Husker Hort

A Nebraska View of Horticulture


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A Mountain or a Molehill??

How a molehill is made. Photo courtesy extension.missouri.edu

How a molehill is made. Photo courtesy extension.missouri.edu

We have all heard the saying, “Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.” That can be difficult if we don’t even know what a molehill looks like. Knowing more about this pest can help you identify the damage and keep them from making molehills in your yard. Continue reading


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Proposed Pesticide Certification Rule Changes

Some proposed changes to Pesticide Certification.

Views from VanDeWalle

As many producers know, in order to obtain a pesticide applicators license and purchase Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), every three years you complete a private pesticide certification program or self-study program. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing stricter standards for people to use RUPs and have determined that use of these RUPs would be safer with increased supervision and oversight, and to require all people who apply RUPs to be at least 18 years old (Nebraska currently requires applicators to be 16 years old). These proposed changes apply to the FIFRA/Certification of Pesticide Applicators Rule.pested

Information below has been summarized from the Nebraska Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program which I’ve decided to share with you this week, to make you aware and allow you to provide your feedback as the public comment period for the proposed changes to the certification rule will run through November 23, 2015.

Certifications will…

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Bagworms in Evergreens

Evergreen Bagworms can be a big issue in juniper and spruce. Read more from Jenny’s blog.

JenREESources's Extension Blog

I’ve been receiving questions regarding when to spray for bagworms. Bagworms overwinter as eggs in these up to 2″ bags which are formed throughout the summer with silk and evergreen needles by larvae. Larvae feed until late August or early September. Males then emerge and mate with females through the bag opening in September. 500-1000 eggs are deposited by female moths within their own bags.  After depositing eggs, the females drop to the soil and die.  Bagworms overwinter as eggs within bags fastened to twigs such as these shown in this photo.

Bagworms Eggs hatch in mid-May to early June. Some caterpillar larvae remain on the same trees containing the bags from which they hatched.  Others are blown by the wind to area trees allowing for new infestations to occur.  This photo shows new bags (1/8-1/4″) being formed on trees as they create these bags around themselves.  Look closely for these tiny…

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Wildflower Week 2015

A great resource that helps to identify different wildflowers.

A great resource that helps to identify  wildflowers.

Wildflower Week is in full bloom. What exactly is Wildflower Week and what is a wildflower? Wildflowers and native plants are very versatile plants that have multiple benefits in the landscape. Some wildflowers are a cut above the rest and are worth a try in your garden. Continue reading


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Research Before You Retweet: Gardening in the Age of Social Media

Blossom end rot on tomato. Maintain consistent moisture, try mulching tomatoes first. Don't reach for the Epsom salts.

Blossom end rot on tomato. Maintain consistent moisture. Try mulching tomatoes instead of reaching for the Epsom salts.

Without a doubt the interest in gardening and landscaping has been on the rise for many years. In order to find information on how to garden in the past, you had to know who to ask or what book to look in. Today the places to find information are endless. Continue reading


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Vegetable Gardening Workshop

Should be a great program tonight 😀

JenREESources's Extension Blog

Have you been interested in starting your own garden?  Have you been vegetable gardening for years but are curious about the latest trends and ways to raise vegetables?  Do you have a particular pest or disease that continues to plaque your garden produce?  Then this Thursday’s (April 16th) Clay County Vegetable Gardening workshop is for you!  Join us for an enjoyable evening of learning and fellowship.  There is a $5 fee to cover light refreshments and materials….and as always, plants will be the doorprizes 🙂  Please RSVP to jrees2@unl.edu or (402) 762-3644.  See you there!

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Big Red Crops Camp: Youth Discover Crop Science

Awesome opportunity for youth to learn more about crops.

Views from VanDeWalle

Are you interested in science, agriculture, plants, crops, insects, or diseases? If so, join our team of detectives to solve crop-related problems in the Crop Science Investigation (CSI) Big Red Camp! Become a detective while participating in hands-on sessions to learn about and increase your knowledge of crops, science, and agricultural careers. Youth detectives will interact with agronomic professionals across Nebraska to solve experiments in: nutrient management; managing disease, insect and weed problems; water management; crop production, and much more! Do you have what it takes to become a CSI detective?

Youth in Crop Sciences Investigation (CSI) workshops learn about crop production and have the opportunity in investiage what pests might be present in the field. Youth who attend Big Red Camp – Crop Science learn about crop production and have the opportunity in investigate what pests might be present in the field.

There are a variety of careers related to plant sciences such as: Agricultural Communicator; Agronomist; Crop Consultant; Crop Insurance Adjuster; Educator; Co-op Manager; Farmer or Rancher; Farm Credit Banker; Field or…

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