Juab County Extension - Juab County Extension News

AFTERSCHOOL 4-H CLUB-Eureka

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

AFTERSCHOOL 4-H CLUB … Students from Eureka Elementary school participated in an afterschool 4-H club. 4-H members learned how to build self-esteem, why they should save money, how to prevent bullying and made rockets that they could fly. Afterschool 4-H is an opportunity for 3^rd and 4^th graders to learn life skills.

AFTERSCHOOL 4-H CLUB-Mona

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

AFTERSCHOOL 4-H CLUB … Students from Mona Elementary school participated in an afterschool 4-H club. 4-H members learned how to build self-esteem, why they should save money, how to prevent bullying and made rockets that they could fly. Afterschool 4-H is an opportunity for 3^rd and 4^th graders to learn life skills.

Battle of the Weeds

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

As you look around your home area with the recent warm weather and spring rains, you will notice a variety of plants growing that are not in your landscape design. These plants are commonly called weeds. There are many definitions of what a weed is. One of the best answers is simply “a plant out of place or an unwanted plant”.

Weeds around the home are a general nuisance, mar the natural beauty of the landscape, and decrease the value or marketability of residential properties. Weeds ruin lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds. Some weeds even grow through blacktop. Weeds may cause hay fever, be a fire hazard, and harbor insects or diseases. They cause flat tires, puncture bare feet, and cause skin irritation.

Pets also are affected by weeds. Seeds or burs tangled in a pet’s hair are unsightly and irritating. Sharp or barbed weed seeds may enter their ears, nose, or eyes causing great discomfort or injury. Often a veterinarian is needed to remove the seeds.

Much of the damage caused by weeds around homes can be prevented, but considerable effort is required. Persistence and patience are the keys to successful weed control. The following are some methods and general rules for weed control.

Prevention. Weed control in gardens must begin with prevention. For example, barnyard manure is a good source of fertilizer and organic matter but it can also be a source of weed seeds. Thorough composting can significantly reduce the number of live weed seeds in manure.

Mechanical. Most experienced vegetable gardeners consider it best to control weeds primarily by mechanical means. Hoeing, cultivation, mulching, or hand weeding provide adequate control of most weeds in a garden. Consistent, careful cultivation or hoeing will eliminate most weed problems and prevent weed seed production. Remove weeds when they are small and easy to control, and before competition with vegetables becomes significant. Control weeds within vegetable rows by hand pulling when weeds are small. Waiting until later to pull large weeds will damage the roots of nearby vegetables and reduce productivity.

Mulching. One effective method of controlling weeds in gardens is the application of mulch. In addition to weed control, mulches help maintain soil moisture and prevent soil crusting. Mulches also keep soil temperatures cool and keep vegetables cleaner. Examples of organic mulch materials include partially decomposed hay, straw, wood chips, sawdust, lawn clippings, or leaves. A layer of organic mulch from 1 to 6 inches deep may be needed to effectively control weeds.

Herbicides. It is difficult to use herbicides in the home garden where many different vegetables are grown within a small area, because no herbicide is suitable for all garden vegetables. Some herbicide residues may remain sufficiently long in the soil that there is danger of herbicidal damage to other vegetables rotated into a treated area the following year. If using any herbicide in a vegetable garden, carefully read and follow all label information.

General Rules for Weed Control:

· Don’t let weeds go to seed.

· Kill weeds when they are young.

· Weeding is a good family project.

· Good management will keep out most weeds.

· Before using anyherbicide read the label.

· Just because a little herbicide is good doesn’t mean a lot is better.

· Herbicides are safe if used according to label directions.

· Weed control doesn’t cost, it pays.

· One year’s seeding equals seven year’s weeding (old adage).

For more information about weed control go to the USU/Juab county website http://extension.usu.edu/juab or call 435-623-3450.

