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Douglas-Sarpy@unl.edu

(402) 444-7804

October 2023

Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties

October Lawn and Gardening Tips


Tree and Shrubs

There’s still plenty of time in early and mid-October for tree and shrub planting. If it’s a new landscape, consider shade for the outdoor living spaces and for cooling the house in summer. 

See more fall tree planting tips here.


Gardening

Reduce problems in 2024 by removing dead and dying plants now. Disease infected and insect infested veggie plants can serve to provide harborage for these pests for future reoccurrence. If they’re pest ridden, avoid tossing them on the compost pile; if they’re just reaching the end of their lives, then they’re good compost pile additions.


Lawn

Control dandelions, plantain, clover, field bindweed and wild violets with spot spray applications of Trimec, Speedzone or Roundup for Lawns (Not Roundup Weed and Grass Killer or Roundup 365). These combination herbicide products are effective if the label instructions are followed carefully. Pay special attention to wind speed, amount of product per gallon of water, temperature on the day of spraying and personal protective equipment to wear.


Fruit in the Garden Online Class

When: October 24 from 7-8 pm

Register at https://hles.unl.edu/grobigred

Learn about common, unusual, and native fruits and how to incorporate them into your home garden. We’ll discuss fruit options for Nebraska’s growing zones and basic establishment and management for bountiful harvests.

Tomatoes


Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may help lower the risk of some forms of cancer, promotes heart health, and helps keep the immune system healthy. Tomatoes are also high in vitamin C, which helps heal cuts and wounds and supports our immune system, and vitamin A for eye health.


Keep tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight and use within 1 week after ripening. Refrigerate overripe or cut tomatoes. Place unripened tomatoes in a closed paper bag to ripen faster.


Information about canning and freezing tomatoes along with fresh tomato recipes here.

Celebrate National 4-H Week - October 1-7, 2023


4-H is a community of youth learning in partnership with caring adults! Many 4-H youth showcase their projects at the Fair! Learn more here.


WHY 4-H?

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization! In 4-H, youth:

  • Choose from over 150 projects to “learn by doing” (such as STEM, photography, foods, home environment or animals).
  • Develop practical and life skills.
  • Participate in leadership and community service activities.
  • Have fun while making new friends!

YOUTH: JOIN 4-H!

Ways youth ages 5–18 can participate:

  • Join a new or existing 4-H club.
  • Be an independent member.
  • Participate in 4-H activities such as workshops and contests.


ADULTS: VOLUNTEER!

Ways adults can help youth grow:

  • Help start a new 4-H club.
  • Help with an existing 4-H club.
  • Volunteer at events.


The 4-H year will start in the fall. Learn about upcoming events and deadlines by signing up for the 4-H newsletter by emailing 4-H here.

Plant and Gardening Help


Our Master Gardeners are now available to answer questions from 9 am - noon

In person: 8015 West Center Road, Omaha

By phone: 402-444-7804

Email us at: douglas-sarpy@unl.edu



Backyard Farmer is done taping lives segments for the year, but if you have missed any episodes this season, you can watch them using the PBS app or at video.nebraskapublicmedia.org/show/backyard-farmer.

Ways to Enjoy Eating Seasonal Vegetables

Apples are great year round and are at peak availability between September to November. Try this delicious recipe for Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Peppers can be found in red, green, orange or yellow, but the red ones pack the most nutrition because they have been on the vine the longest. One cup is only 35 calories and 3.1 grams of fiber. Try a variety of peppers in this Bell Pepper Nacho recipe.

Community Partner of the Month: Ag Literacy Coalition and Festivals


With continued urban growth, many youth do not have as much exposure to agriculture as in the past. Many communities are losing touch with Nebraska's greatest resource - agriculture. 4-H's Agricultural Literacy Festivals provide an opportunity for youth to take a close-up look at agriculture. Annually over 31,000 Omaha-metro students learn at Ag Awareness Festivals! Learn more at: https://enreec.unl.edu/agliteracy/.

The Good Life in Early Life Podcast


Early childhood, ages birth to eight, is the most rapid period of development in a human’s life, which can leave those surrounding a young child sprinting to keep up. Our mission on The Good Life in Early Life podcast is to share the latest happenings in early care and education in Nebraska. We delve into early childhood topics, providing relevant and reliable information to keep you up to date. Each episode features interviews with academic experts, educators, providers, families, or informed community members. The Good Life in Early Life, a production of Nebraska Extension, with episodes released twice a month. It is available now on MediaHub, Spotify, and Apple! See more here.

Learn more about horticulture and the 4-H programs by signing up for our Newsletters:

  • Monthly Horticulture Newsletter by emailing John Fech here.
  • Weekly 4-H Newsletter by emailing Rachel Wright here.

Learn more about our programs in our:

Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties

8015 West Center Road, Omaha


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.


Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu


Nebraska Extension education programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United State Department of Agriculture.