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Articles by Connie Smith
What you need to know about bringing those plants inside
There’s something about September that makes you stop and listen. The garden is still showing off just a bit. The tomatoes are ripening, the flowers are reaching for every last bit of sunshine, and the indoor plants that were moved outside a few months ago have settled into their summer vacation. Many of our favorite houseplants love spending the summer outdoors. They soak up the sunshine, enjoy the humidity and seem to thrive on being surrounded by fresh air.
Fairfield County Ag Center hosts free garden event
The Fairfield County Ag Center is home to OSU Extension, the Farm Service Agency, and the Fairfield County Soil and Water Conservation Service offices located at 831 College Avenue, Lancaster. The building was constructed in 2005 by the Fairfield County Commissioners as a one-stop shop for the agricultural community. If you have never been to the Fairfield County Agricultural Center, please plan to stop by on Sept.
OSU Extension: Why your tomato leaves are curling? Original
Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette July 16, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET Leaf roll on tomatoes is not caused by disease and does not affect yield or fruit quality. Curled or rolled leaves is a physiological disorder of tomatoes that is often associated with hot dry weather or wind, however it can also occur in response to other stresses like high moisture and nitrogen, fast growth, heavy production, pruning and root damage.
How to keep your garden blooming all summer long Original
Hanging baskets, planter boxes and perennial gardens that are bursting with color take lots of care to keep them looking good all season long! Gardeners can use deadheading, pruning, trimming and pinching to get that perfect look all season long. This simple task can result in a huge visual impact with only a little effort. Through a series of pruning techniques, we manipulate our perennials and annuals to give us the most beauty we can get out of them in such a short season.
OSU Extension. Spring gardening, Easter events, and pesticide tests
Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette March 12, 2026, 5:10 a.m. ET With all the rainfall we have received, remember you will create more problems if you become overanxious and begin working your flower garden soils when they are too wet. If the soil is worked too wet, heavy soils will become hard and will not handle well for the entire season. If a handful of the soil can be pressed into a ball, any work in the garden or flower beds should be delayed.
OSU Extension offers tips for those houseplants as it turns to spring Original
Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette March 5, 2026, 5:04 a.m. ET After months of low light, dry air, and slow growth, March finally brings the shift your houseplants have been waiting for. This is the perfect moment to give them a little extra attention so they can stretch, grow, and thrive through spring and summer. Think of it as spring cleaning for your plants. Start with a simple check-in: Before you repot or prune anything, take a slow look around your indoor garden.
Plan your healing garden for spring well-being
It seems like it has been a very long, hard winter that just does not seem to stop. We can’t wait for those warm sunny days of spring ahead. Are you making plans for spring gardening projects? Think about something as simple as planning a healing garden. Planning a healing garden is an easy, uplifting way to welcome spring, especially if you’re craving calm, comfort, and sensory richness.
OSU Extension. Tree sale, garden tool tips, and local events
Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette Feb. 19, 2026, 5:09 a.m. ET You can now place orders for the Fairfield Soil Water Conservation District annual tree sale. Cash/check order deadline is March 6 and online order deadline is March 19. Please call 740-653-8154 with questions. Check out the Fairfield SWCD website at https://fairfieldswcd.org/ for details. Lots of great native small trees and shrubs, large broadleaf native trees, plus white pines and dawn redwoods and wildflower seed packets.
OSU Extension. 2026 gardening, wellness, and training opportunities
We are taking applications for the 2026 Master Gardener Training. The 2026 Fairfield County Master Gardener Class will consist of a few-person classes, plus the hybrid Master Gardener online training modules and some hands-on tours. The Master Gardener training is slated to begin in the last week of March 2026. The cost of the program is $175 for the online module plus the 16 Chapter Manual that will be used as a reference manual.
Learn what you need to know for winter sowing your pollinator gardens
Think gardening season is months away? You can get a head start with winter sowing, a simple, budget-friendly way to grow native plants that pollinators love. All you need are recycled containers (like milk jugs), potting soil, and seeds. These mini greenhouses sit outside all winter, giving seeds the cold stratification they need to break dormancy. Come spring, you’ll have strong, hardy seedlings ready for transplanting, no indoor lights or heating mats required. What is winter sowing?
Looking for some holiday gifts? See these ideas from OSU Extension
Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette Dec. 5, 2025, 5:05 a.m. ET If you want to add season long joy to a holiday gift..Think about a waxed amaryllis bulb. Your friends and family will have the joy of watching them grow with little responsibility. Dutch growers grow 93% of the world’s bulbs. No surprise that they developed waxed amaryllis to provide beautiful, easy to grow plants that need no water, soil, or fertilizer.
