Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Moms out there. The day is finally here that vegetable gardeners have been waiting for all spring. It’s time to start planting those tender vegetable crops in your garden. Knowing what, when, and how to plant can offer many rewards in the long run. Continue reading
Author Archives: Elizabeth Exstrom
Freeze Damage & Preemergent Timing

Frozen Cherry Bloom Image by jggrz from Pixabay
The summer- like temperatures have been nice to have around, but we knew they couldn’t last. The warm weather subsided and snapped us back into the reality that we are only a week into April. The recent temperature fluctuations not only had us wearing shorts and sweat pants in the same week, but they also could have some impacts in our landscapes. Continue reading
My Seed Starting Project
Don’t let the idea of starting your own transplants scare you off. Starting your own transplants can be a rewarding experience as long as you follow a few simple rules and have the proper equipment. Continue reading
2020 Central Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Program
Do you enjoy plants and gardening? Are you looking to learn more and hone your skills but don’t know where to go? The Extension Master Gardener program will educate you on many aspects of horticulture, allow you to test your knowledge and skills, all while serving your local community. Continue reading
M is for Marcescence
There is a natural progression of fall. Leaves turn colors and drop to the ground. This year, it seems that some trees aren’t quite ready to part with their leaves and are having a tough time letting go. Find out what is going on and if there is anything that you can do to aid in the process. Continue reading
Asian Jumping Worms Will Have You Jumping… but not for joy.

Jumping worm adult with characteristic clitellum, which is light colored, flush with body, and encircles the entire body (Photo: J. Green)
Autumn is officially here. For many of us that means jumping for joy, for pumpkin spice latte, cozy sweaters, and cooler temperatures. There is another jumping thing that won’t bring as much joy into our lives as the lattes. Continue reading
Precious Peonies
Cooler days signal the first signs autumn will be here before we know it. If your peonies have seen better days, there are several tasks you can be doing now to ensure bountiful blooms next spring. Continue reading
‘Fall’ Fertilization of Turf

Lush, green turf is still possible.
Labor Day weekend signals many things: the Nebraska State Fair, the start of school, and the perfect time to fertilize lawns. Find out the benefits of fertilizing lawns now, decode the mystery of fertilizer numbers, and compare application equipment. Continue reading
Ahhh… Its the Attack of the Japanese Beetle

Japanese Beetles on soybean plant, Photo by Roger Schmidt, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bugwood.org
They’re baaaaccck!! That’s right, the Japanese beetles are back. What exactly is a Japanese beetle and why should we be concerned? Knowing a little bit about these tiny terrors will help keep your landscape from becoming their next meal. Continue reading
Dollar Spot, Brown Patch & Summer Patch, Oh, My!

Summer Patch disease
Fungus can be both a good and a bad thing. Mushrooms on pizza are an example of good fungus. Fungus in lawns, on the other hand, are nearer the other end of the spectrum. If your turf is looking a little thin and brown in spots; you are not alone. Fungus and hot temperatures will wreak havoc on lawns this year, but there is still time to make your lawn look full and lush for this fall. Continue reading