Food $ense Presents: Adding More Nutrition to Meals and Snacks

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Learn simple strategies for hiding vegetables and fruits into your families' favorite meals and snacks. Come join us and learn just how easy this can be and receive recipes and samples. This class will be presented by Laurie Bates with the Food $ense Program and will be held on Tuesday, May 21, from 7-8 pm & Wednesday, May 22, from 12-1 pm, in the Extension Kitchen, 160 North Main, Nephi (east doors). Call 623-3450 to reserve your seat or use our website at http://extension.usu.edu/juab/htm/food/classes. This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP.

May is Physical Activity Month

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Since 1983, May has been observed as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Individuals and organizations everywhere have joined in the fun to promote awareness of the value of physical activity in the pursuit of happier, healthier, more productive lives.

What can physical activity do for you? You may have heard the good things you can gain from regular physical activity:

Be healthier
Increase chances of living longer
Feel better about yourself
Have less chance of becoming depressed
Sleep better at night
Help you look good
Be in shape
Get around better
Have stronger muscles and bones
Help you stay at or get to a healthy weight
Be with friends or meet new people
Enjoy life more and have fun

Did you know when you are not physically active, you are more likely to:

Get heart disease
Get type 2 diabetes
Have high blood pressure
Have high blood cholesterol
Have a stroke

How much physical activity do you need each week? Adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes each week of aerobic physical activity that requires moderate effort. You need to do this type of activity for at least 10 minutes at a time. Children should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity each day.

Adults should also do strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Strengthening activities include push-upson the floor or against the wall, sit-ups, lifting weights, heavy gardening (digging, shoveling) and working with resistance bands (long, wide rubber strips that stretch). Children benefit from muscle strengthening activities 3 days per week as part of your child’s 60 or more minutes (per day).

Getting Started: Start by doing what you can, and then look for ways to do more. If you have not been active for a while, start out slowly. After several weeks or months, build up your activities—do them longer and more often.

Walking is one way to add physical activity to your life. When you first start, walk 10 minutes a day on a few days during the first couple of weeks.

Add more time and days. Walk a little longer. Try 15 minutes instead of 10 minutes. Then walk on more days a week.

Pick up the pace. Once this is easy to do, try walking faster. Keep up your brisk walking for a couple of months. You might want to add biking on the weekends for variety.

Do it your way.

Pick an activity you like and one that fits into your life.
Find the time that works best for you.
Be active with friends and family. Having a support network can help you keep up with your program.
There are many ways to build the right amount of activity into your life. Every little bit adds up and doing something is better than doing nothing.

Plan your activity for the week. Physical activity experts say that spreading aerobic activity out over at least 3 days a week is best. Also, do each activity for at least 10 minutes at a time. There are many ways to fit in 2 hours and 30 minutes a week. For example, you can do 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day, for 5 days. On the other 2 days, do activities to keep your muscles strong. Find ways that work well for you. The important point is to make physical activity a part of your life style, and a part of your life.

Is something still holding you back? Think about reasons why you have not been physically active. Then try to come up with some ways to get past what is keeping you from getting active.

Have you said to yourself, “I haven't been active in a very long time.” Solution: Choose something you like to do. Many people find walking helps them get started. Before you know it, you will be doing more each day.

“I don't have the time”. Solution: Start with 10-minute chunks of time a couple of days a week. Walk during a break. Dance in the living room to your favorite music. It all adds up.

“It costs too much”. Solution: You don't have to join a health club or buy fancy equipment to be active. Play tag with your kids. Walk briskly with your dog for 10 minutes or more.

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month shines a spotlight on the important role physical activity plays in our Nation's health and wellness. Participation in sports can strengthen both body and mind, and all kinds of active pastimes can help improve physical and mental well being. Let us reaffirm our commitment to leading active lives and fostering healthy homes and communities for the next generation.

Basic Turfgrass Care

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

The basic practices of turfgrass care include mowing, fertilization, and irrigation. In Utah, our climate has a unique effect on the turfgrasses that we grow and proper basic care will help to keep your lawn healthy and attractive. The following ideas from USU Specialist Kelly Kopp & Paul Johnson will help in improving your lawn.

Mowing

Mowing is the most basic cultural practice for managing your lawn and is one of the easiest things you can do to improve the grass’s appearance. Proper mowing controls most weeds, increases the density and uniformity of the turf, and helps maintain healthy plants.

