Ramsey County

Howdy!!!
Hasn’t this fall season been unbelievable!!!!!!  We have had temperatures above the summer temps of last year. “Great!!!!!!!”  This is also a great time to look at the beauty that has been provided to us from above.  The trees are starting their fall colors along with the native grasses.  This transition makes us aware of the changing weather in the next 3 months.  It won’t be long and we will be hearing ducks and geese, sounding off their presence, feasting on anything that was left behind from the harvest.  The dryer’s will soon be heard around the country side drying corn.  The new calf crop will soon be crying, looking for a way out of their new homes to get back with mom.  The garden produce has all but come to an end and looking for preparedness for the root cellar and our perennials will be getting ready for that long winter season ahead.  The squirrels are busy gathering their food supply for the winter season ahead and one local business already had snow blowers on the show room floor. 

This sounds like winter is not far away?  I am not trying to push winter upon us but am trying to set a picture of beauty as the fall season falls upon us.  It is such a fun time of year and a great time to thank everyone around us for all they have down for us and also praise someone else for what they have done for themselves.  Saying thanks goes a long way in keeping a good relationship with not only our neighbors but with others we associate with.

Apples?????
This is the time of year I get many questions pertaining to the timing of picking apples.  My comment to everyone is: to let the apples stay on the tree until after the first frost.  “Remember” I am not talking about a killing frost, as temperatures below 32 degrees for a long period of time, will damage the fruit.  Lets’ compare this to putting purchased apples in your refrigerator and turn the temperature down to 30 degrees for 5-6 hours and then letting them stand to be used.  They will turn mushy and not be very useful for that good apple pie.  We should however, let that apple crop set through a frost as this process sweetens the apple.  The apples can actually go through many frosts as long it is not a killing frost.

PLANTING SPRING FLOWERING BULBS

 Spring flowering bulbs can be planted until frost makes planting impossible. Late September to mid October is the most desirable time in our area. Daffodils should be planted before the first of October. Bulbs need at least four weeks in the soil before the ground freezes to develop a good root system.  Plant small bulbs, such as crocus and grape hyacinth, about 2 inches deep (to bottom of hole) and 3 inches apart. The larger bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinths should be planted 4 to 6 inches deep depending on bulb size and 6 to 8 inches apart. Plant all bulbs of the same variety at the same depth to insure that they will all bloom at the same time. Bulbs can be included in your foundation plantings, flower borders, or in front of shrubs. A clump of 6 to 18 bulbs of a particular variety usually will give the most effective show of color next spring.  Spring flowering bulbs prefer a light, well drained soil. They will not thrive in low, moist area where water is likely to stand. In our area, they can be grown successfully if good drainage is provided.  Spade the future bed 10 to 12 inches deep before the bulbs are planted. Well worked soil is essential to good bulb performance.  Spring flowering bulbs are much more likely to over winter if covered with some sort of mulch as soon as the soil begins to freeze. Lawn clippings, clean straw, marsh hay or similar light materials are satisfactory.  Take off the mulch as soon as snow melts since these bulbs emerge very early.

Calendar!!!!!!
            September 14               Vegetable Tour, Cando

            September 15               Row crop tour, Carrington research center, 4:30

            November 15               Farmers Night out, 6 PM

            December 1                 Cattleman’s Night Out

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

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