Our Peoria County Master Gardeners, through the Helpline, have been inundated with questions concerning ladybugs. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator, provides some thoughts concerning that “mixed blessing.”

“Ladybugs are important predators of aphids and other insects. If you buy these insects to put out in your yard or garden, they must be handled properly so that you receive the full benefit from them. Read the rest of this entry »

Driving up the gas pump recently can elicit that “internal silent scream.” Compounding the initial pump investment” is the potential to have such precious drops taken out of the tank. Rick Atterberry, University of Illinois Communications Specialist, provides some thoughts on reducing the potential for gasoline theft.

“So-called “drive away” thefts of gasoline are increasingly common in daily police reports, but gas stations are not the only victims of theft of fuel. With the high price of gasoline, diesel and fuel oil, motorists and producers need to be aware of steps they can take to reduce the risk of someone siphoning petroleum products from their tanks. It’s frustrating to start to drive to school or work in the morning or begin a day’s activities in the field only to find that someone has drained your tank nearly dry. Read the rest of this entry »

Over the last couple years, I have continued to hear more interest in “organics.” Some are concerned with their health, while some the environment. Whatever one’s focus of concern, there are ways in which you can garden “organically”, at home. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator, shares some principles for those interested in gardening “organically.”

“Organic gardening (without the use of chemicals to control weeds, diseases and insects) grows more popular with many home gardeners each year. You can increase your chances of success with organic gardening if you follow some established gardening practices.

As a starter, choose varieties that can be grown with little or no danger of damage from disease or insect pests. Radishes, lettuce, onions, leeks, chives, beets, chard, mustard, Chinese cabbage, parsnips, salsify, peas, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnips and most herbs fill this bill and can be grown with great success.

If you’re interested in using biological methods to control insects, such as a spray of Bacillus thuringiensis (a bacteria insecticide to control caterpillars), you may add green beans, cabbage, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower to your garden’s roster.

You can grow tomatoes—the most popular garden item with home gardeners—if you handpick tomato hornworms and snip off shoots harboring aphids. Stake, cage or mulch the plants to keep the fruit from coming in contact with the ground.

Sweet corn can also be grown successfully in Illinois without the aid of chemicals if you pay attention to timing. Corn planted between May 7 and May 30 will generally silk after June 15 and before mid-July—a period during which there is little risk of serious earworm infestation.

Most organic gardeners will run into trouble if they attempt to grow vine crops such as cucumber, muskmelon, pumpkin, squash and eggplant. These crops are attacked by insects that can be controlled only by chemicals.

Follow these important steps to further assure success for your gardening efforts:

· Interplant varieties, but maintain adequate spacing for good air movement.

· Avoid spreading diseases. If a plant does become diseased, remove the infected leaves or entire plant immediately. Diseases do spread quickly.

· Don’t water in the evening or walk through the garden when it’s damp.

· Use fresh, commercial seed that is grown under disease-free conditions.

· Keep weeds and grass out by shallow hoeing or mulching. Weeds compete for fertility, water and space and harbor insects and diseases. Straw, grass clippings and sawdust make good mulches.

· To avoid soil compaction, don’t work the soil when it’s wet.

· Use compost, manure, steamed bone meal, rock phosphate and muriate of potash or wood ashes to provide adequate nutrients for your garden’s plants.

· Plant at the proper time.

· Use stakes, cages or other training methods to support plants whenever feasible.

· A plant that’s growing in good soil, with proper water and fertilizer, can withstand insect and disease problems. Maintain proper moisture levels throughout the growing season.”

If you have other questions, call the Peoria County Extension Office. The number is 309-685-3140 or www.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.

I have yet to be considered an “alarmist” and have no thought of being one now. Yet, I do “prepare to be prepared.” Last week we, in central Illinois, were served an appetizer of what the New Madrid fault has to serve up. Once more we are reminded that we are incapable of controlling all that nature has to give us.

University of Illinois Extension, in its focus on disaster preparedness, has some thoughts regarding each of us being prepared to respond in the event of another earthquake.

