Education Commons^™

Growing Scallions (Green Onions) For Market Gardeners, Laurie Hodges

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Growing scallions can provide market gardeners with early cash flow and is easier than growing bulb onions; they are different than young bulbing onions.

G1507 Summer Patch And Necrotic Ring Spot, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the causes, predisposing conditions, and symptoms of summer patch and necrotic ring spot, and provides recommendations for their control.

Introduction

Two of the most destructive turfgrass patch diseases are summer patch and necrotic ring spot, both of which are present in Nebraska. The symptoms of necrotic ring spot and summer patch are essentially identical, making it difficult to distinguish the two apart in an affected turf. If the symptoms begin in May, necrotic ring spot is probably the cause; if they begin in July and August, then summer patch is suspect. In Nebraska summer patch is probably …

Fungicide Spray Schedule For Home Garden Tree Fruits, Jennifer L. Chaky, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact describes the use of integrated pest management in the growing of fruit trees.

G1425 Garlic Production In The Home Garden, Laurie Hodges, Susan D. Schoneweis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Garlic provides flavor to many favorite recipes, is relatively easy to grow and offers plenty of varieties from which to choose. Garlic, Allium sativum L., is used as a seasoning in many foods worldwide. It isn't considered a major vegetable because consumption is generally small due to its strong flavor. But without garlic, many of our popular dishes would lack the flavor and character that make them favorites. Fortunately, garlic is relatively easy to grow in the home garden. The most difficult decision may be deciding what kind of garlic to plant since there are over 100 cultivars available from …

G00-1412 Daylilies (Revised March 2003), Anne Streich, Don Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Daylilies (Hemerocallis sp.) are a common sight in many of today's landscapes. They are easy to grow, have few insect and disease problems and are available in many colors. In addition, they tolerate heat, drought, salt, compacted soil and various pH's. A daylily is available for almost any landscape condition and are discussed in this NebGuide.

Ec00-1207 Growing Onions, Shallots, And Chives, Susan Schoneweis, Laurie Hodges, Loren J. Giesler

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The common onion (Allium cepa) is the most popular and widely grown Allium in Nebraska home gardens. Many members of the onion family (Alliaceae) are used in flower gardens because of their interesting flowers and foliage, but here we're going to focus on the onion as a vegetable crop.

This publication will discuss the different types of onions and how to grow onions from onion sets, plants, transplants, and seed. It will cover the different cultivars found here in Nebraska, the nutrition, fertilizing, harvesting, curing and storing of onions.

G99-1375 Lilacs, Dale T. Lindgren, Don Steinegger, Todd Morrisey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses lilac species, propagation, culture and pests.

Lilacs are among the most versatile shrubs grown in Nebraska. They come in various shapes, sizes, flower types and flower colors. Time of flowering also varies with species and cultivars. Lilacs can be used statewide for wind screens, hedges, accent plants or strictly for flower beauty and fragrance. Their drought and winter hardiness makes them easy to grow. They can survive, even when neglected, but perform better with care. Good soil drainage and full sun exposure are essential for optimal performance.

G97-1326 Crabapples For Nebraska Landscapes, Don Steinegger, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the selection, care and disease possibilities of crabapples.

Many of the diminutive flowering trees are not hardy in Nebraska. One notable exception: the ornamental crabapple tree (Malus). By carefully selecting the planting site and the cultivar, the beauty of flowering crabs can be enjoyed in any part of the state.

Regardless of the season, crabapples lend landscape color and interest. The winter branch pattern and bark color are as much an asset as spring's flower color.

Nf97-353 What Is Quality. . . .In A Tomato?, Laurie Hodges

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines the many factors affecting tomato quality.

G93-1149 Stripe Smut Disease Of Turfgrass, John E. Watkins, Roch E. Gaussoin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Ways to identify and treat smut fungi are given here.

Smut fungi infect various grasses, either cultivated or found naturally in the wild. In turfgrass, one of the most common smut diseases is stripe smut caused by Ustilago striiformis.

Stripe smut occurs most commonly on Kentucky bluegrass, occasionally on bentgrass and rarely on fine fescues and perennial ryegrass; it has not been reported to occur on zoysia. The widespread use of susceptible Kentucky bluegrass cultivars has contributed to the common occurrence of stripe smut.

Stripe smut should not be taken lightly by turfgrass managers. Infection causes a general decline, …

G93-1127 Petunias, Dale T. Lindgren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This is a practical guide to sowing, transplanting and caring for petunias.

Petunias are a popular, reliable flowering ornamental plant for use in Nebraska landscapes. This versatile annual can be used in flower beds, hanging baskets, window boxes and other types of containers. They also can be used as cut flowers. The blossoms of petunias come in many colors with petal edges that are straight or ruffled.

Two general classes of petunias are Grandiflora and Multiflora. Grandiflora petunias are characterized by having fewer, but larger, showy flowers. A number of Grandifloras are cascade selections, well suited to growing in hanging …

G91-1016 Cool Season Turfgrass For Nebraska, Terrance P. Riordan, Garald L. Horse

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes 12 species of cool season turfgrasses and the recommended cultivars which are best adapted to Nebraska.

Cool season turfgrasses have an optimum soil temperature of 60-70°F. They grow most actively in the spring and fall, with growth slowing in summer. More than 20 cool season species are used for turf throughout the world.

Nebraska's climate is moderately conducive to cool season turfgrass species growth. The 12 species best adapted to Nebraska and some of the recommended cultivars are described.

G91-1029 Preventing Fruiting In Woody Plants, Don Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide covers what to use to prevent fruiting or remove fruit from ornamental landscape trees and shrubs.