It’s easy to mow properly, but there are a few things to consider. Different turfgrass species require different mowing heights, however, the commonly used turfgrass species for lawns in Utah, including buffalograss, can all be mowed at a height of 2-4 inches. This may be higher than you currently mow your lawn, but there are good reasons for raising your mowing height.

Taller grass usually means deeper roots. This is important in our cool-arid climate because it allows the grass to use water that is deeper in the soil. In a drought, deeper roots can mean the difference between an attractive, healthy lawn and a thin, weak one. Consider mowing grass in shaded areas higher than in sunny areas because the higher mowing height allows more leaf area to collect available sunlight.

How often should you mow? Just remember the “1/3 Rule.” Ideally, you should never mow more than 1/3 of the total length of the grass blades off at a time. For example, if your lawn is a little more than 4 inches high, mow no lower than 3 inches. If your lawn is VERY long, its best to gradually lower the mowing height over several mowings, down to your desired mowing height.

In practice we have all cut an overgrown lawn down all at once and it grows fine. The key is not to repeat that practice over and over. Turfgrass is forgiving, but only a few times.

Finally, return or mulch the clippings whenever possible. These clippings return nitrogen to the soil and help decrease evaporation. Why bag and/or landfill your clippings when they can save you money and be such a benefit to your lawn?

Fertilization

To answer the question of how much fertilizer to put onto your lawn, first consider your level of maintenance and use of the lawn. In general, cool-season grasses require from 2-5 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. Rates at the higher end (4-5 lbs) are for only the most intensively used and managed turfgrasses. The higher rates may also be appropriate for play areas where the grass needs to repair itself due to traffic. A moderate level of maintenance (for a typical home lawn) requires only 2-3 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per year. The timing of fertilizer application is dictated by the growth pattern of the grass and it’s best to fertilize when the plants can take up the nutrients most effectively.

Irrigation

In Utah, proper turfgrass irrigation is essential for the health of the plants and will also help to conserve our limited water supplies. There are several basic guidelines that will help.

1. Irrigate in early morning when temperatures are cool and the wind is not blowing to prevent evaporation losses.

2. Avoid irrigating between 10 AM and 6 PM to minimize evaporation.

3. Check your irrigation system monthly for leaks and damaged or clogged sprinkler heads.

4. Mow at 3 inches to improve heat and drought tolerance of the grasses.

5. Aerate your lawn to improve water infiltration and reduce compaction and thatch.

6. Accept a less-than-perfect lawn. During drought, grass will take on a golden color as it goes dormant but will recover as temperatures cool and water becomes available. Avoid excessive traffic on dormant turfgrass.

7. When puddles form or water runs off during irrigation, water in short, repeated cycles.

Allow one hour in between cycles for water to move into the soil.

8. Adjust your irrigation controller seasonally to meet the actual water requirements of the grass. Your lawn requires different amounts of water depending on the season. For example, more irrigation will be required in the summer than in the spring or fall.

Ideally, you should apply one inch of water each time you irrigate but alternatives of 0.5" and 0.75" are presented in the table below to account for soil conditions or other limitations that you may have. Remember to shorten and increase the number of irrigation cycles if puddling or runoff occur.

Container Pots and Hanging Plants

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Learn how to design and assemble beautiful container pots and hanging baskets from Floyd King. Those assembling their own pots or baskets will need to pay for materials used. Potting soil will be provided. This class will be held Thursday, May 9, 6 pm at Kings Nursery,

250 S. Main, Nephi. Pre-registration is required. Call USU Extension at 623-3450 to reserve your spot.

County Fair Market Hog Tagging

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 MST

On Wednesday, May 1^st, we will be tagging hogs of 4-H and FFA members who are planning on exhibiting market hogs at the fair. We will be tagging them at the fairgrounds from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Each exhibitor can tag up to two in their name. If an exhibitor has a conflict with this date, they will need to make arrangements with someone else to take care of this for them. The plans are to tag the hogs in the back of the trailers or trucks. The pigs will not be unloaded.