“As we’ve been recently reminded, earthquakes capable of causing damage, injuries and even death can and do occur in Illinois. As in any natural disaster there are things you can do to increase your family’s likelihood of surviving unscathed.

Earthquake related injuries are usually caused by building collapse, falling debris, flying glass, fires, downed power lines and, occasionally, panic reactions.

You can keep safe by assessing possible hazards in your home. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it is important to fasten shelves securely to walls and place large or heavy items on lower shelves. Breakable items such as bottled foods, glass and china should be stored in closed cabinets, preferably with latches. Heavy items such as pictures and mirrors should not be hung directly over beds or couches. It’s a good idea to strap water heaters to wall studs or to bolt them to the floor. They are notorious for tipping over and severing gas lines. Repair any loose plaster and securely store hazardous household, lawn care and agricultural chemicals.

If an earthquake occurs and you are indoors, drop to the ground and take cover under a heavy piece of furniture. If none is available cover your face and hands with your arms and crouch in an inside corner. Stay away from glass, windows, outside walls and anything that could fall like lighting fixtures, home entertainment systems and shelves. If you’re in bed when an earthquake strikes, stay put and cover your head with your pillow unless there’s a danger of a lighting fixture or ceiling fan falling on you. Use a doorway for shelter only if it is close and you are confident that it is well-built and load bearing. Stay inside until the shaking stops. Most injuries occur when people inside buildings move about or try to run outside before the situation stabilizes.

If you are outdoors when you begin to feel a tremor, stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires. Stay in the open until the shaking stops. Most earthquake injuries occur from being struck by debris, if you are in an open space, you are relatively safe.

It is often difficult to feel an earthquake in a moving vehicle, but if you do, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid parking near buildings, utility poles, overpasses and trees. Proceed cautiously after the earthquake has stopped and avoid roads, bridges, ramps and other infrastructure which might have been damaged.

Expect aftershocks. These are normal and can be strong enough to do additional damage. Aftershocks can continue for days, weeks or months. Listen to a battery powered radio, television or all-hazards (weather) radio for additional information. Once it is safe to do so, open cabinets carefully. Stay away from damaged structures. Help any injured parties immediately. Emergency aid may be hard to come by, so keep first aid kits handy and participate in training in how to use them.

It is also important to check for gas leaks, electrical problems, sewer and water line damage and other obvious structural problems. Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. You may need to hire a professional for this task to insure you won’t have issues with carbon monoxide poisoning later.

If you are travelling in a coastal area, be alert for tsunami warnings and follow local evacuation instructions.

You may have noticed that many of these suggestions also apply to other natural disasters, so review your family’s communication plans and check your disaster supply kits. Earthquakes are less predictable than many other disasters, but are common enough that it’s important to understand proper precautions so you can react instinctively.”

If you have other questions, call the Peoria County Extension Office. The number is 309-685-3140 or visit: www.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.

The frigid temperatures are surely not a harbinger of spring, yet we know that the warmer weather and gardening is closer each day. Yet, we need not wait for the outside flowers to paint our mind’s canvass. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator from the Springfield Center, provides some insight into enjoying the yearlong delight of the azalea. “One of the most striking flowers on display in florist shops is the azalea. Available in various patterns and shades of pink, rose, red crimson, orchid and white, azaleas give just that brilliant touch of spring that is needed in homes at this time of year.

Don’t confuse florist azaleas with varieties planted outdoors in the landscape. Although they have similar growing requirements, florist azaleas are not hardy if planted outdoors.

To extend flowering, place azaleas in a cool spot with bright light. Although azaleas will hold up amazingly well in a warm, dry location, they will bloom quickly and blossoms will only last a short time. Plants benefit from humidity and an occasional syringing of foliage with tepid water is desirable. Azaleas like to be kept moist, but not sopping wet. Most soils are lightweight and composed of mainly peat moss. They’ll dry out quickly, and the plant will wilt. Plants may need to be watered daily or every other day.

Containers should have drainage holes. Leave it in the water until bubbles stop rising, then remove and allow the excess moisture to drain off.

