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Articles by Beth Scheckelhoff
On the Farm and In the Garden: Lawn and Garden Clean-up and Composting
Now is a good time to set up a compost pile, if don’t already have one. As the calendar turns from October to November, there is still time to complete a few end-of-season garden tasks that can help build your compost heap. Continued drought conditions and local burning bans make composting yard waste a great alternative to burning leaves and garden residue this season. Compost is formed when organic materials like plant material and kitchen scraps are decomposed into a soil-like substance.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Behold bats in the belfry (barn or building)!
You may have noticed bat activity in and around your home, barns, or buildings. Now is the time of year when mating occurs, and bats are looking for suitable homes to hibernate during the winter. It is also time to celebrate bats across the country and around the world during Bat Week! Ohio’s Bat Week and International Bat Week run from October 24 through October 31 each year.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Behold Bats in the Belfry (Barn or Building)!
You may have noticed bat activity in and around your home, barns, or buildings. Now is the time of year when mating occurs, and bats are looking for suitable homes to hibernate during the winter. It is also time to celebrate bats across the country and around the world during Bat Week! Ohio’s Bat Week and International Bat Week run from October 24 through October 31 each year.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Super-sized Crane Flies have Emerged!
It’s that time of year – the first full week of cool temperatures prompts insects, spiders, and wildlife to look for warmer, more comfortable places to spend their days and nights. We’ve had many numerous calls and visits from homeowners in the past week about several fall invaders that you might also encounter First, crane flies emerged over the past week across our area.
On the Farm and In the Garden: It’s Time to Soil Test!
The much-needed rainfall over the weekend has softened our soils in the area making now a perfect time to sample and test your soils! A soil test is a helpful resource when establishing or maintaining a garden, lawn, landscape, or cultivated field. For relatively little cost, soil tests provide invaluable information for homeowners, gardeners, and farmers by pinpointing nutrient and/or pathogen levels and providing recommendations on how to improve a soil’s condition. Why test your soil?
On the Farm and In the Garden: High Nitrate Levels in Forages
Scattered showers provided some much-needed moisture to parts of the county this past weekend. However, 78 of 88 Ohio counties are experiencing some level of drought conditions from abnormally dry (drought stage D0) in Northwest Ohio to extreme and exceptional drought (drought stages D3 and D4) in Southeastern Ohio. Weekly drought conditions are updated on the US Drought Monitor at http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu.
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On the Farm and In the Garden: Land Lease Termination Dates
This article is a reminder for those with farmland leases that September 1 is just around the corner. Many acres of land in Putnam County are leased each year to grow a variety of crops. If you are involved in a lease agreement, does your document have an established date or method for termination? If your answer is “no”, then be advised that Ohio law requires landlords who want to terminate farm crop leases to do so in writing by September 1.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Lawn Rust and Powdery Mildew
Many mid- and late-season fungal plant diseases are showing up in lawns and gardens. These include lawn rust and powdery mildew. Have you walked across the lawn this week and noticed an orange powder on your shoes? Perhaps your mower is covered with a rusty-colored residue? Or perhaps your garden vegetables have a powdery white film on them? These are all signs of different fungi affecting plants this time of year. Lawn rust.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Controlling Crabgrass and Pigweeds
Two pesky weeds have run rampant in the dry, hot conditions we’ve experienced in Northwest Ohio this summer - crabgrass in lawns and waterhemp in fields and gardens. Crabgrass is a summer annual grass with seeds germinating from late spring through midsummer. You may have noticed clumps of light green, wide-bladed grass in your lawn over the last month, especially on bare ground, along sidewalks or curbs, or where the lawn is sparse.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Japanese Beetles Make a Comeback!
You have likely noticed significant beetle activity over the past few weeks ā from May and June beetles congregating beneath your porch lights to Japanese beetles munching on your garden plants. These types of beetles are known as scarab beetles. Not only can the adult beetle cause damage, but the immature developing larvae (also known as white grubs) cause significant damage to turfgrass in Ohio. Adult beetles of white grub species emerge from the soil in early June through July.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Squash Vine Borers
As we enter early July, gardeners need to be aware of a garden pest that can virtually wipe out summer squash, winter squash, and pumpkin plants as they begin to produce heavily. This pest is the squash vine borer. Plants attacked by the squash vine borer begin to wilt then completely collapse and die, leaving gardeners disappointed. The squash vine borer overwinters in cocoons in the soil from 1 to 2 inches deep.
