Ramsey County

Howdy!!!!!
I think spring has finally sprung.  The weather this week sounds to be something in the middle 60’s and higher.  I finally got my grass seed planted on Sunday.  Watered in and now waiting for it to grow.  Finished planting most of my garden, tomatoes left, so you can see I was very busy this past week.  The moisture we had over the last week was awesome for most folks; unfortunately some folks received too much rain.  I have so much to talk about this week but will have to leave some for next week’s column.

4-H Shooting Sports class being offered!!!!!
We are offering a shot gun class this summer for youth interested in learning more about the fine art of shooting a shotgun.  This class will teach all safety and handling features of a shotgun plus allow you to shoot at clay pigeons.  This class is open to youth ages 11-17 years of age and a parent or guardian must accompany the youth to class.  The class will start June 6 and will continue through the end of July, with the 4^th of July off.  Class size is limited to 5 students so hurry on in and join the fun.  There will be a $30 registration fee to cover the cost of pigeons and you will also need to bring your own shells.  Contact the extension office at 701-662-7027 for more information.

Tractor Safety School!!!!!
I would like to invite any interested youth (ages 14 years of age and older) to attend a Tractor Safety School.  The school will be held June 7, 8, 9 at the Ramsey County new fair grounds.  Young farmers will have the opportunity to learn safety issues in a class room setting and also gain experience, and learn safety points, in driving a tractor with a trailer.  This will be a great time for young farmers to, not only learn safe farming practices but also get acquainted with new friends.  There will be a $25 charge to cover the cost of materials and lunch.  For more information contact the Extension office at 701-662-7027.

 TRANSPLANTING TOMATO PLANTS!!!!!!!!!!!
“Hardening off” is a process of preparing your plants for the move to your garden.  Whether you buy your tomato plants or grow your own, it takes a few days to get them adjusted to the outdoors.  Slow up their growth by giving them less water and setting them outside during the day.  Water the plants several hours before planting so that the soil sticks to the roots when the tomatoes are removed from the container.

Transplanting should be done late in the afternoon or on a cloudy day.  Another good time would be just after a rain.  The plants should be put deeper in the garden than they were in the containers.  This allows the tomato to form roots along the stem as well as being protected from the wind.  All flowers should be removed from the tomato plants.  Firm the soil around the plant and water to settle the soil and remove air pockets.  A slight depression should be left around each plant to catch rain water and hold moisture after watering.

Protect the tomatoes from cutworms immediately after planting.  Use collars made from paper cups, milk cartons or metal cans with the bottoms cut out.  Carefully slip the collar down over each plant and into the soil to a depth of about 1 inch.

A starter solution of fertilizer can help your young tomato plants get off to a fast start.  Buy a dry (water soluble) fertilizer that can be dissolved in water.  And as always, follow the directions on the label!

Planting new shrubs around your home!!!!!!!
Are the plants around your home foundation kind of drab looking or missing completely? Now is the time to think about planting some new ones.

Foundation plants are designed to soften the harsh lines or to emphasize the good lines of your home or to direct the viewer’s attention. The corners and the entrance of your home are the most important. Use the tallest shrubs at the corners. When mature, these shrubs should reach 2/3 to 3/4 of the distance to your eaves. On each side of your corner shrub you should use a smaller shrub. This prevents an abrupt drop off from the tall shrub to ground level.

Next to the entrance of your home, use medium sized shrubs, which mature at about 1/2 the height of the doorway. When using the corner and entrance plantings together they may merge along short walls or remain distinct along longer walls. If the entrance of your home is near one end, restore balance to your home with heavier plantings at the other end. L-shaped homes should have the tallest shrubs at the corners to emphasize the entire length. If you have a very wide house, use tall shrubs at intermediate corners to reduce the apparent length.

Here are a few things to avoid doing when you put foundation plantings in by your home. Don't plant a row of evenly spaced plants across the front of your home. Use your shrubs in groups. Another caution, don't over plant. When shrubs are put into your plantings, they should be spaced according to their mature size. If your home has an attractive foundation, don't plant shrubs all across the front to hide the foundation. This just isn't necessary and doesn't look good.

Calendar Dates!!!!!!    
June 7, 8, 9 - Tractor Safety School
June 11 - Ramsey County T.U.F.F. horse show
June 25 - 4-H Achievement Day Horse Show
June 28, 29 - Achievement Days

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

Return to Back Home Index
Return to Ramsey Extension Home Page