The quarterly newsletter from the Ag and Natural Resources department at CSU Extension Pueblo County
8
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. 22 Southern Colorado Ag and Range Newsletter Page 1 ISSUE Inside this Issue Ag Agent Greeting ................................ 1 Drought Monitors .................................. 2 Arkansas River Basin Water Forum......... 3 Know a Native ...................................... 3 Noxious Weed Control ........................... 3 Vegetable Planting Guide .................. 4-5 Scholarship Opportunity ........................ 5 What Should I Plant? ......................... 6-7 Calendar of Events & Classes ................. 8 Tom Laca is the Extension Agent for Small Acreage/Range/Natural Resources Management in the Colorado State University Extension Pueblo County office. He can be reached at (719) 583-6566 or [email protected]Office Hours: Monday—Friday 8 a.m.—5 p.m. (excluding holidays) CSU Extension Pueblo County 701 Court St., Suite C Pueblo, CO 81003 Phone: (719) 583-6566 Fax: (719) 583-6582 http://pueblo.colostate.edu www.facebook.com/ CSUExtensionPueblo All articles written by Tom Laca unless otherwise indicated. Ag Agent Greeting March 2015 Spring is here. The grass is starting to green up, calves are appearing and field work has begun. We have had some decent moisture through the winter and let’s hope we continue that trend this spring. As of the latest drought monitor, Eastern Pueblo County is still classified as Abnormally Dry and the further east you go we get into the Moderate Drought category. The NRCS SNOTEL Snow/Precipitation Report updated March 18, 2015 has the Arkansas River basin at 98% of average. If we can continue to receive some of these good, wet spring storms, the growing season will start off in good shape. We all know that can change in a hurry though. At the Annual Meeting of the Pueblo County Stockmen’s Association in early February, Chief Meteorologist Brian Bledsoe gave his long range forecast for the area. His prediction was that through the spring we would see favorable conditions including some much needed precipitation. His outlook was not so good looking out past June and through the summer. He said be prepared for the dry conditions to return. I guess what I am saying is, even though things look good now; they can change at any time. We all need to continue to be prepared for the drought and manage our resources accordingly. Enough about that though. I have completed a full year here as your Ag Extension Agent and have enjoyed meeting new people and learning about this area. We are stepping up our programming and will be offering more classes and services this year. We have recently completed two classes of a beginning bee keeping class that was very popular. Due to the overwhelming interest, we may even hold another in the fall as well as form a bee keeping club for the county. A backyard poultry class is coming up next week. Also, watch for a two-part class to be held in late April and early May on caring for your horse. Details are still being worked out with more information and dates to be announced soon. In this issue, we tried to address some frequently asked questions that we’ve been receiving. MJ has placed an article about vegetable planting and I have included one about rangeland restoration and grass seed. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact our office at (719) 583-6566. Have a great spring and I look forward to hearing from you with any questions or comments you may have.
Transcript
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
22 Southern Colorado
Ag and Range Newsletter Page 1
ISSUE
Inside this Issue
Ag Agent Greeting ................................ 1
What Should I Plant? ......................... 6-7
Calendar of Events & Classes ................. 8
Tom Laca is the Extension Agent for Small Acreage/Range/Natural Resources Management in the Colorado State University Extension Pueblo County office. He can be reached at (719) 583-6566 or [email protected]
Office Hours:
Monday—Friday 8 a.m.—5 p.m.
(excluding holidays)
CSU Extension Pueblo County
701 Court St., Suite C
Pueblo, CO 81003
Phone:
(719) 583-6566
Fax:
(719) 583-6582
http://pueblo.colostate.edu
www.facebook.com/
CSUExtensionPueblo
All articles written by Tom Laca unless otherwise indicated.