On the Farm and in the Garden: Upcoming Field Days
Farmers may be interested in attending two upcoming field days in June and July. The first will be the Small Grains Field Day at Northwest Agricultural Research Station in Hoytville next week on Thursday, June 20. Topics will include the latest on precision wheat planting, fertility management, wheat crop insurance research, and more. Paul Martin & Sons and Redline Equipment will have the latest technology for planting wheat.
On the Farm and in the Garden: Noxious Weeds in the News
By Beth Scheckelhoff Poison hemlock and wild parsnip are beginning to flower across the county, and their ever-expanding presence throughout Putnam County can be readily seen. Both are noxious weeds listed in Ohio’s Noxious Weeds law. Ohio’s Department of Agriculture maintains a list of noxious weeds found in Ohio Administrative Code 901:5-37-01. The list includes the following nuisance plants listed alphabetically by their botanical name, many of which you may be familiar with: kAm· #FDD:2?
On the Farm and In the Garden: Bagworms are Back!
Bagworms have begun to hatch across the county. Bagworms are caterpillars that feed mostly on evergreen trees and shrubs but can also feed on ornamental trees and plants. The caterpillars form a “bag” around their body with the foliage of the plant they are feeding on. This bag protects them from predators and allows their eggs to survive the winter to hatch the following year…which is now! Bagworms are often mistaken for cones on evergreen trees.
On the Farm and In the Garden: CORN Newsletter Highlights
One of many excellent resources published by Ohio State University Extension is the C.O.R.N newsletter. Farmers and producers are interested in timely information regarding Ohio crops, pests, and management practices. Each week during the farming season, OSU extension educators and state specialists discuss crop observations and develop the C.O.R.N. newsletter to address these issues.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Alfalfa Weevil Feeding
Thorough scouting of alfalfa fields across Putnam County this week has revealed early instar feeding of alfalfa weevil larvae on alfalfa stands. Alfalfa weevil adults overwinter in alfalfa fields. They begin laying eggs when temperatures exceed 48°F. We begin to accumulate heat units after January 1 when temperatures rise above 48F. Peak larval activity and feeding damage occur between 325 and 575 heat units, and we are currently at 345 units and counting.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Poison Hemlock on the Rise
Poison hemlock continues to spread along field edges, ditches, and right-of-ways across Northwest Ohio. You have likely seen poison hemlock but might not have recognized it for what it is – a very invasive, toxic plant. In late summer, it towers at 6 to 10 feet tall covered in clusters of tiny white flowers. Poison hemlock is indeed poisonous. It produces highly toxic compounds in all plant parts, including the sap.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Victory Garden Seeds Now Available!
By Beth Scheckelhoff It only takes a few days of 70-degree temperatures to get our garden gloves out and gear up for spring planting. If you are still considering what to include in your garden, you might consider planting an Ohio Victory Garden this year. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has partnered with OSU Extension once again this year to distribute starter seed packets for Ohio Victory Gardens.
On the Farm and In the Garden: What is Quality Assurance?
By Beth Scheckelhoff Putnam County youth have enrolled over 350 market animal projects this year and will have over 600 animals at the Putnam County Fair in June. Market animal projects are those that are sold to buyers and intended to enter the food chain as meat or milk following the fair.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Fruit Tree Management Guides
By Beth Scheckelhoff The winter weather has lifted, and warmer temperatures are in store for the coming week. If you have backyard fruit trees, you will want to pay attention to their stage of development throughout the growing season. Managing fruit trees and their pests requires one to monitor growth and scout for pests throughout the season.
On the Farm and In the Garden: The Putnam County Ag Hall of Fame has Four New Members!
