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December 25:
Christmas Day
Office closed.
January 1:
New Year's Day
Office closed.
January 7:
Pesticide Applicator Certification Training
January 20:
MLK's Birthday
Office closed.
January 21:
Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam
January 25:
Seed Swap Saturday
February 6:
Southern Maryland Vegetable & Fruit Mtg
February 17:
President's Day
Office closed.
March 10:
Field Crops & Pasture IPM Workshop
April 3:
Online Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification
April 10:
Good Friday
Office closed.
April 17:
Online Nutrient Mgmt Voucher Recertification
May 25:
Memorial Day
Office closed.
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December 2019
As we approach the shortest day of the year, we are happy to know that as soon as that happens, the days will start getting longer and we will be on the march towards spring and the great renewal of life that we experience in the Mid Atlantic Region. Seometimes, we may not appreciate the overwhelming and unique natural beauty that surrounds us, so please take a bit of time to feel a sense of appreciation and renewal as we enjoy this beautiful holiday time. We wish you the very happiest of New Years, with a sense of feeling refreshed and hopeful for our county, our state and our nation.
If you find this newsletter to be helpful, we would like to invite you to visit our Facebook page and /or web site on the Internet for up to date notices. Please let us know if you need more information to connect with us.
Karol Westelinck Dyson
Capital Area Extension Director
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Mark Your Calendar!
Seed Swap Saturday
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Odenton Regional Library
Coinciding with "National Seed Swap Day" each year, the Master Gardeners will host Seed Swap Saturday. on the last Saturday in January.
This event is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 10 am -1 pm at the Odenton Regional Library. The event is free and open to the public. Plan to stay for the whole time, but you are welcome to come for any part of it.
Click here to learn more.
Southern Maryland Vegetable & Fruit Production Meeting
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Bowie Elks Lodge, Gambrills, MD
Make plans to attend the Southern Maryland Vegetable and Fruit Production Meeting on
February 6 2020, at the Bowie Elks in Anne Arundel County. This meeting will provide Private Applicator Recertification & Nutrient Applicator Voucher Recertification. Speakers will provide IPM updates and present updates on a broad range of production topics.
Click
here to learn more.
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Master Gardener Coordinator's Corner
Nancy Allred, Interim Master Gardener Coordinator
Curled up in a fleece throw, logs aglow in the fireplace, gardening book in hand, I think how much I enjoy wintertime's coziness and quiet. It's a season to reflect on both the achievements and disappointments of last year's garden and an opportunity to consider strategies for the coming year. In addition to making the usual resolutions to eat healthier and declutter my household, I am making a few garden resolutions.
First, I resolve to take better care of my tools. Cleaning, sharpening, oiling and checking for proper performance will prolong their life, make gardening tasks easier and safer, and reduce the spread of disease. Sharp tools are also essential for pruning, my next resolution. The best
time to prune or trim trees and shrubs is during the late winter while they're dormant. Pruning during the dormant season is best because the wounds heal faster and keep the plant strong. I have a Natchez Crepe Myrtle that grows alongside my driveway. I love its exfoliating bark and panicles of white, soft-textured flowers that bloom all summer. Unfortunately these same blooms weigh down the branches presenting a challenge to park under without scratching my car roof. These annoying branches constitute a "hazard" and need to be dealt with. While I'm at it, I will cut branches that are rubbing and those that are dead or damaged.
My second resolution for 2020 is to work on a neglected spot in my yard. I have an area that once contained several years' worth of firewood (hence the cozy fire.) We have gradually used all of the wood and no longer own a log splitter. For the first time in memory we will have to purchase firewood. The area is prime for native woodland plantings and the soil is fertile from years of accumulated woody waste and frankly benign neglect.
This brings me to my next resolution, which is to find inspiration. I will do this by setting time aside to visit other gardens. I love visiting the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory in
Baltimore's Druid Hill Park (next to the Zoo.) Their Holiday Poinsettia Display runs throughJanuary 5 and features many non-traditional colored and variegated leaved plants, a true Baltimore tradition, and admission is free ($5 suggested donation.) Another favorite is the United States Botanic Garden and their holiday exhibit that runs through January 5. This also is free. The U.S. Botanic Garden holiday exhibit features p
lant based re-creations of iconic conservatories, fountains, and sculptures that will fill their model train room. The Conservatory will be filled with thousands of flowers, including a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties. Their collection of D.C. landmarks made from plant materials will fill the Garden Court and the West Gallery will feature a decorated tree with its own model train.