Ag Agent Greeting
March 2015
Spring is here. The grass is starting to green
up, calves are appearing and field work has begun. We have had some decent moisture through the winter
and let’s hope we continue that trend this spring. As of the latest drought monitor, Eastern Pueblo County is
still classified as Abnormally Dry and the further east
you go we get into the Moderate Drought category. The NRCS SNOTEL Snow/Precipitation Report updated
March 18, 2015 has the Arkansas River basin at 98% of average. If we can continue to receive some of
these good, wet spring storms, the growing season will start off in good shape. We all know that can change
in a hurry though. At the Annual Meeting of the Pueblo County Stockmen’s
Association in early February, Chief Meteorologist Brian Bledsoe gave his long range forecast for the area. His prediction was that through the spring we
would see favorable conditions including some much needed precipitation. His outlook was not so good looking out past June and through the summer. He
said be prepared for the dry conditions to return. I guess what I am saying is,
even though things look good now; they can change at any time. We all need to continue to be prepared for the drought and manage our resources
accordingly. Enough about that though. I have completed a full year here as your
Ag Extension Agent and have enjoyed meeting new people and learning about this area. We are stepping up our programming and will be offering more
classes and services this year. We have recently completed two classes of a
beginning bee keeping class that was very popular. Due to the overwhelming interest, we may even hold another in the fall as well as form a bee keeping
club for the county. A backyard poultry class is coming up next week. Also, watch for a two-part class to be held in late April and early May on caring for
your horse. Details are still being worked out with more information and dates
to be announced soon. In this issue, we tried to address some frequently asked questions that
we’ve been receiving. MJ has placed an article about vegetable planting and I have included one about rangeland restoration and grass seed. As always, if
you have any questions, feel free to contact our office at (719) 583-6566.
Have a great spring and I look forward to hearing from you with any questions or comments you may have.
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
Page 3 Southern Colorado
Ag and Range
Facts:
Native, Cool season, Perennial Drought tolerant Will row in areas receiving 8 to 14 inches of
precipitation Fibrous root system good for erosion control Prefers sandy sites but will tolerate clay Tolerates salt and sodic soil conditions Highly palatable and nutritious to livestock and
wildlife Grows 12 to 30 inches tall Allow new plants to become well rooted before
grazing Does not like shade Does not compete well
Sources: USDA Plant Database and Colorado Plant Database
Photos courtesy of: USDA.gov and Colorado Plant Database
Know a Native— Indian Ricegrass, Achnatherum hymenoides
I'm excited to be a part of the Planning Committee for the 21st Annual Arkansas River Basin Water Forum. The 2015 forum is at Pueblo Community College in Pueblo, CO on Wednesday and Thursday, April 22-23, 2015.
This year's speakers and topics are excellent. Get ready to:
Hear from key water experts like John Stulp, James Eklund, Michael Rupert, and Nolan Doesken.
Get updates on all areas of practice including Fountain Creek, Colorado’s Water Plan, the Arkansas River Basin's Water Plan, Arkansas River Basin Climate and Headwaters Citizen’s Task Force.
Tour Pueblo Dam and Reservoir and learn about programs such as the Fish Hatchery, the Hydroelectric Power Plant, the Arkansas Valley Conduit Project, and the Southern Delivery System.
Don't miss it! Connect with professionals across the Basin, learn more about the Arkansas River, and Celebrate the Age of Water.
Review our program agenda and register here: http://arbwf.org/
See you there,
Michael Fisher, Pueblo County Extension Director
Arkansas River Basin Water Forum
Noxious Weed Control Plan
50% Cost Share is available to property owners who apply and are afflicted with a species of weed listed on the Colorado Noxious Weed A or B List.
Turkey Creek Conservation District highlights their role in Pueblo County’s Noxious Weed Control Program.
User friendly method of making this cost share an easy reality for landowners.
Contact Turkey Creek Conservation District at 719-543-8386 ext. 116 or email: [email protected]
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
Page 4 Southern Colorado
Ag and Range Newsletter
Vegetable Planting Guide
Continued page 5
Table 1.
