402 - 444 - 7804
March 2022
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties News
Got Gnats? Check Your Potted Plants

The winter months give rise to fungus gnats because houseplants take up less water, yet we continue to water regularly. Fungus gnats are small flies that breed in the moist, often overwatered soil of houseplants. Adult gnats are tiny and tend to fly around faces, food, and disperse throughout the home. Yellow sticky cards can help trap adults if placed close to the plants, but ultimately drying out the soil will be the key to breaking the life cycle. Biological control options such as bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti) and beneficial nematodes may be used as a treatment to soil. 

Do you have more gardening and plant questions?
Our Master Gardeners are now available to answer questions from 9 am to noon.
By phone: 402-444-7804
In person: 8015 West Center Road, Omaha.
Co-parenting for Successful Kids

Co-Parenting for Successful Kids is an automatically accepted parenting class across Nebraska.
The class is for anyone who is required to complete a parenting class who is in the process of divorce, custody modification, or separation. The course provides concrete steps for parents to use to help their children succeed through the process.

Do you have questions about Co-parenting for Successful Kids? Wondering if there are additional resources regarding how to support your child(ren) at this time?
Contact a member of Nebraska Extension’s Co-parenting for Successful Kids at 1(855) 308-8037 oremail at parenting@unl.edu .

How to Cook Dry Beans in a Multicooker Pressure Cooker


Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to learn more about specific cooking recommendations for your multicooker pressure cooker.

Here are some general instructions:
  1. Place beans in pressure cooker; cover beans with about 4 cups of fresh water. Make sure there is about 2 inches of water above the beans.
  2. Seal pressure cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Adjust cooking times as needed depending on the variety. Cooking longer will result in softer beans. Beans should be tender but not mushy. Here are some approximate pressure cooking times for beans:
  • Black beans: 20-30 minutes
  • Kidney beans: 20-30 minutes
  • Navy beans: 25-35 minutes
  • Pinto beans: 15-20 minutes
  1. Allow 20 minutes for natural pressure release after cooking. If beans are not tender, cook them on high pressure for another 10 minutes and then quick release the pressure.
  2. Drain immediately.
4-H Events

4-H Public Speaking Workshop
When: Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 6:30-7:30 pm
Where: Douglas-Sarpy Extension office at 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
Cost: Free
4-H enrollment assistance will be available during the workshop
 
Cat Show and Small Pet Show Informational Meeting
When: Monday, March 29 from 6:00-7:00 pm
Where: Douglas-Sarpy Extension office at 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
Cost: Free
Register by email at rwright4@unl.edu, Rachel Wright
4-H enrollment assistance will be available during the workshop
 
Building Better Babysitters workshop
When: Friday, April 15 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
          Arrive early or stay late for pre/post activities from 8-10 am and 3-5 pm
Where: Douglas-Sarpy Extension office at 8015 West Center Road, Omaha
Open to youth ages 11 and up.
Cost: $15
Register here. 


4-H Enrollment is Due June 15, 2022:
  • 4-H Enrollment for returning members can be found here.
  • Enrollment instructions for new families can be found here
Starting Vegetable Seeds
Now is a great time to germinate seeds for transplants of tomatoes and peppers. The necessary ingredients are grow lights, well-drained soil media, fresh seeds and warm temperatures in the growing area. For more information on starting veggie seeds, click here.
Want to learn more about horticulture and the 4-H program:

Sign up for our Newsletters:

  • Monthly Horticulture Newsletter by emailing John Fech here
  • Weekly 4-H Newsletter by emailing Rachel Wright here.
8015 West Center Road
Omaha, NE 68124-3175
402-444-7804
go.unl.edu/douglassarpyext 
Email us at douglas-sarpy@unl.edu

Our south office is located at 1102 E. 1st St., Papillion, NE 68046.
Call 402-444-7804 to schedule an appointment at our Papillion Office.