My last resolution is to set time aside to enjoy the beauty, fragrances, wildlife and wonders of the garden. Cold temperatures and a new fallen snow bring freshness and a different perspective of the garden. During winter you can best see the "structures" of trees and shrubs as well as joy from a few winter bloomers such as pansies, ornamental cabbages, camellias, and hellebores. I hope that you too will make a few garden resolutions. The big question remains, will we keep them?
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Do you have a plant question? Pests in your house? Not happy
with your lawn? The University of Maryland Home and
Garden Information Center can help. Visit their website:
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Winter Cover Crops
Kayla Griffith, Nutrient Management Advisor
As you drive by farms in our area, you may wonder why some of the fields are still green in the winter. What you see is actually cover crops!
What is a cover crop?
Cover crops are plants grown in the winter when cash crops are not in the field. Many farmers in Maryland grow wheat and rye as cover crops, while some add in clover, radishes, and other brassicas.
Why would a farmer plant cover crops?
Cover crops can benefit a farm by preventing soil erosion, increasing soil organic matter, and reducing excess nitrogen that may eventually end up in the Chesapeake Bay. You may have heard that some of the water quality issues related to the Bay are due to excess nitrogen from farms. Farmers have made major improvements in water quality by growing cover crops which use the nitrogen in the soil to grow.
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Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Training & Exam
January 7 & 21, 2020
If you have allowed your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification to expire or are a new
applicant, you are invited to attend the Private Pesticide Applicator
Certification Training and Examination.
It is a two-step process:
Step 1: Attend the Private Applicator Certification Training
Step 2: Take the Private Pesticide Applicator Exam
Click
here for more information.
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New Ag Tech Time WebEx
Farming can be complicated. You may wonder what pest management strategy is best for your crop, or what variety of vegetables is suitable to plant. Such questions can leave us
overwhelmed. Fortunately, a new webinar is coming soon where you can directly ask Extension Agent, Dave Myers,any questions you may have related to agriculture.
Ag Tech Time will be held
several times a month at noon on WebEx. To be notified of when the webinar will occur, sign up on the Anne Arundel Extension website and provide your email address to join our listserv. You may additionally provide your phone number if you would like to receive a text message for upcoming sessions. See you soon!
To register for Ag Tech Time click
here.
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Become an Anne Arundel County Master Gardener
Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Master Gardeners are a group of gardening enthusiasts who are passionate about gardening, education, and volunteering in their community. The curriculum is presented by University of Maryland Extension faculty and trained Master Gardeners.
Click here for more information.
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Did you visit the Anne Arundel County Fair this year? Did you wonder what in the world 4-H is all about? Do you have children between 8 and 18 or know someone who does? If so, it's easy to learn more! Visit our website or email the Anne Arundel County 4-H office at [email protected]. "4-H makes the best better!" |
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Agriculture & Natural Resources
Interested in agriculture? There are many agriculture resources available on our website.
Agriculture Newsletters
Agriculture Calendar of Events
For more information, please contact
Dave Myers, Extension Educator, AGNR.
If you are interested in agriculture for YOUTH, please contact our office and speak with a member of the 4-H staff or email
Christa Stibolt. 4-H offers plant and animal science programs for youth ages 8-18. See the
4-H website for more details.
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Healthy Eating - Mexican Veggie Bake
2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, washed
1 green or red bell pepper, washed
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar mild or medium salsa
1 cup baked tortilla chips, crushed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Preheat oven to 400°. Spray a 9x13 baking pan or one of similar size with cooking oil spray.
Chop squash and pepper into cubes. Combine vegetables with the salsa in a mixing bowl and pour into the pan. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil. Top mixture with chips and shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes.
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Did you know...
The earliest recorded festivities in honor of a new year's arrival date back some 4,000 years to ancient Babylon.
Click here to learn more.
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Anne Arundel County Extension
97 Dairy Lane
Gambrills, MD 21054
410-222-3900
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Area Extension Director
Karol Dyson, AED
| Agriculture & Natural Resources
Dave Myers, Principal Agent
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Nutrient Management
Kayla Griffith, Nutrient Management Advisor
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Master Gardener Program
Nancy Allred, Interim Master Gardener Coordinator
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4-H Youth Development
Gretchen Sumbrum, Agent
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Food Supplement Nutrition Education Program
LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate
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