IN THE GARDEN Succulents are a popular trend in Kansas gardens Shallow containers planted with succulents have become popular accessories for heat drenched decks and patios. At center stage are echeverias, thick-leaved, tender plants that embody texture and horticulture architecture.   When combined with other succulents, such as the needle like or rounded leaves of sedum, the plants look like gems in a pot.   That’s the idea...

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FRESH, vine-ripened tomatoes are one of the great joys of summer. Sometimes diseases, pests and/or environmental stresses get in the way of our tomato harvests. Signs and Symptoms Black sunken areas on fruit Few flowers/flowers drop Dark, concentric spots Water-soaked lesions Cracks in fruit Yellowed, distorted leaves Wilted foliage Holes in leaves and fruit Collapsing fruit The best way to avoid tomato troubles is to start with healthy plants....

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at a glance for this month … Edge garden beds. Spend a few minutes every morning deadheading/pinching off spent flowers of plants. Save excess seed for next year – (after a year seed germination goes down). A cool, wet hand towel or bandana draped over the back of the neck will provide some relief during hot weather. Remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen! Check pesticides and make sure they are stored in a secure,...

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Petunias, a Spring Favorite IN YOUR GARDEN Nothing says spring like petunias. They are great for spring because they tolerate a light frost just fine but thrive in the sunny days of spring. There are two basic types of petunias grown, seed and vegetative (grown from cuttings). Vegetative petunias are probably more well known today. They are the cascading types used so much in containers and baskets. They are grown from a cutting that...

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June gardening tips,  make sure to do the following … IN YOUR GARDEN Pruning Storm Damaged Trees Summer storms may cause serious tree damage. Often you will have to decide whether a tree can be saved or not. Here is a checklist on care of a storm-damaged landscape: Be safe: Check for downed power lines or hanging branches. Don’t venture under the tree until it is safe. If large limbs are hanging precariously, a certified...

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Making and Using Compost at Home IN THE GARDEN Compost is a mixture of soil and decayed organic matter or humus that is used to improve garden and potting soil. Properly prepared compost is free from weed seeds and offensive odors and rich in nutrients that plants need. It may be applied as a thin top dressing for lawns, as mulch around shrubs and young trees, or mixed into the soil in vegetable and flower gardens. Compost is produced in piles...

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