Tornado Season is coming
In Iowa most tornadoes occur from April to June and between noon and midnight, although they can occur at any time of the year and at any time of the day or night. Listen to your local radio station or the weather radio station when severe weather is in the area.  A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area and a warning means a tornado has been sighted and may be heading towards your area.  If you must be outside during a tornado watch, listen to your radio and be alert for changes in weather conditions such as dark, often greenish sky, blowing debris, large hail, or a cloud that looks like a wall, and a loud roar, similar to a freight train.  What to do? If you are in an open field, stop and get out of the tractor or vehicle. Lie in a low area or ditch away from the tractor.  Cover your head with your arms to protect yourself from flying debris.  Do not try to out run a tornado on your tractor.  A tornado’s speed and direction are deceptive.  Also know which of your buildings can offer the best protection, such as a building with a below-grade floor or basement.  Stay away from windows and outside walls of the building.  A tornado can be very violent and destructive storm

 

Organic Farmer forum
The Howard County Extension office is hosting an organic farmer information exchange meeting on April 12, 2007 at the Extension office at 132 1st Ave. West, Cresco IA.  The meeting is open to anyone currently farming organically or thinking about changing over to organic farming.  There is no cost, no agenda, just a free flow of information between people who want to learn and share information with each other. The meeting starts at 7 PM and ends when people are ready to go home around 9 or 9:30. If you would like more information about this forum call Howard Co. Extension office at 563-547-3001 and ask for Charlie.

 

Tips for planting in your garden
 Match the plant species to the site.  Make sure the conditions are suited for the plant. Check for adequate space, lighting, and soil characteristics suitable for the plant. Start with healthy plants.  Take a close look at the leaves, stems, and roots if possible. Be wary if you notice spots on the leaves or stems, wilting, stunting or soft, discolored roots.   Look for disease-resistant cultivars. A disease resistant cultivar has the ability to resist certain diseases.  Give your plants enough space. Allowing good airflow between plants will help reduce the risk of diseases on leaves. Take care how and when you water.  Frequent and light water, especially late in the day, can encourage leaf and root diseases. Deep and infrequent watering is better for established plants. Clean-up to remove problems by removing diseased leaves, stems, branches, roots and fruit.

skb 3/22/2007