Vegetable Planting Guide Information from “Vegetable Planting Guide” – CMG Garden Notes #720
Vegetable Germination Temperature 1
Plant Spacing 2 Planting Depth
Days to Ger-mination
Typical Days to Harvest
Age of Transplants
(weeks) minimum optimum maximum
Cool Season Crops3
Beets 40° 80° 90° 4-6” ¾-1” 7-10 60
Broccoli 40° 80° 90° 18” ½” 3-10 65T 5-7 a
Cabbage 40° 80° 90° 18” ½” 3-10 85T 5-7 a
Carrots 40° 80° 90° 2-3” ¼” 10-17 70
Cauliflower 40° 80° 90° 18” ½” 3-10 65T 5-7 a
Kohlrabi 40° 80° 90° 7-9” ½” 3-10 50
Leeks 40° 80° 90° 4-6” ¼” 7-12 120
Lettuce (leaf types)
35° 70° 70° 7-9” ¼” 4-10 60
Onion, green 35° 80° 90° 2-3” ¼” 7-12 60
Onions, dry (seed) 35° 80° 90° 4-6” ¼” 7-12 110
Onions, dry (sets) 4-6” 1-2”
Parsnips 35° 70° 90° 5-6” ½” 15-25 70
Peas 40° 70° 80° 4-6”or 3” x 8” 1” 6-15 65
Potatoes 45° 12-15” 4-6” 125
Radish 40° 80° 90° 2-3” ½” 3-10 30
Spinach 40° 70° 70° 4-6” ½” 6-14 40
Swiss Chard 40° 85° 95° 7-9” 1” 7-10 60
Turnips 40° 80° 100° 4-6” ½” 3-10 50
Warm Season Crops
Beans 50° 80° 90° 6” or 4” x 12” 1-1½” 6-14 60
Cantaloupe 60° 90° 100° 36-48” 1-1½” 3-12 85 2-3 b
Corn 50° 80° 100° 12” x 30” or 9” x 36" 1-1½” 5-10 60-90
Watermelons 60° 90° 110° 36-48” 1-1½” 3-12 85 2-3 d
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
Page 5 Vegetable Planting Guide Southern Colorado
Ag and Range Newsletter Continued from page 4
Scholarship Opportunity
1. Germination temperature – Soil temperature is one of the best methods to determine spring planting time. Plant when soils reach minimum temperature measured at 8 a.m., 4 inches deep. Beans are an exception, being measured at 6 inches deep. Optimum temperatures listed in the table are useful for starting seeds indoors. Maximum temperatures are listed in regards to high soil temperatures that may interfere with seed germination in the summer. 2. Plant spacing – Spacings given are equal-distance spacing for crops grown in block or close- row style beds. For example, beets, with a spacing of 6 inches are thinned to 6 inches between plants in all directions. In other words, beets are thinned to 6 inches between beets in the row and 6 inches between rows. The closer spacing listed should be used only on improved soils with 4-5% organic matter. Close-row or block style planting works well for raised bed gardening, with blocks/beds 4 feet wide (any length desired) and two-foot wide walkways between blocks/beds. a. Cool Season Crops – Cool season crops prefer a cool soil. Lawn clippings and newspapers make an excellent mulch for these crops by cooling the soil, preventing weed germination and conserving water. Apply fresh grass clippings only in thin layers (less than half-inch) and allow it to dry between applications. Thick layers will mat and smell. Do not use clippings from lawns treated with weed killers or other pesticides. Several layers of newspapers covered with grass clippings also work well between rows. Do not use glossy print materials. b. Transplanted cole crops – Since cole crops (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts) germinate better in warmer soil, they are typically started from transplants in the spring. Days to harvest are from transplants. In the warmer areas of Colorado, these crops produce the best quality when direct seeded mid summer (early July for the Front Range area) for harvest during cooler fall weather. Before planting out, harden off seedlings. c. Transplanting vine crops – Vine crop (cucumbers, squash, melons) roots are extremely intolerant of being disturbed, and perform best when grown by direct seeding rather than by transplants. With the use of black plastic to warm the soil, direct seeded crops germinate rapidly. If using transplants, select small, young plants, not more than two to three weeks from seeding. d. Tomato family transplants – The tomato family is traditionally planted from transplants. In warmer areas of Colorado, they can also be direct seeded with minimal delay. Days to harvest are from transplants.
Applications are currently available for the Dickerson Memorial Scholarship offered by the Pueblo County Stockmen’s Association. This scholarship is open to current high school seniors or college freshmen. Anyone is welcome to apply but priority will be given to applicants planning to major in an agricultural field or an agriculture-friendly field. Applications are due to the Pueblo County Stockmen’s Association by May 31, 2015. Information about where to send the application is included in the application documentation. If you have questions about the scholarship, please call Carl E. Beeman at 719-251-9911.
