Burke County 4-H Summer Fun Schedule

 

 

   

 

 

Visit our website for a printable registration form.  Click Here 

 

SQUASH:  Myths, Legends & Solutions

 

Every southerner finds it necessary to grow one or more varieties of squash in his garden. It's the thing to do and as there are a multitude of different varieties available, everyone can find a squash that they like.

 

Once the seeds are planted, all sorts of tales start passing around the neighborhood about how best to grow this summer veggie. One of the most prolific myths is that squash, cucumbers and cantaloupes can cross-pollinate with each other, leaving the gardener with an odd looking, inedible half cantaloupe, half squash vegetable. This is not true; the female flowers of each can only be fertilized by pollen from that same species. But, varieties from within a species can cross-pollinate. For example, crookneck squash will cross-pollinate with acorn squash. The vegetables themselves will not reflect this cross-pollination but the seeds that come out of the vegetable would be affected. This is also true of cucumbers and cantaloupe.

 

Early summer calls come in to the office from gardeners complaining that their squash blooms are falling off and not setting fruit. Cucurbits (squash, cucumbers, cantaloupes, etc.) are monecious which means that one vines grows both male and female flowers. The female squash flower usually blooms first and with no male flower to pollinate the female, it fails to set fruit and falls off. A little later, both flowers begin to bloom and the problem solves itself.

 

Vining plants require lots of water and in order for plants to continue to bear, water must be provided during dry periods. Pick often to encourage continued fruit set. Squash and cucumbers do very well when grown from either seed or when planted as transplants. Give them ample room to grow and spread and you'll be able to supply the neighborhood this summer. Staggering plantings at two week intervals will insure tender, fresh vegetables until frost.

 

Let's take a look at a couple of squash pests that plague the garden. First, we need to talk about squash vine borers. The squash vine borer eggs are laid on the squash plant in early summer and hatch just as plants start to vine. The larvae bore in to the stem of the plant at the soil line, causing vines to wilt and die. Two applications of Bonide pyrethrin spray at seven-day intervals during the first two weeks of June and again in early August will control this insect. Next we need to look at squash bugs. This insect can devastate squash vines during their most productive time. All stages of the squash bug are damaging and the best way to control them is to spray when they are first sighted and continue to spray at seven-day intervals. The same Bonide product will be effective on the squash bug.

It's time to make sure your canning equipment is in check. If your canner has a pressure gauge, it should be tested for accuracy each year to ensure safe food processing. You can get your pressure canner gauge tested for FREE at our office. Call Emily Troutman at 828-764-9480 to schedule an appointment.

Heat and Humidity with Livestock 

Livestock producers can help their animals endure the stress from heat and humidity by providing plenty of food, water, and shade, and maintaining good animal health. Species-specific management also helps producers reduce economic losses from heat stress. Cows consume around 70% of their feed after midnight through early morning. Heat production from ruminant digestion is tremendous, peaking about 4 hours after ingestion. Feed cattle grain rations early in the morning, so they won't have to rely on feeding in the hottest part of the day. Endophyte infected fescue pastures increase heat stress, as the toxins elevate body temperature. Decreased milk production, weight gain, and lowered reproductive efficiency result also. Diluting pure fescue stands with clover, helps offset these effects. Access to adequate cool, clean water, that is centrally located, helps to reduce heat stress. Avoid giving access to ponds, as wading warms the water, contaminates it, and reduces animal intake. Provide shade, preferably in higher elevation areas to utilize wind currents for cooling. Horses, in particular have trouble maintaining body temp in hot humid conditions. Use the comfort index to determine whether or not horses should be worked or ridden. To calculate, add the Relative humidity to the temperature and use the sum. 130 to 150, use caution, above 180, do not ride or work the horse. Healthy livestock handle heat stress better, so reduce stresses from diseases and internal and external parasites and you will help your livestock to endure the stress of summer heat and humidity.

 

Burke County Beekeepers 

Monday, June 11, 2018
6:30 pm