Looking for some holiday gifts? See these ideas from OSU Extension
If you want to add season long joy to a holiday gift..Think about a waxed amaryllis bulb. Your friends and family will have the joy of watching them grow with little responsibility. Dutch growers grow 93% of the world’s bulbs. No surprise that they developed waxed amaryllis to provide beautiful, easy to grow plants that need no water, soil, or fertilizer. As amaryllis are tropical and subtropical plants they grow the bulbs in Brazil. Then they wax them.
Looking for some holiday gifts? See these ideas from OSU Extension
Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette Dec. 5, 2025, 5:05 a.m. ET If you want to add season long joy to a holiday gift..Think about a waxed amaryllis bulb. Your friends and family will have the joy of watching them grow with little responsibility. Dutch growers grow 93% of the world’s bulbs. No surprise that they developed waxed amaryllis to provide beautiful, easy to grow plants that need no water, soil, or fertilizer.
Did you visit the The Giving Tree Trail at the Fairfield County Fair?
Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette Each of the five trees on The Giving Tree Trail has signage that quantifies some of the benefits that each specific tree provides in terms of energy savings, stormwater runoff mitigation, and carbon dioxide offset. This information was gathered by inputting the tree’s species, diameter, and proximity to buildings to i-Tree software.
Mental health matters: How to help prevent suicide in Rural America and get paid for it
Who has the best-tasting tomato? If you have never participated in a tomato tasting event, you should! It is easy, just bring your favorite tomato from your garden, cherry tomatoes count too! The Master Gardeners will be on hand at Wagnalls Community Center at 6 p.m. Aug 21 to take your tomato, wash, slice and dice it for tasting. Just bring an index card with your tomato donation, indicating the name of your tomato. Beginning at 7 p.m. we will taste the donated tomatoes.
OSU Extension: Many corn fields reach knee high by the 4th of July Original
Many would agree that few scenes in Fairfield County speak summer as the seas of green presented by fields of growing corn. In fact, nearly 60,000 acres of land in our county are dedicated in any given year to growing this peculiar grass species. Known in the botanical world by its scientific name, Zea mays, corn comes in a multitude of varieties. A favorite of many is sweet corn, the satisfying, crisp summer treat that even managed to get a festival named after it.
New Bilingual Children’s Book Co-Authored by First Grader Teaches Financial Literacy Through Storytelling
New Bilingual Children’s Book Co-Authored by First Grader Teaches Financial Literacy Through Storytelling DETROIT, MI, UNITED STATES, June 7, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Finansis LLC is pleased to announce the release of Madeline’s Money Adventure: The Unicorn Challenge, a 26-page picture book co-authored by 6-year-old Madeline Bishop and her mother, financial wellness expert, Dr. Darla Bishop.
OSU Extension: Water-logged soil continues to concern gardeners Original
Connie Smith, Special to the Eagle-Gazette As I began to write this week’s column, I could not help feeling like I was becoming a broken record asking folks to wait until their gardens dried out before planting. You all know the drill ..if you go into the garden, dig a trowel full of soil and squeeze it in your hand. Soil that crumbles through your fingers when squeezed is ready to garden. If, however, the soil forms a muddy ball, give the soil another few days to dry, and sample again later.
OSU Extension: March 1 is 4-H Day at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds Original
New 4-H families who need assistance with choosing projects and/or clubs are invited to attend 4-H Day from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the AAA Building at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. We ask that all prospective 4-H families complete our 4-H interest survey to pre-register for the event (go.osu.edu/Fairfield4Hinterest). This will assist us with club placement tracking on the day of the event.
OSU Extension tips: Winter weather preparedness on the farm
With the turn of the calendar year coming off a year with a record-setting number of tornados in Ohio, what should we expect for early 2025? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the 2024-2025 winter season in Ohio have temperatures leaning above to likely above normal, and precipitation leaning above to likely above normal.
How to Stop Woodpeckers From Damaging Your House
If you have ever been awakened by a woodpecker banging away at your house, you know how frustrating it can be. We have a metal chimney pipe that woodpeckers seem to love. Every spring, they enjoy hammering away at it. First, you must realize that woodpeckers are not damaging your house or interrupting your sleep because they have a personal vendetta against you. There’s a reason behind this apparent assault on your senses, especially early in the morning. In fact, there could be several reasons.
OSU Extension: What to know about holiday cacti and decorating with fresh greenery
Connie Smith Farmers' Advance One of the oldest winter holiday traditions is decorating the house with fresh greenery. Evergreens are used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. Today, decorating for the holidays with fresh greenery is more prevalent than ever. Greenery such as cedar, ivy, pine and holly add a fresh look and natural scent to homes. The first and often the best place to look for holiday greenery may be in a personal garden or landscape.
OSU Extension: What to know about holiday cacti and decorating with fresh greenery Original
Connie Smith Special to the Eagle-Gazette One of the oldest winter holiday traditions is decorating the house with fresh greenery. Evergreens are used to represent everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. Today, decorating for the holidays with fresh greenery is more prevalent than ever. Greenery such as cedar, ivy, pine and holly add a fresh look and natural scent to homes. The first and often the best place to look for holiday greenery may be in a personal garden or landscape.