Azaleas of all kinds require acid soils. Yellow or chlorotic foliage usually indicates that the soil is too alkaline, resulting in an iron deficiency within the plant. Adding either chelated iron or iron (ferrous) sulphate will help remedy or prevent this condition. A variety of houseplant fertilizers are available which acidify the soil while they provide an iron supplement. Use one of these to avoid or correct problems.

A word of warning: yellow leaves may also be the result of growing plants under conditions that are too warm and dry.

Reblooming your florist azalea for continued enjoyment next year is possible, but can be challenging. After you have enjoyed the blooms, and when outdoor temperatures are above freezing, place your azaleas outdoors for a summer vacation. Avoid direct sun, and be sure to check the plant daily for watering needs.

Before midsummer (July 1), carefully shape the plants by removing tips of all rapidly growing shoots. Continue to water and fertilize regularly.

In September, bring the azalea indoors to a cool room with full sun. Provide temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees F from November until the first of the year. Cool temperatures are needed for flower bud development and without them few, if any, flowers will form. Withhold fertilizer applications, and reduce watering.

As buds continue to develop and swell in January or early February, move your plant to a sunny window in a somewhat warmer room and apply fertilizer. The temperature for forcing flowers should be near 60 degrees F at night (10 to 15 degrees warmer during the day), with plenty of humidity in the air. In a few weeks, flowering begins-and your efforts will be lavishly rewarded. At excessive temperatures, buds may “blast.”

To prolong flowering, remove green shoots as they develop around the flower buds.”

If you have other horticulture questions, call the Peoria County Extension Office. The number is 309-685-3140 or www.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.

One of the consequences of our “roller coaster” temperatures has been the stress it creates in trees. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator from the Springfield Extension Center, provides some insight into addressing this stress.

“Frost cracks, separation of bark and wood in trees, are likely upshots of the recent intense cold in December followed by the unseasonably warm spells in January.

Frost cracks most often form in periods of wide temperature fluctuations, such as those we have experienced this January, he says. The openings may be large enough that you can fit your hand into the wood. The splits may go in to the center of the tree or beyond.

Trees that develop frost cracks are susceptible to repeated splitting and can become infected by cankering or wood-decaying fungi. Frost cracks aren’t really due to frost, but to drying and shrinking of the wood.

When trees are exposed to freezing temperatures, water leaves the cells and freezes in the spaces between the cells. This freeze-drying results in drying of the wood in much the same way as green lumber dries and cracks when exposed to the sun.

The cells shrink, and the tree trunk tries to shrink as well. But at the same time, the temperature in the center of the trunk remains much higher, and little drying or shrinking of wood occurs there. The unequal shrinkage between outer and inner layers of wood sets up a great strain that is released only by the separation of layers.

The break happens suddenly along the grain of wood, and it’s usually accompanied by a loud “crack” that can be as loud as a rifle shot if you’re around to hear it.

Cracks formed this way usually appear on the south and west sides of the trunk since these are the last places heated by the sun’s rays. A tremendous temperature drop can occur at sunset. If all sides of the trunk were heated and cooled evenly, tension and frost cracks wouldn’t develop because all tissues would expand and shrink at the same rate.

The lower temperatures fall, the greater the drying—creating conditions in which a tree is more likely to crack and in which the wider the cracks can become.

Apple and crabapple (Malus), ash (Fraxinus), beech (Fagus), Goldenraintree (Koelreuteria), horsechestnut (Aesculus), linden (Tilia), London plane and sycamore (Platanus), certain maples (Acer), tuliptree (Liriodendron), walnut (Juglans) and willow (Salix) suffer most.

Exposed trees are more susceptible than those in woodland areas, and trees at their most vigorous age (six to ten inches in diameter) are more susceptible than old ones. Probably because of the higher moisture content in their tissues, trees growing in poorly drained sites are more subject to cracking than those growing in drier, better-drained soils.

In spring sap rises, the wood absorbs water and the crack closes. The cracked zone in the heartwood never completely heals, even though the surface may be sealed by callous formation; and the same cracks tend to open again each winter. The repeated splitting and healing eventually results in a mass of callous over the crack.

