Even though we are still in the middle of winter, it is time to start thinking about a vegetable garden, if you plan to grow one this year.
Last year there was an increase in vegetable gardening throughout the country and all indications are that this year will be the same.
If you are new to gardening, the first thing you need to accomplish it selecting a good site for your garden. Evaluate your chosen location for availability of sunlight; vegetables do not do well in the shade. Remember that the trees are bare right now, but will have leaves and create much more shade soon.
The earlier you get started in the year, the more vegetables you can plant and harvest. Leafy vegetables and herbs such as lettuce, spinach and parsley can be planted very soon, as can onions. So, if you plan on producing these crops this year, this is your call to action for soil prep.
Work compost into the top 2 or 3 inches of soil. This would be a great way to start the preparation for vegetables.
You can find a publication with suggested planting dates and planting instructions for a wide variety of vegetables specifically for Cooke County on our County Extension Website. The publication is located at: http://cooke-tx.tamu.edu/. To find it, click on “publications” then “horticulture”.
Handle Vaccines with Care
If vaccination products are not properly handled, little or no immunity will result. In addition to being costly, the false sense of security gained by the producer could re¬sult in severe losses before the actual cause of the disease is discovered. This is according to T. R. Thedford, DVM, extension veterinarian, in Oklahoma.
Vaccines are used to produce immunity to livestock diseases. The immunity that is produced will vary in its protective ability due to the type of vaccine used, organism (bacteria or virus) the immunity is to protect against, and the degree of challenge the animal receives from the virulent (infecting) organism.
Stress and environmental conditions as well as handling of the vaccine and equipment used for the process, will affect the production and duration of immunity in the animal.
Dr. Thedford advises producers to use extreme care in purchasing and caring for immunizing products.
Do not use chemical disinfectants.
Keep them cool, out of the sun, and don’t save parts of unused or mixed bottles. Do not mix products unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer. Do not use outdated material and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on dosage and route of administration.
Consult your local practicing veterinary on what products are recommended in your area and on effectiveness of the various vaccines.
Above all, do not be in a hurry or be sloppy with your procedures. The idea of using immunizing agents is an aid in the prevention of diseases.
Don’t waste your time, money, and effort by being in a hurry.
Agriculture
January 21, 2010
Now's the time to plan for vegetable gardens
- Agriculture
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Cattle deaths blamed on natural poisoning
Local cattle are being poisoned by something they eat every day — grass.
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GHS FFA attends state convention
Six members from the Gainesville FFA chapter attended the 82nd annual Texas FFA Convention held July 13-16 in Corpus Christi.
- Control scale insects now using horticulture oil Now is a good time to control scale insects on evergreen shrubs and trees through use of a horticultural oil spray. Also, fruit trees may be sprayed at this time of year in order to control insect eggs that may have been laid in bark and twig crevices.
- Master gardners meet The Cooke County Master Gardeners met Thursday, January 14 in the North Central Texas College Library Lyceum.
- 4-Hers compete in stockshow dairy judging The Cooke County 4-H dairy judging teams participated in the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth on January 17. Three teams competed — two senior division teams (14 and over) and one junior team.
- Now's the time to plan for vegetable gardens Even though we are still in the middle of winter, it is time to start thinking about a vegetable garden, if you plan to grow one this year.
- Farm Bureau calls for scholarship applicants Texas Farm Bureau invests large amounts of money and time in developing youth leadership.
- Cold weather not always a cure for insect woes I have heard the comment made that this cold weather should, at least, help minimize the insect problem next year. That may be true…but before you get your hopes up; you should know some of the facts.
- Mistletoe infestations rob landscape trees of nutrients Mistletoe is a common evergreen parasitic plant which grows on a number of landscape trees in Mississippi and is often a source of concern to homeowners with infected trees
- Making mulch from leaves is greener alternative to bagging Right now there are plenty of leaves in everyone’s yard.
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