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Sat, Jul 05 2008 

Published May 05, 2008 12:35 pm - Jacob Weber says he is getting more calls this spring from people asking what they need to do to grow a garden.
Weber is Kansas State University’s Extension horticulturist in Southeast Kansas.


Mike Surbrugg: Always start small with first garden



Jacob Weber says he is getting more calls this spring from people asking what they need to do to grow a garden.

Weber is Kansas State University’s Extension horticulturist in Southeast Kansas.

His advice is to start small in an area with ample sunlight. Sure, it can be fun to work your land in the spring and eyes are often bigger than the willingness to fight weeds in the heat of summer.

“Anytime you break the soil you provide an opportunity for weeds and soil erosion,” he said.

When it comes to tools, think simple.

“The hoe has been around for thousands of years and it still works today and still runs on elbow grease. Do not chop with a hoe, but scrape the soil just under the surface,” Weber said.

Another useful tool could be a push cultivator with a big wheel in front.

Some questions answered at county extension centers:

Q: How can I control hornets?

A: Place Sevin dust on the ground around the entrance to the nest. Apply the dust at night. Use a red filter over a flashlight for vision. Bees and wasps cannot see red light but are attracted to a normal flashlight beam.

Q: Is pollen on White Buckeye (Texas Buckeye) fatal to honey bees?

A: The plant is considered poisonous but flowers must be pollinated by insects. It is native to Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Q: How can I control dandelions?

A: One method is a herbicide labeled for such use.

Q: What are the purple flowers in my yard?



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