Fall mowing will set lawn up for winter success, says K-State expert Domenghini shares recommendations for mowing height By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service MANHATTAN, Kan. – Just in case homeowners are tempted to put the lawnmower away early this fall, Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini suggests that they resist that urge. “Some people believe The post Fall mowing will set lawn up for winter success, says K-State expert first appeared on KCGMAG ..read more

MDC offers free virtual class on house spider identification and appreciation Oct. 19 The program will address the role spiders play in nature and offer tips for identifying them. KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Spiders are versatile creatures, abundant and important in the wild, and commonly seen by people. Learn the names and habits of these common house visitors during the Missouri Department The post MDC offers free virtual class on house spider identification and appreciation Oct. 19 first appeared on KCGMAG ..read more

In the Garden: When tops fall over, it’s time to harvest onions K-State horticulture expert says onions should be stored in a dry spot By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service   MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini says gardeners have no need to cry when looking for signs to harvest onions. She said onions reach maturity when the tops begin to fall over; when at least one-half of the tops have fallen, it’s time to harvest. “Onions can be pulled or dug up, leaving the tops intact,” Domenghini said. “Hang the bunches, or spread ..read more

THE WORLD’S BEST-SELLING HYDRANGEA From the collection’s introduction in 2004, Endless Summer® hydrangeas have continued to revolutionize the marketplace. Starting with the game-changing remontant genetics in The Original®, the brand has continued to introduce best-of-the-best varieties that raise the bar for reblooming hydrangea in the marketplace. The post ENDLESS SUMMER first appeared on KCGMAG ..read more

MDC offering free program on raptors Feb. 10 in Blue Springs and online Photos: MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs is hosting an in-person and a virtual session about raptors on Feb. 10. The red-tailed hawk (top photo) and barred owl (bottom photo) both frequent the Kansas City area. Missouri Department of Conservation photos.   Learn about the hawks, eagles, and owls in our ecosystem Kansas City, Mo. – Winter is a good time to see hawks, eagles, and owls. With foliage off the trees, they are more easily spotted on perches. They can also be seen circling in the sky as the ..read more

Become citizen scientists by helping with the National Audubon Society’s 124th Christmas Bird Count between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages experienced Missouri birders to become citizen scientists by helping with the National Audubon Society’s 124th Christmas Bird Count (CBC) between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, 2024. The CBC is an annual bird census where thousands of volunteers across the U.S., Canada, and other countries go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. The data on winter bird populations helps t ..read more

Baby, it’s hot outside! So hot, in fact, that we’re breaking records. No matter how much you’ve longed for warm days after shivering all winter long, our new climate reality may make you appreciate winter’s chill. Scorching summers and dangerous droughts might make you despair, wondering how you’ll beat the heat and ever grow a gorgeous garden. With climate change producing prolonged periods of extreme heat and drought, what’s a gardener to do? How to Beat the Heat Check out these water-wise tips to prep your garden for summer’s angsty days. Choose the perfect plants that hold their heads ..read more

Patton says homeowners should aim for one inch of water per week  MANHATTAN, Kan. – Homeowners who set their sights on having the nicest landscape on the block may often sense the urge to water, water, water. But K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent Dennis Patton says they should instead be more strategic, in the interest of saving water and money. “What’s really important is how much water we are putting on in each application,” said Patton, the horticulture agent in Johnson County. Studies indicate that as much as 50% of the water used in a household occurs outside, though ..read more

International event has drawn more than 1,100 already, organizers say  Officials planning an international gardening conference in Overland Park in mid-June say the response to this year’s event – the first-ever in Kansas – has been exciting. As of mid-May, they say there have been nearly 1,100 registrants for the International Master Gardeners Conference at the Overland Park Convention Center. Participants will come from 43 states, as well as Canada and England.  “We have been overwhelmed by the response for this conference,” said Dennis Patton, a horticulture agent with K-State Re ..read more

Guided birding will add data to eBird lists to honor World Migratory Bird Day   A male Dickcissel perches on a grass at Hi Lonesome Prairie near Sedalia, MO Cole Camp – Never-plowed prairies are special places in springtime. Spring wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush are blooming and native grasses are growing. Resident and migratory songbirds visit the prairies. Remnant prairies will be featured stops when the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) hosts a free Global Big Day birding event from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, in the Cole Camp area, south of Sedalia ..read more