Applications are available from the following sources – Carl E. Beeman, Secretary, Pueblo County Stockmen’s Association [email protected] Carolyn Valdez, Pueblo County Extension, (719)583-6566 Troy Mayfield, FFA Advisor, Pueblo County High School Ethan Beeman, FFA Advisor, Rye High School
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
Page 6 Southern Colorado
Ag and Range Newsletter
Continued page 7
What should I plant?
“What can I plant this spring on my un-irrigated, dry rangeland to return it to some form of production?” This is the question I have heard several times already this year and am sure I will hear again. This is often a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables and differences in opinions that play into the final decision. What is the end use going to be of the plants? Will it be for grazing or perhaps just to prevent erosion? Do I want to stay with native species or will anything green be a step forward? How big of an area do I want to plant? How much do I want to spend on seed? What is the soil like? Do I need/want a soil test? All these questions will play into a final planting decision. The biggest question though is one none of us can answer: Will we get rain, and better yet will it come at the right time?
There are countless options for seeding grass on rangeland that I would take up more space than I can devote here. Instead, I will give some general guidelines and considerations that I believe should be thought about while planning your project. To start with one question that always comes up, right after a snow or rain event it seems is, “When should I plant?” I usually answer with, “Yesterday.” I know the weather here can be unpredictable, but with planning you could have the seed you want purchased and ready for the day the storm clouds start to build. Spring is generally a good time to plant most grasses. Fall can also be a good time as the freeze and thaw cycles will help to incorporate the seed into the soil. A risk with this would be a dry, open, windy winter that would allow the seed to be blown out. Dry wind is probably the biggest enemy of any planting.
The next question is, “What is the best way to plant?” If a drill is available and practical, depending on your landscape, I would recommend using it. This method, if used properly, will help to insure that there is good soil-to-seed contact and is at the proper depth. Broadcasting is another method that works and may be the only option in some situations. The thing to remember is that most recommendations call for doubling your seeding rate if it is to be broadcast. I personally would not let this stop me though as a light stand is still better than nothing at all.
The final question I want to discuss is, “What should I plant?” For all purposes I like to recommend using a mixture of species that include some bunch type grasses and some sod forming as well as some cool season and some warm season. Inclusion of a legume is always a good option as well. The more diverse the mixture, the better the chances of finding something that likes your soil and climate. Words of caution: Pay attention to prepackaged stock mixtures! Often times some of the species included in these mixes may not be suitable for this area and merely become carriers for the other seed because they will not survive here. In the table below I have included several species of grass that will grow in this area. Also included are species that I have found in so called “dry land” stock mixes marketed by varying companies. The table includes the common name, the scientific name, and the minimum precipitation needed for each seed species. I’ve also included whether it is a bunch grass or sod forming, a warm or cool season, and a native or introduced species.
I believe the key to success is to have a plan and prepare ahead of time. Keep records of what you did and where then follow up and make changes as necessary in the future. As always, if you have any questions or if I can help in any way, call me at (719) 583-6566 and I can work with you on a plan for your individual situation.
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pueblo County cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
Page 8 Southern Colorado
Ag and Range Newsletter Calendar of Events
Monthly meetings:
Pueblo County Stockmen’s Association meets the first Thursday of each month at Mesa Vet
Clinic at 7 p.m.
Turkey Creek Conservation District meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month, Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: 200 S. Santa Fe Ave., 4th floor, Call: (719) 543-8386 Ext. 116 for details.
South Pueblo Conservation District meets the 3rd Thursday of every month, Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: 200 S. Santa Fe Ave., 4th floor, Call: (719) 543-8386 Ext. 3 for details.
April 11—Vegetable Gardening Class, 9 a.m.—2 p.m., SECWCD, Pueblo
14– Ag Advisory Committee Meeting, 12–1:15 p.m., CSU Extension Office
25—Arbor Day Tree Festival, City Park, 10 a.m.—2 p.m.
27-28—Ag Fest, Salida
29-30—Ag Fest, Pueblo, Colorado State Fairgrounds. Contact CSUE office at
