schutter, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She says there are chores that need to be done now so your lawn, flowerbeds and garden will be productive throughout the growing season.

University of Missouri Extension offers a wealth of information:

Garden, landscape and lawn soil

Preserving good soil structure

Making use of compost

Episode 57 - Snow Damaged Trees [ 8 min 01 s ] Download

A tree that has suffered damage needs care in order to recover. (Photo by Herzi Pinki)

The heavy snow that fell in parts of Missouri this year left a lot of trees with broken and splinter branches. Now that the mountains of snow are melting away, homeowners will need to evaluate the damage and decide if pruning can fix the problems, or if the tree is lost cause. Today’s guest is David Trinklein, plant scientist and horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. He has tips for safely and effectively pruning storm damaged trees.

Additional information:

First Aid for Storm-Damaged Trees

Pruning and Care of Shade Trees

Episode 55 - Soil Amendment [ 6 min 35 s ] Download

“Now I know a refuge never grows… from a chin in a hand in a thoughtful pose… gotta tend the earth if you want a rose.” ~ Indigo Girls (Photo by Dieter Joel Jagnow)

All life depends upon the soil. Life cannot exist without soil and there can be no soil without life. They both have evolved together.  This thin layer of loose, soft material, held in place by gravity, is the only thing standing between life and lifelessness. Gardeners who work and amend the soil help maintain this beautiful, delicate balance.

Today’s guest is Jennifer Schutter, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. She talks about the different types of amendments that can be added to the soil to improve it.

More information:

Improving Lawn and Landscape Soils

A guide to soils, plant nutrition and nutrient management

A guide to mulches

Episode 53 - Starting Seeds [ 7 min 31 s ] Download

“In every gardener there is a child who believes in The Seed Fairy.” ~ Robert Brault (Photo by Viktors Kozers)

If you’re itching to get your green thumb busy, starting seeds indoors is great option. Gardeners who are willing to put in a bit of effort will be ready to transplant seedlings into their garden when warm weather finally gets here.

Today’s guest is David Trinklein, horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension. He has some tips and advice on how to get your flowers and vegetables off to a good start.

You can find helpful information from MU Extension at Starting Plants Indoors From Seeds

Episode 42 - Emerald Ash Borer [ 6 min 29 s ] Download

“Trees are as close to immortality as the rest of us ever come.” ~ Karen Joy Fowler (Photo by Debbie Miller with the USDA Forest Service)

It’s estimated that more than 50 million ash trees are dead or dying in the Midwest because of the emerald ash borer (EAB). The immature stage of EAB destroys the spongy tissue under the bark, causing the tree to starve to death. There is no need to panic and there’s time for homeowners to do their homework and make wise choices.

Today’s guest is Hank Stelzer, forestry specialist for University of Missouri Extension

To find additional information on the emerald ash borer visit the Missouri Emerald Ash Borer Program website