Some trees eventually grow large enough in diameter or grow enough bark that cracking ceases. Until that happens, there is little that can be done. Don’t fill the crack. It will close by itself. Bolting frost cracks closed seldom works because the forces are so great that new splits will open along the bolts if split-inducing conditions recur.

When it is closed, trim away loose bark so that nothing can take up residence beneath it, and paint the wound with tree paint. It does not help the tree; but it looks better, and you will feel better.”

If you have other horticulture questions, call the Peoria County Extension Office. The number is 309-685-3140 or on the web at: www.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.

We have all been inundated with the “stuff:” candies, cookies, fruitcake, eggnog and all those holiday opportunities to enjoy those culinary delights. The problem lies in that January 1 rounds the corner and our clothing appears to have shrunk over the holiday season. Then, enter the “diet season.” The resolution decisions to be more nutrition-focused, lose weight or to exercise abound in “water cooler conversations.” Then, what often happens is that “good intentions go awry,” resulting in frustration and additional caloric intake.

But, there is some good news. There is a light at the end of the weight control tunnel. Jananne Finck, Nutrition and Wellness Educator with University of Illinois Extension, provides some important thoughts as one makes those New Year’s resolutions.

Many weight loss programs and diets are found in magazines, newspaper and books. Diets are promoted through radio, television and even the Internet. But Jananne Finck, suggests caution when planning to start a new weight loss program or diet.

Fad diets that ignore the principles of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines may result in short term weight loss, but may do so at the risk of your health. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods and beverages from the basic foods groups and meeting calorie needs by balancing food intake with activity.

Fad diets can usually be recognized by promises made by promoters. Beware if:

• Miraculous, fast results are promised.
• No time or effort is said to be required.
• Claims that calories don’t count are made.
• Eating a variety of foods is not stressed.
• Claims are made that diets either high or low in certain nutrients have special reducing powers.
• Certain foods have special powers to cause selective weight loss (for example, hips and thighs)

How you go about managing your weight has a lot to do with your long-term success. Unless your health is seriously at risk due to complications from being overweight or obese, gradual weight loss should be your rule-and your goal.

Bottom line, according to information from University of Missouri Extension, you have to use/burn 3500 calories to lose a pound of fat. Fast weight loss (more than one to two pounds per week) reflects water-not fat-loss. Best bet is to eat well and enjoy exercise daily.

Note, before beginning ANY weight loss program, talk with your physician first.

For more information about weight loss and weight management, visit the Partnership for Healthy Weight Management website at: www.consumer.gov/weightloss.

Here is a recipe that offers a healthy but tasty soup option to prepare this winter.:

Split Pea Soup

• 2 cups split peas
• 2 quarts water
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup diced potato
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp crushed oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed basil
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour or until split peas are cooked. Remove bay leaf before serving. Makes about 8 servings.

Nutrient Analysis Per Serving: 204 calories, 13 grams protein, 38 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fat, 0 cholesterol, 247 milligrams sodium.

If you have other nutrition questions, call Marjorie LaFont, Nutrition and Wellness Educator, at the Peoria County Extension Office. The number is 685-3140 or
www.extension.uiuc.edu/peoria.

Even though it doesn’t seem that Christmas should be around the corner, all the tell-tale signs are there. Traffic patterns have been adjusted. Lines are longer at eating establishments. And, parking lots are replete with the sights, sounds and smells of everyone’s “special” Christmas tree. What lends to the significance of that “special” tree is the rich history which comes with it. David Robson, Extension Horticulture Educator, provides some insight in this rich history.

“When you set up and decorate your Christmas tree, you will be partaking in a tradition with its origins in antiquity. The Egyptians, Romans and Druids all used decorated trees in celebrating the winter solstice long before the dawn of Christianity.

Most historians agree that use of an evergreen tree as part of the Christmas celebration started about 400 years ago in Germany. There is a legend that one Christmas Eve, Martin Luther was journeying through the pine forest. He was inspired by the sight of thousands of stars twinkling through the branches of the trees. When he arrived home, he cut down a fir tree and covered it with small candles so that the children might know what the heavens were like.