OSU Extension: Keep watering for the health of your landscape Original
Connie Smith Special to the Eagle-Gazette Water trees, shrubs, lawns, and perennials during prolonged dry fall and winter periods to prevent root damage that affects the health of the entire plant. Water only when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F. Established large trees have a root spread equal to or greater than the height of the tree. Apply water to the most critical part of the root zone within the dripline.
OSU Extension: Leave the leaves alone for their nutrients for soil health Original
Connie Smith Special to the Eagle-Gazette Congratulations to the Fairfield County Master Gardeners for recently being recognized for their work in sharing information about the Spotted Lantern Fly Invasion spreading across Ohio. The Master Gardeners spent time at Earth Day activities, Honeyfest, Smeck Farm Park Harvest Festival and the Fairfield County Fair sharing information and knowledge about the Spotted Lantern Fly and the effects of this invasive pest.
OSU Extension: Boxelder bugs and other fall home invaders are on the move Original
Connie Smith OSU Extension Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata, family Rhopalidae) have long been the “poster child” for insects that invade homes and other structures in the fall. Thanks to a tip When the boxelder bugs begin to congregate usually on the trunk of a boxelder (Acer negundo, family Sapindaceae), it is the first sign that the bugs are planning a little breaking and entering. Boxelder bugs range in size from 1/2" - 3/4" long.
OSU Extension: Last call for Fairfield County Fair open class entries as deadline looms Original
Bring us your finest fruits, vegetables and canned goods ... It is time to make entries for the 2024 Fairfield County! The Fairfield County Fair Book is now available at the Fairfield County Fair office. The administration office is the brick building just east of the house on the fairgrounds. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wednesday, Sept. 24 the office will be open until 7 p.m. for your convenience.
Farmers get chance to ask experts about topics from grain prices to profits Original
Ohio farmers facing a challenging 2024 growing season will have the opportunity to get their pressing questions answered at this year’s Farm Science Review, presented by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
Do you want 2 free passes to fair? September is your chance
Connie Smith Farmers' Advance Did you know September is Hunger Action Month? Hunger truly affects every corner of our county. In an effort to raise awareness for the need with our local food pantries, the Fairfield County Fairboard is donating two admission passes to each of the 10 food pantries across the county participating in the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive slated for Sept. 8-14.
OSU Extension: Beef Quality Assurance Class offered, but why is it important? Original
The goal of the Ohio Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is to increase the competitive base for marketing Ohio cattle. BQA ensures cattle are maintained in a manner that results in a high-quality product that's safe and wholesome. This class and dinner are offered free of charge. Pre-registration is requested by following this link (go.osu.edu/fairfieldbqa) or contacting the OSU Extension, Fairfield County at 740-653-5419. When: Thursday, Sept.
OSU Extension: Is it time to think about a priority watering plan?
Connie Smith August 23, 2024 at 4:15 AM·4 min read Lack of rainfall, prolonged record heat, dry caused many to simply give up that watering of containers, vegetables and so much more. As this lack of rainfall continues to exist for many of use in the area, it might be time to think about the benefits of a watering plan. What is most valuable in my landscape? Did I have new trees and shrubs planted this year, how can I keep them watered, especially if we head into a very dry fall?
OSU Extension: Have you encountered a spittlebug in your garden?
Spittlebugs are known for the frothy spittle mass they produce while feeding on plants. Spittlebug nymphs pierce the plant stems and suck plant juices. They feed on a variety of plants like ornamental grasses, roses, chrysanthemums, clover, strawberries, herbs and many other garden plants. In most cases, especially on annuals and perennials, spittlebug feeding is not damaging to plants. If too many spittlebugs are present, feeding can cause leaves to lose their shape.
OSU Extension: One more week of spotty rainfall is causing watering woes Original
Lack of rainfall, prolonged record heat, and drying windy weather can create drought-like conditions in gardens and landscapes. As the temperatures continue to rise it is always good to have a watering plan. TREES, SHRUBS, PERENNIALS - Think about watering those permanent plants first. These include newly planted woody trees and shrubs; they need a thorough soaking throughout their root zones approximately once a week, assuming it has not rained that week.
OSU Extension: Magnolia scale abounds
Magnolia scales are native “soft scales. They are called soft scales because the females are hidden beneath a helmet-like soft leathery covering that provides some protection. However, they are easily crushed. Rest easy, magnolia scale only infests members of the magnolia genus. Magnolia scale has the greatest impact on non-native magnolias and associated hybrids compared to native magnolias.