By Beth Scheckelhoff On Saturday, March 16, residents of Putnam County had the opportunity to enjoy the annual Farmer’s Share Breakfast along with the Putnam County Agriculture Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This event was hosted by the Putnam County Farm Bureau, OSU Extension Putnam County, and Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Putnam County offers Farmer’s Share Breakfast
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On the Farm and In the Garden: Don’t Walk on Thin Ice
Ohio’s constantly changing weather has been likened to a box of chocolates – you never know what you are going to get. Others have said that if you want to experience all four seasons in one week – move to Ohio! Although Ohio’s weather is often the topic of many well-intentioned jokes, Ohioans have indeed experienced wide fluctuations in temperature and precipitation so far this winter season.
On the Farm and In the Garden - New year, new programs in Putnam County
Happy New Year! A new year presents new opportunities for each of us to learn and grow. Several programs offered this January are designed to do just that! Mark the following dates on your calendar to join us for these programs offered this January! Putnam County’s Farm Forum returns with a Rise and Shine breakfast series from 8-9 a.m. at the Extension office on the first Friday of January, February and March. Topics this winter include H2Ohio (Jan), Drones in Ag (Feb), and Forages Mar).
On the Farm and In the Garden: Legal Guidelines for Allowing Hunters on Your Land
Ohio State University Extension’s Farm Office recently released their top ten legal tips for landowners that allow hunting on their land. If you have been asked to give permission for hunting activities on your land, or currently do so, you will want to be aware of these issues. While it is impossible to delve into each tip in detail here, more information can be found in the original bulletin at http://farmoffice.osu.edu/blog.
2023 Thanksgiving dinner costs
Happy Thanksgiving to all! What will be on your Thanksgiving dinner table this year? For the last 38 years, Farm Bureau has been tracking the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal across the 50 states. The meal provides enough food to generously feed up to 10 people with leftovers. The list of items tracked includes a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, butter, peas, cranberries, a vegetable tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee and milk.
On the Farm and In the Garden: 2023 Thanksgiving Dinner Costs
Happy Thanksgiving to all! What will be on your Thanksgiving dinner table this year? For the last 38 years, Farm Bureau has been tracking the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal across the 50 states. The meal provides enough food to generously feed up to 10 people with leftovers. The list of items tracked includes a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, butter, peas, cranberries, a vegetable tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee, and milk.
Developing an emergency action plan for your greenhouse operation
Editor’s note: This article originally ran as an e-GRO alert. Emergencies due to severe weather, accidents and intentional malice can disrupt greenhouse operations in both the short and long term. An early April storm with high winds, tornadoes and hail moved across the Midwest leaving a trail of destruction.
On the Farm and In the Garden - Managing holiday stress
We are quickly approaching the holiday season with Thanksgiving just around the corner. The demands of holiday festivities, food, friends, and family can bring great joy. Yet these - and other issues like illness, unexpected expenses, and loss - can lead to stressful situations, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Managing Holiday Stress
We are quickly approaching the holiday season with Thanksgiving just around the corner. The demands of holiday festivities, food, friends, and family can bring great joy. Yet these - and other issues like illness, unexpected expenses, and loss - can lead to stressful situations, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Hunting deer ticks
I generally remind others about tick awareness in the spring; however, ticks are active all year long in Ohio. In fact, it is likely that you may encounter several types of ticks while hunting, hiking, or exploring natural areas yet this year. All ticks feed on human and/or animal blood and can transmit disease. It is important to be aware of their presence – and prevent tick bites on yourself, family members, pets, and livestock.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Hunting Deer Ticks
I generally remind others about tick awareness in the spring; however, ticks are active all year long in Ohio. In fact, it is likely that you may encounter several types of ticks while hunting, hiking, or exploring natural areas yet this year. All ticks feed on human and/or animal blood and can transmit disease. It is important to be aware of their presence – and prevent tick bites on yourself, family members, pets, and livestock.
What is a wheel bug?
I love when Putnam County residents bring samples into the Extension office for identification. There are so many interesting aspects of the natural world around us – much of which goes unnoticed in the lawn or landscape until something looks out of place. As the temperatures continue to decline and we have our first hard frost, many garden insects continue to find their way onto our porches and in our garages, sheds, and homes looking for a warm place to hunker down for the winter.
