Video of the Week:
Investing in Tools: Small to Large Gardens
Upcoming Events:

January 12, 13 & 14, 2017
St. Joseph, MO
For more information, go to http://www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org
Final Newsletter of the Season
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On behalf of all of us at K-State we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. (Ward Upham)
Miscellaneous:
What to Do With the Christmas Tree After Christmas

An old Christmas tree can be used to benefit birds, fish, and the landscape by placing it in a corner of your deck, and spreading some birdseed nearby, or tying it to a deciduous tree or post near a bird feeder. The birds benefit from having escape cover nearby when hawks or cats threaten, and the dense boughs reduce the wind chill on a cold night.
Sinking your Christmas tree in a pond is an easy way to improve fish habitat and fishing. The tree serves as little coral reef, in that the branches provide substrate for water plants to grow, and cover for minnows and other forms of small aquatic life. Larger fish are drawn by the shade and the presence of prey.
How do you sink a tree? Tie the base to a cinder block with a short, stout rope, and toss it in. Just be sure to get permission from the pond owner first! Using the little tree around the landscape requires clipping off all of the branches. Use the boughs to add extra insulation around semi-hardy perennials or to trees and shrubs that were recently planted. The leftover trunk may be used as a garden stake next spring.
Or, cut and let it dry for a few weeks, and you will have some easy lighting firewood. Just beware that most conifer species tend to spark and pop more than hardwoods, as resin pockets in the wood make tiny explosions. This can delight the youngsters, but for safety's sake, keep an eye on the fire when burning Christmas tree logs! (Charlie Barden)
Care of Fruit Gift Baskets

Storing Pecans and Other Nuts

Contributors: Ward Upham, Extension Associate