Ramsey County

March 18, 2005

Howdy!!!!

What a beautiful weekend!!!!!! We had many activities going on this past week and many more coming up in the near future.  The annual crop improvement association meeting went very well with approximately 45 people in attendance.  It was very informative and the noon lunch was great.    The coffee shop, in Hampden, was also very well attended and many questions were asked.  It is very nice to visit with producers, on a one on one situation, but yet include other producers in the conversation.

I know that it is very early but planted a couple of rose bushes this past week as well.  It was tough digging but finally got them planted behind our house.  JUST KIDDING!!!!!  We did however; plant 2 rose bushes in big pots that are now, by our big picture window.  My wife thought getting a head start on the growing season would be a good thing.  

Horticulture Classes!!!!!
I know this is a repetition of last week but the need is great and the classes are good, so, Get ready, Get set and Go!!!!!; spring is here and so is the Horticulture season.  We will be offering horticulture classes starting Tuesday, April 5.  The classes will continue April 12, April 19 and May 3.  The classes will talk about Lawn Care, Annuals and Perennials, Trees and Shrubs and end with an “Extreme Makeover” of someone’s yard.  There will be $20 pre-registration fee, $30 per couple.  This will be fun time to learn about the new genetics in gardening and also get some ideas for your own landscape design.  To pre-register, call the Extension office at 701-662-7027.

Landscape design “Extreme Makeover”
The last class of the Horticulture session will be done on someone’s yard.  We will use the knowledge we learned from the previous classes, to develop a landscape design someone might use for their yard.  I will spit the group into smaller groups for the fun evening and it’s very interesting to listen to the different ideas available for that yard.  To become eligible for the “Extreme makeover” you do need to be registered for the full class session.  The last classroom presentation we will draw a name, of an interested gardener, that is interested in an extreme makeover to their yard.  We will meet at that home (May 3) and have a very fun discussion on the “EXTREME MAKEOVER”.  We are planning on hamburgers to finish out the evening. 

We would like pre-registration by March 28 to allow us time to prepare for the class.  We will not turn anyone away after that but we do need to have a good idea on how many gardeners are coming.

Buying Garden Seed??????
Have the Garden seed catalogs have started showing up in the mail lately or maybe you have been to the local greenhouse and seen the seed stands full of seed, well it is that time of year.  As we think of planting our garden seed for the upcoming growing season we need to be reminded of a few growing tips.  Before ordering or buying garden seed, discuss with the local nurseryman or extension agent, about the different varieties suitable for our growing area.  Select disease resistant varieties whenever possible and plant varieties that are suitable for our growing area. 

Don’t buy vegetable or flower seeds that are inexpensive or on sale.  Many times these varieties are not suitable for our growing area or not the best varieties available.  You also want to check the date on the seed packet.  Seeds become less viable as they get older.  Corn, onion, parsley and parsnips are relatively short lived and usually not much good after a year or two.  Most other seeds are usually good for up to 5 years but a germination test would still be in order.  HAPPY GARDENING!!!!!

Calendar Dates!!!!!!    
March  22 - 4-H council meeting (Devils Lake court house   meeting room, 6:30 pm)
March 24 - Coffee Shop with Terry Gregroire and Bill Hodous (Edmore Café 10 am)
March 24 - Coffee shop with Terry Gregoire and Bill Hodous Lake Region Grain Starkweather 1 pm)
March  28 - Coffe shop talk with Terry Gregoire and Bill Hodous, Tronson Grain (Doyon 9 am)
March 31 -District 3 oilseed Council election, (11:30 am White House Café)
March 31 - Private Pesticide Training (Devils Lake, Armory 6-10 pm)
April 5 - Horticulture classes start (4 classes)

524 4th Ave #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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