October 18, 2024, Press Release from the Allen Soil and water Conservation District: The cooler weather has arrived and many homeowners around the county are raking up leaves, cutting back perennials, and just generally prepping yards, and gardens for the long winter ahead. But what few people realize is that caring for the soil should be a part of the autumn yard routine. Soil testing is especially essential if fertilizer is used. Over-fertilizing is so easy to do that many don’t give it much thought when applying it. Excess fertilizer is washed into our rivers and streams every time it rains. From there it causes algae problems, robs oxygen from the water, and is a leading contributor of poor water quality.

It is not a shock that it has been very dry lately. According to the Drought Monitor issued on September 26th, all of west-central Ohio is in at least moderate drought with severe drought to the north and southeast of Lima. Extreme and exceptional drought has ravaged much of central and southeastern Ohio. On Friday, I traveled to the Auglaize County Ohio State University Extension Office in Wapakoneta where I was told that topsoil conditions are not great.

Each year, the Hardin County Agriculture Hall of Fame recognize outstanding individuals who have brought distinction to themselves through their work in agriculture.  Nomination forms are due at the Hardin Co. OSU Extension office by close of business October 4.

Dozens flocked to the Allen County Children's Garden this afternoon as a fan favorite started a new season. The Ohio State Master Gardener Volunteers are once again hosting the "Brown Bag Lunch" series on Tuesdays. Today's topic was everything you wanted to know about peonies. The flower is a captivating perennial that can flourish for more than a hundred years. The belief that it takes ants to open your peony bud is an old wives' tale. They are attracted to the sap but aren't needed to open the flower. The most important thing about the flower is how to plant it.

May 31, 2024, Press Release from the Hardin County OSU Extension: Hardin County – The Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting three summer garden programs at the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County located at 960 W. Kohler Street in Kenton. The programs will begin with an event on “Raised Bed Gardening” on June 18, “Growing with Intentions” on July 16, and another on “Flower Arrangements” on August 20. All programs will begin at 6:00 pm and end by 7:00 pm. “Raised Bed Gardening” will be the topic on June 18. Master Gardener Volunteer Stewart Coats will present how to construct a raised bed garden, bed depth based on plants to be planted, and where they should be located. Also, he will speak about what kind of soil, fertilizer, best plants to grow in raised beds, and how to water to be successful with this type of gardening.

Annual plant sale helps master gardeners continue to maintain the Lima Children's Garden.