On the Farm and In the Garden: What is a Wheel Bug?
I love when Putnam County residents bring samples into the Extension office for identification. There are so many interesting aspects of the natural world around us – much of which goes unnoticed in the lawn or landscape until something looks out of place. As the temperatures continue to decline and we have our first hard frost, many garden insects continue to find their way onto our porches and in our garages, sheds, and homes looking for a warm place to hunker down for the winter.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Pumpkin, Squash, or Gourd?
With Halloween less than a week away, there is still time to pick a pumpkin (or squash or gourd) this fall. Pumpkins come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Some may be perfectly round, others are much wider than they are tall, and some are covered in warts, bumps, and blotches. All these different fruits collectively known as “pumpkins” belong to the Cucurbit family and are varieties of squash.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Soil Testing and Soybean Cyst Nematode
What is one of the most helpful resources to use when establishing or maintaining a garden, lawn, landscape, or cultivated field? A soil test! A soil test provides invaluable information for homeowners, gardeners, and farmers by pinpointing problems and providing recommendations or corrective actions for sampled soils.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Skunks and Other Fall Invaders
It’s that time of year – the first full week of cool temperatures prompts insects, spiders, and wildlife to look for warmer, more comfortable places to spend their days and nights. We’ve had many calls and visits from homeowners in the past week about several fall invaders that you might encounter as well. First, crane flies emerged over the past week across our area. These large, mosquito-like insects can be found on the sides of buildings, porches, barns – and even inside your home.
On the Farm and In the Garden: Fall Harvest and Fire Hazards
You have probably noted the dormant lawns, dry soils, and the rapidly drying down of crops around the county. In fact, most of Northwest Ohio including Putnam County are under moderate drought conditions. Rainfall amounts are currently 3.5” below normal for the year. This drier-than-normal weather is ideal for farmers harvesting field crops but can also increase the risk of potential equipment and field fires.
New Master Gardener Class starts this Fall
The OSU Extension office in Putnam County is excited to announce our New Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training program for this coming fall. Classes begin on Oct. 2 and run through Nov. 20. Anyone 18 years of age or older can become a Master Gardener Volunteer for The Ohio State University. Master Gardener volunteers begin by taking an intensive training course that covers a variety of topics including botany, soils, pest management, insects, herbs, houseplants, and much more.
On the Farm and In the Garden: New Master Gardener Class Starts this Fall!
The OSU Extension office in Putnam County is excited to announce our New Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training program for this coming fall. Classes begin on October 2 and run through November 20, 2023. Anyone 18 years of age or older can become a Master Gardener Volunteer for The Ohio State University. Master Gardener volunteers begin by taking an intensive training course that covers a variety of topics including botany, soils, pest management, insects, herbs, houseplants, and much more.
On the Farm and In the Garden - Pest alerts for Ohio
Several interesting developments occurred several weeks ago regarding pests in Ohio. First, the Ohio Department of Agriculture positively confirmed populations of the invasive species known as the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in the city of Toledo in Lucas County. I was able to help ODA and the Extension office survey for both the immature and adult insects there.
Know before you grow
Seasonal jaw-dropping needle drop Local Columns Oct 21, 2022 By Beth Scheckelhoff and Curtis E. Young Fall color is at its peak across much of Ohio. Not only are our deciduous trees beginning to drop their leaves but evergreens are too. Seasonal leaf drop is a normal part of the growth cycle of most trees, including evergreens. Despite being called evergreens, conifer species like pine, spruce, and arborvitae shed needles in the fall. Often, this needle drop goes unnoticed.
Transition to Organic Grain Workshop offered on March 30
March 19, 2021 Crops, Top Headlines By Beth Scheckelhoff, Ohio State University Extension As many producers look to diversify their farms and find opportunities to increase on-farm revenues — one potential avenue to consider is organic grain production. A Transition to Organic Grains workshop offered through Ohio State University Extension in Putnam County will take place in Ottawa, OH at the Putnam County Educational Services Center on March 30, 2021 from 9 am to 2 pm.
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