Vegetable Varities

Start by choosing a variety of vegetables that can be grown together in the same garden. These include pole beans, radishes, lettuce, and cucumbers; tomatoes, bush beans, and beets; carrots, onions, and peas.

Planting Zones

Whether you grow your vegetable garden in the ground or in a planting bed, it’s important to choose the right zone for each type of crop. The zones are determined by the temperature, sunlight, water requirements, and soil types.

K-State Research & Extension Butler County

Butler County residents anticipate the first Butler County Lawn and Garden Show which is set for Saturday, April 22 from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, April 23 from noon to 5 PM. The event takes place at the Butler County Community/4-H Building, 206 N. Griffith, El Dorado, Kansas. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about vegetable gardening, flowers, and trees. It features seminars by experts, horticultural businesses, free seeds, and much more. Admission is free.

Experts in the field of horticulture will be presenting seminars both days. Learn how to use edible plants in your landscape (Travis Carmichael, Sat. at 10). Dr Jason Griffin, a tree guru, will answer your questions (Sat. at 11). Larry Crouse will share his vast knowledge about establishing and maintaining lawns (Sat. at 1). Worm composting is the topic covered by Scott Eckert (Sat. at 2). For those of you having a small space, Pam Paulson will give hints for container gardening (Sun. at 1). Want to attract hummingbirds? Don’t miss Chuck Otte’s presentation (Sun. at 3).

The idea for this event started during a field trip of the Master Gardeners last summer. It began with a chance comment that Butler County gardens and orchards have much to offer our residents and those living in surrounding counties. Calla Edwards, the K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent for Butler County, agreed and scheduled a meeting to explore the possibility of hosting a show featuring local horticultural related businesses. Under the excellent leadership of longtime master gardeners, a committee developed plans for a show this April. Coordination between Butler County Master Gardeners and Kansas State Research and Extension Service have made this lawn and garden show possible.

“Our area businesses rallied behind this idea. We have amazing support from our local horticultural businesses who are serving as vendors and providing door prizes. Wonderful sponsors from across the county readily supported this project,” said K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent Calla Edwards.

Area horticultural businesses will showcase their products in the north hall. Attendees will take home new ideas for their gardens and lawns. Tables in the south room of the building will provide information about area horticultural organizations, their activities, and benefits of membership.

A seed swap, located in the north exhibit hall, will provide an opportunity for attendees to exchange their surplus seeds for ones they’d like to attempt growing. This is a chance to try new vegetable and flower varieties. Bring your seeds from the past two gardening years. Seeds should be placed in appropriately sized paper or plastic packets for sharing and labeled for distribution. The swap will be hosted both days. Everyone is invited to participate.

Starter packs for beginning vegetable gardeners will be made available at the seed swap booth for the first one hundred and fifty new gardeners. “Seed bombs,” a unique and fun method to plant flowers, will be given out as long as they last.

A children’s area will engage children in horticulture related activities.

Calla praises the work of Butler County Master Gardeners. “This event could not have been pulled off without their support and all the hard work from our volunteers. Grow and Bloom in Butler offers something for everyone from youth activities to plants for sale to equipment to educational speakers. We have something for all interests.”

Misfits, a local food truck favorite, will be onsite. More information can be found on our Facebook page.

Source: butlercountytimesgazette.com