The custom was introduced in England when Victoria married German Prince Albert. Victoria commanded that a green tree be brought into the palace each year and decorated for Christmas as it might have been in Albert’s homeland. Hessian mercenaries brought the custom to the U.S. during the American Revolution.

Here in Illinois, the first Christmas trees were set up in 1804. Soldiers stationed at Fort Dearborn hauled trees from surrounding woods to their barracks during the Christmas season.

Today, over 90 percent of the fresh trees come from Christmas tree farms. Growing Christmas trees isn’t an easy business. It takes from four to over 12 years for a seedling to mature into a saleable tree. During that time, it must be trained, pruned and protected from many hazards. Trees can suffer from too little or too much sun or rain; destructions by rodents, deer, insects, diseases, hail or fire; or being overgrown by brush, vines or weeds.

While they are growing, Christmas trees provide many environmental benefits. Each acre of trees provides the daily requirements of oxygen for 18 people. The trees serve as wildlife habitat and stabilize the soil. Often Christmas trees are planted on barren slopes or under power lines where no other crops will grow.

More than 35 million American families will buy natural Christmas trees this year. Nearly 100 million seedlings are planted to replace harvested trees. One million acres are now planted each year with Christmas trees in the United States.

The most popular trees nationwide are Scotch pine, Douglas fur, balsam fir, white pine and Fraser fir, with this last one moving up quickly.

After the holidays, Christmas trees can be “recycled” in a number of ways. Christmas trees are biodegradable. Branches may be used for cover in the garden. The entire tree may be chipped for mulch. Threes sunk in fishponds or lakes make excellent refuge and feeding areas.

Or you can use the tree as a bird feeder and wildlife shelter. Hang suet cakes, fruit or popcorn on the branches to attract feathery friends.

This year, while you enjoy your Christmas tree, you can be sure that not only are you participating in an ancient tradition, but that it is an ecologically responsible thing to do as well.

If you have any other horticulture question, call Roger. A. Larson, County Director at the Peoria County Extension Office at 309-685-3140.

To accomplish the Mission of “building with minds and hands and touching hearts”, the University of Illinois Master Gardner program is gearing up for another year to help others grow through the Master Gardener Training Program.

The Peoria County Extension is currently taking applications for the upcoming certification program that begins January 28 and runs through March 31, 2008. Locations of classes are in Peoria and Tazewell Counties, with the cost being $135.00. Some of the topics include, but are not limited to: Soils, Botany, Woody Ornamentals, Plant Pathology/Disease, and Vegetables. The Peoria County Master Gardener program is open to any adult interested in plants and has a desire to share that with others. Master Gardener is a prestigious designation given to individuals who have completed the training and a minimum of sixty volunteer hours, over two years, at their local University of Illinois Extension office. The diversity of The Peoria County University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program offers various ways to obtain the needed volunteer hours. Master Gardeners build across diverse generations, from projects at the Bel-Wood Nursing Home and the Apostolic Christian Skyline facility to the Raised Bed Garden Demonstration Plot and the new Youth Garden at Children’s Home Association in Peoria.

The Peoria County Master Gardeners bridge different generations to touch hearts and also build across diverse needs and venues. With projects at PARC (Peoria Association for Retarded Citizens) and helping the young men at the Youth Farm build their own gardens while they enjoy the fruit of their labor, there is no question why the Peoria County Master Gardeners have been recognized on the state level for “building with minds and hands and touching hearts. The deadline for application is December 1, 2007. If you would like to be part of the Master Gardener program or have any questions, call Roger A. Larson at the Peoria County Extension Office at 309-685-3140.

For other consumer-related questions, call the Peoria County Office at 309-685-3140 or visit us on the web at www.extension.uiuc.edu.

It is going to be several years before this author reaches retirement age. Yet, the gathering of information is necessary to assist me with proper planning. One of those subjects which needs to be considered is that of Social Security. Karen Chan CFP, Consumer and Family Economics Educator with University of Illinois Extension, provides some thoughts on Social Security mistakes to avoid.

“That magic age of 62! You’re counting the months or years until you can begin collecting Social Security. But you could wait until you are 65, 66, even 70. If you wait, you’ll get a larger monthly check. Making the wrong choice could cost you money.

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