As a reminder, if you intend to exhibit your hog as a 4-H member and have not yet enrolled, you must sign up no later than May 1^st. Please call the Extension office at 623-3450 with any questions.

Teaching Children about Money

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 MST

All across the nation, April is Financial Literacy Month. So what better time to start teaching your kids about being financially responsible? Chances are, they have probably learned quite a bit already from observing how finances are handled in your home. Marilyn Albertson and Karissa Berndt, USU Extension in Salt Lake County, recommend that having open discussions about money with your kids will empower them to make wise decisions when it comes to their finances. This does not mean that a parent should ever lecture their child about money. On the contrary, if you respectfully treat your child as a mature young adult, they are bound to reciprocate that respect and surprise you with their wise decisions.

As you give your children a little bit of responsibility with money when they are young, by the time they are teenagers they will really begin to understand the value of money. If they have some financial responsibility of their own, they will be able to discern between wants and needs, and they will even be able to curb unnecessary spending. Along with responsibility will inevitably come some mistakes-that's okay! Letting your teenager make some small mistakes with his/her money will only help them learn greater lessons from their decisions.

Planning a budget with your teen will help them learn good life-long habits. Teach your child how to plan a monthly budget around his/ her income and expenses. Making this into a habit will give your teen an awareness of how they are using their money, and it will give them the sense of control that a budget is meant to do. It is also a good idea for parents to include their children when planning their own monthly budgets.

Encouraging consistent savings is another key to teaching teens to be financially responsible. Open a savings account with him/her, and set guidelines about your expectations about savings. Along with savings, experts also recommend that people contribute a certain amount of their income to a church or charity. Many parents choose to enforce rules about a certain percentage of a child's income going toward savings as well as a charitable contribution.

Finally, wisely using an allowance or allowing your teen to work a part-time job is a great way for teens to learn the reality of income and expenses. Encourage your child to work for his/her money, as long as is doesn't interfere with their education. Having a real part-time job with a regular pay check will also give you a great opportunity to teach your teen about banking.

Remember to avoid drawn out lectures. Your teen is much more likely to positively respond if they do not feel as though you are imposing something on them. Approach the subject in a friendly and understanding way. Teenagers need to know that money is obviously important, but is not something to be obsessed with. As a parent, it is your responsibility to encourage your children to work hard, be responsible, save a portion of their earnings, and enjoy the money that they have.

· Encourage consistent savings

· Plan a budget

· Avoid drawn out lectures

· Encourage work for money

One great site that was developed by USU Extension, the Utah State Office of Education, Utah Education Network and the Utah Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy is ‘Finance in

the Classroom’ (financeintheclassroom.org.) It is a website dedicated to helping parents, teachers and kids learn more about finance for children K-12 grade. It has great calculators for you to use, a list of great books by grade level and parent guides, home and community activities under the passport section and more. It also provides links to other great websites with information and activities that are appropriate for different ages. Some of those websites include videos you can watch as a family. It focuses on helping children and teens fulfill the financial literacy passport requirements set out by the Utah Legislature.

It may surprise you how quickly you can accumulate a million dollars. Use the calculator on the Finance in the Classroom website to determine the annual amount you would have to set aside each year to reach a million dollars.

For more information on finance, visit extension.usu.edu/juab, come to USU Extension at 160 North Main Street, Nephi, or call 623-3450.

‘I Still Do Challenge’ Activity Cards Due

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 MST

For those of you who are interested in taking part in our ‘I Still Do Challenge’, there is still time and cash available for more couples to join us. Sign up at USU Extension at 160 N. Main in Nephi, and pick up your own ‘I Still Do’ activity card and Utah Marriage Handbook.

Also a reminder to all ‘I Still Do’ participating couples--the deadline to turn in your completed ‘I Still Do’ Activity Card is April 30, by 5 pm. Items to turn in:

· Completed I Still Do Activity Card ($20)

· 2 Surveys, completed ($5)

· 1 page ‘What Difference Have These Activities Made in our Relationship’ paper

We hope that by doing the ‘I Still Do’ activities, you and your spouse have spent quality time together and have had fun nurturing your relationship.