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August 22- Sept. 2
Maryland State Fair
August 24:
Ask-a-MG Plant Clinic
Pollinator Corner
Quiet Waters Park
August 31:
Ask-a-MG Plant Clinic
September 2:
Labor Day
Office closed
September 7:
Ask-a-MG Plant Clinic
MG Composting Demonstration
September 8:
Pollinator Corner
Hancock's Resolution
September 11-15:
Anne Arundel Co. Fair
September 14:
Ask-a-MG Plant Clinic
Gardening in a Changing Climate
West County Library
September 18:
MG Composting Demonstratioon
September 21:
Ask-a-MG Plant Clinic
September 28:
Ask-a-MG Plant Clinic
October 5:
Ask-a-MG Plant Clinic
MG Composting Demonstration
October 12:
Ask-a-MG Plant Clinic
October 13:
Pollinator Corner
Hancock's Resolution
October 19:
Growing Figs for Fun & Food Garden Hack
Crofton Library
October 23:
MG Composting Demonstation
November 2:
MG Composting Demonstration
November 9:
4-H Turkey Shoot
November 11:
Veteran's Day
Office closed
November 28-29:
Thanksgiving Holiday
Office closed.
December 25:
Christmas Day
Office closed.
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August 2019
For Southern Maryland, August and September are prime FAIR months. The Maryland State Fair opens on Thursday, August 22 and continues through Labor Day. Along with traditional fair foods, games and carnival rides, you can also see all the exciting projects presenting by 4-H members, learn about animals and see many shows. You can also go to Thoroughbred RACING at the Timonium racetrack, which shares grounds with the fair.
COME TO THE ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY FAIR from September 11- 15th held in Crownsville. There will be many exhibits, demonstrations, show, a tractor pull and a many contests. Check out the schedule at the Anne Arundel Fair website.
It is also a great month to continue to visit and support your local Farmer's Markets, and if you are looking for prime meat, visit the 4-H Livestock Sale on Saturday, September 14. Call the office for further details.
happy end of summer and early fall!
Best Regards,
Karol Westelinck Dyson
Capital Area Extension Director
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Mark Your Calendar!
Saturday September 14, 2019
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wye Research and Education Center
Learn how to identify trees, both native and non-native. The class will start with basic
terminology, leading to a walking tour of the grounds with hands-on practice of identifying the trees in the landscape.
Tree I.D. book, drinks/snacks, door prize, and walk are all included. Class will be held rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to walk on
non-paved surfaces.
Click here for more information.
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It Isn't Too Early for Nutrient Management Planning
Kayla Griffith, Nutrient Management Advisor
For many farmers, it may seem too early to consider your 2020 nutrient management plan. Crops are still green, second cutting hay is ready, livestock are getting extra attention during these warm days and frequent thunderstorms...but early planning can save us headaches in the winter.
If your soil samples are not up-to-date, try to collect new samples before winter sets in. You can forward the reports or have the lab send the reports directly to me. This also applies to manure, compost, or other organic source analyses. Be prepared with 2019 organic application records, crops you plan on planting in 2020, and number of livestock and average weight of those livestock.
The nutrient management office gets busy in January and February, so to avoid a long waiting list, get as much information to me as early as you can. Also please remember I am only in the office part-time, so email ( [email protected]) or call ahead (410-222-3900) to make sure I am in before you arrive. I am happy to schedule appointments.
Nutrient management plans are for farmers who gross over $2500 per year and/or raise over 8000 pounds of livestock. For home gardeners who are interested in nutrient management, please visit the University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center (
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic).
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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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Tomatoes, Peaches and Berries, Oh My!
LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate
Project Leader/Nutrition Educator
Mid-summer is a paradise of fruits and vegetables. Maryland farms are growing tons of delicious, ripe fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often cheaper because they don't have to be shipped in like they do in the winter. Summer is when these foods taste best. Now is the ideal time to add lots of fresh produce to your family's diet.
Here are some tips to help you take advantage of the season's best produce waiting for you at the farmers' market:
- Find the location and hours of the farmers market closest to your home or work. If the closest market isn't open at a time you can make it, look for another market in the area with more convenient hours.
- Find out if the market accepts SNAP or WIC benefits, or if they participate in any matching dollars programs. Using the find-a-market search, you can click on the benefit programs you participate in.
- Put the market on your calendar every week.
- Bring the kids and make shopping a fun family outing rather than a chore.
- Find out what foods will be available using this harvest calendar. Make a list of the items you want to buy. Depending on the weather, what's available might vary, so be flexible.
- Plan your meals for the week based on what you purchased at the market. Using the Eat Smart Recipe Search, search by ingredient by entering the names of fruits and vegetables you purchased. You'll find delicious, affordable recipes you can prepare with your fresh, local produce. Write what you'll make for dinner each day on your calendar.
- Repeat every week! Watch how the market offerings change as summer goes on and fall grows near.
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Have a Sun-safe Summer
It's natural to want to get out in the sun during warm summer days. It should also be second nature to take steps to protect your skin from the sun when you go outside.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays - from the sun and other sources like tanning beds - are the #1 cause of
skin cancer. Too much exposure can also cause sunburn, eye damage, and premature wrinkles. But shielding your skin with clothing, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and staying in the shade can help lower your risk.
Take these steps to stay sun-safe:
- Cover up: When you are out in the sun, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to prot ect as much skin as possible. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30: Reapply at least every 2 hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps: Both can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.
Click
here to learn more.
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Leafy Greens for the Summer Garden
The end of the spring lettuce and spinach harvest doesn't mean we have to wait until fall to enjoy home-grown leafy greens. In addition to the kales and collards we know and love there is a world of heat tolerant leafy green crops that grow well in Maryland. These plants tend to grow rapidly and quickly fill their allotted space. They can all be eaten fresh or cooked and can help you introduce new textures, flavors, and culinary accents to your kitchen table.
Find local and online seed sources for these crops and follow planting instructions on seed packets and on seed company websites. Most of the leafy greens below can be treated as cut-and-come-again crops: they put on new growth below each harvesting cut.
Leafy green vegetables are some of the easiest and most nutritious crops our garden can produce. Of course, with any new crop it may take several years of growing and experimenting to decide if it will work for you and the people who eat from your garden.
Click
here to learn more.
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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 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 - Walnut Hummus Dip with Apples
1(15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
 ½ cup walnuts
1Tablespoon vegetable oil
½ teaspoon orange zest
⅛ cup orange juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
5 apples for dipping, washed, cored, and sliced
Toast walnuts until golden in a non-stick skillet for 3-5 minutes. Cool. Blend chickpeas in a food processor, add walnuts, oil, orange zest, orange juice, salt and pepper until well blended. Pour into serving bowl. Serve immediately with sliced apples. To prevent apples from discoloring, sprinkle with lemon juice.
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Did you know...
Anne Arundel County provides free smoke alarms for seniors and those on a limited income.
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
Christa Stibolt, Faculty Extension Assistant
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Food Supplement Nutrition Education Program
LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate
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