OSU Extension: Japanese beetles are here in Fairfield County Original
Japanese Beetles have been sighted throughout Fairfield County. They might be a little late compared to recent years, but they still know how to chew up your (and their) favorite plants. Regularly inspect your garden and yard plants for beetles and feeding injuries. While numbers might be very low right now, it will not take too long for more beetles to arrive. Remember that damaged leaves give off a volatile that it turn attracts more Japanese beetles.
OSU Extension: What happened to my lawn? Original
Connie Smith Special to the Eagle-Gazette With this stretch of hot days and spotty rainfalls around the county, many homeowners are all asking the same question, “Is my lawn really dead?” Check it out, in some cases, the upper portions of the turf may be dead but the crowns may still be viable. Pull up a few plants and tease apart the crowns at the base. Healthy but dormant tissue will be white and succulent; new green growth may be present. Dead crowns will be brown, and straw-like throughout.
The birds and bees of corn
Connie Smith Farmers' Advance Many would agree that one of the most pleasing sights that Fairfield County has to offer is the seas of green presented by fields of growing corn. In mid-July, however, the careful observer will notice the emergence of yellow plumes reaching for the sky from the very top of the plant. Known to most as corn tasseling, these golden strands mark the commencement of corn reproduction.
OSU Extension: Name that tree program in Fairfield County Original
Identifying trees can be a challenging process, especially if you have a tree that you pass on a regular basis and always wonder what it is, or if you own a woodland and want to know exactly what trees you have. This one-day workshop is designed to give participants in-depth training and practice in identifying trees using leaves and other common characteristics. The class begins indoors with some introductory identification clues and samples that are used to work through a dichotomous key.
OSU Extension: Watering those container gardens
Connie Smith Farmers' Advance Containers are a great option if gardening space is limited, soil conditions are poor, or if you simply want more control over growing conditions. Growing food in adequately sized containers is easy and offers some advantages over growing in the ground. Many gardeners with plenty of garden space still grow certain things in containers.
OSU Extension: Watering those container gardens
Containers are a great option if gardening space is limited, soil conditions are poor, or if you simply want more control over growing conditions. Growing food in adequately sized containers is easy and offers some advantages over growing in the ground. Many gardeners with plenty of garden space still grow certain things in containers. Gardening in containers allows the positioning of heat-loving crops, such as tomatoes and peppers, in full sun or where they will get reflected heat.
Don't miss the 2024 Local Foods Programs
Connie Smith Farmers' Advance Join OSU Extension - Fairfield County as we learn about and visit local food producers in Fairfield County! Programs will begin in late June. Thursday, June 27 | 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Grill Smart: Hands-on learning the science of grilling. $30 per person (limited to 16 participants) - Agriculture Center, 831 College Ave, LancasterThursday, June 27 | 4 to 8 p.m. | Grill Smart: Hands-on learning the science of grilling.
OSU Extension: Avoid those mulch volcanoes that can be detrimental to a tree's health Original
Connie Smith Special to the Eagle-Gazette When done right, organic mulch, particularly hardwood bark mulch, will provide a wide range of benefits to trees and other woody ornamentals. The mulch serves as a stand-in for leaf litter found beneath trees in forests. Arguably, organic mulch may be the single most important component in healthy, sustainable Ohio landscape ecosystems. Mulch moderates soil temperatures; preserves soil moisture; and suppresses weeds.
OSU Extension: Victory Garden Seeds available at local office
It’s time once again to get your hands dirty and start growing! The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Ohio State University Extension offices are kicking off the third year of the Ohio Victory Gardens program. Seed sample kits with lettuce, carrots and sunflowers will be available for free to the public to get people planting. Seeds packets are now available for pick up at OSU Extension in Fairfield County.
OSU Extension: Grill Smart - hands-on learning on great grilling Original
Connie Smith Special to the Eagle-Gazette The next summer get-together is just around the corner. Family, friends, or old classmates will be in town. It’s the perfect time for inviting them over to grill out for dinner . . . or is it? Few things can satisfy or impress family and friends like the aroma, tenderness, juiciness, and deep rich flavor of a steak or chop grilled to perfection.
OSU Extension: Beware of potted daffodils, tulips and lilies and pets Original
‘Tis the season to buy potted blooming bulbs for inside the house to celebrate the coming of spring. The most common are daffodils, tulips or lilies which may be planted outside once the foliage has died back or stored in a cool dry environment and planted in the fall. All are considered members of the Liliaceae family and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, excessive salivation and death in cats following ingestion of any plant parts.
OSU Extension: When it comes to Easter egg safety, follow the 2-hour rule Original
Easter celebrations use eggs in a variety of ways, so whether you are coloring hard-boiled eggs, using eggs for decorations or having an Easter egg hunt. Here are some tips to follow: When purchasing eggs, open the carton of eggs and make sure there are no cracked eggs inside. Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling eggs. After hard boiling and coloring the eggs, place them back into refrigeration within two hours.
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