The ideal shrub or tree for a home landscape is one that is aesthetically pleasing, architecturally suitable, and adapted to its site. Aesthetically, plants with season-long foliage and fall color are desirable. The landscape value of these plants increase if they also produce flowers and fruits.

Despite the increased value of a flowering plant, some people consider spent flowers and fruits undesirable litter, especially when they fall on driveways and sidewalks. Also, plants producing edible fruit and serving as landscape plants require …

Ec90-1762 Nut Tree Cultivars For Nebraska, William A. Gustafson Jr.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Proper nut cultivar (variety) selection is important for successful and satisfying results from the home gardener's efforts. Selection should be determined by personal preferences, available space, and intended use of the nuts. Harvest can be spread over several weeks if cultivars with different periods of maturity are planted.

It is important that homeowners select the nut plants or cultivars best adapted for cultivation in their area of the state. This extension circular covers how to select a nut cultivar, the plant hardiness zones, horticultural regions, and length of growing season. It contains a list of all nut cultivars suited for …

G90-970 Summer Patch And Necrotic Ring Spot, John E. Watkins, Robert C. Shearman, Terrance P. Riordan

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the causes, predisposing conditions, and symptoms of summer patch and necrotic ring spot, and provides recommendations for their control.

Research since 1980 has resulted in considerable progress in identifying causes of the "patch"-type disease of turfgrass. Two of the most destructive patch diseases of turfgrasses are summer patch and necrotic ring spot.

Both summer patch and necrotic ring spot are present in Nebraska turfs. Unfortunately, necrotic ring spot and summer patch cause identical symptoms and cannot be distinguished in the field, and identification in the laboratory is time-consuming (3-6 months) and laborious.

G90-1004 Growing Radishes And Table Beets, Susan D. Schoneweis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Radishes and beets are easy to grow. Little space is required for them, and small successive plantings can yield an abundance of produce.

The radish, Raphanus sativus, is thought to have originated in East Asia, but the exact location is unknown. Radishes are one of the fastest growing vegetables, ready to harvest in 22 to 60 days. They prefer cool growing temperatures, and quickly become pungent (hot) when the weather gets too warm. Varieties (cultivars) may have round, long tapered, or oblong roots. Colors include crimson, hot pink, pink, white, bicolored and black.

Quick maturing radishes (30 days or …

G90-993 Basic Cultural Practices For Commercial Production Of Green (Snap) Beans, Laurie Hodges

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses cultivar selection, production, pest management and packing of commercial green beans.

Cultivars

Selection of cultivars depends on intended use or market. "Processor" cultivars are low in fiber and are best for home garden and roadside markets as well as processing. These include the various Bush Blue Lake selections (BBL 47, BBL 92, BBL 274) and others such as Early Gallatin, Eagle, Slenderwhite, Labrador, Flo, and Peak. The "fresh market" or "shipping" beans have high fiber to maintain quality during long distance shipping. These include Strike, Podsquad, Blazer, Triumph, Atlantic, Gatorgreen, Greencrop, Sprite, and many others. Cultivars with …

G90-1005 Fruit Tree Cultivars For Nebraska (Revised September 1997), William A. Gustafson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Proper fruit cultivar (variety) selection is important for successful and satisfying results from the home gardener's efforts. Selection should be based on family preferences, available space and intended use of the fruits. Harvest can be spread over several weeks if cultivars with different periods of maturity are planted.

It is important that homeowners select the kinds of fruit plants or cultivars that are best adapted for cultivation in their area of the state. They must have adequate hardiness to survive the winter, heat and drought tolerance to thrive in the summer, and the ability to survive spring frosts.

G89-900 Phytophthora Root Rot Of Alfalfa, John E. Watkins, Fred A. Gray, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Disease cycle, symptoms and management practices for phytophthora root rot are discussed in this NebGuide.

Phytophthora root rot (PRR) is a major cause of seedling death in newly established alfalfa, and causes a progressive decline of established stands in Nebraska. This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. medicaginis and occurs in most of the alfalfa producing areas in North America.

The Phytophthora that infects alfalfa is different from the Phytophthora that causes root rot in soybeans. Growers sometimes think the two diseases are the same for the respective crops, but they are two different diseases with …

G88-867 Forcing Spring Flowering Bulbs, Debra Schwarze

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide discusses the various aspects of forcing spring flowering bulbs, including planting, cold treatment, forcing, care, and forcing in water.

Introduction

Spring flowers can be a bright addition to any home. With just a little effort, many types of spring flowering bulbs can fill your home with flowers throughout the winter. Tulips, narcissus (daffodils), hyacinths, crocus, grape-hyacinths, scillas and other bulbs can be forced into midwinter bloom.

The term forcing can be a bit misleading. There is little force involved, but rather the bulbs receive their cold treatment early and are allowed to bloom out of season. The term …

G88-869 Daylilies, Debra Schwarze

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide offers hints on growing daylilies, discusses site selection, varieties, propagation and planting and plant culture.

Daylilies, members of the Liliaceae (lily family), are some of the most tolerant and popular of the garden perennials. Their range in size, color, and use means that there is a daylily for almost everyone.

Like their name Hemerocallis, "beauty for a day", the individual daylily flower lasts only one day. However, a single plant may produce over 50 flowers. This large number of flowers can extend the blooming period of a plant for several weeks. With over 10,000 cultivars available and with …

G85-752 Strawberry Cultivars For Nebraska, William A. Gustafson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The purpose of this NebGuide is to help you make the proper strawberry cultivar* (variety) selection for your area of the state and individual needs.

Proper strawberry cultivar selection is important for successful and satisfying results. Cultivar selection should be based on the family's intended use of the strawberry fruit (i.e. dessert use, freezing or preserves); on labor available to harvest the strawberries; and on available growing space.

G85-751 Thatch Prevention And Control (Revised July 1992), Roch E. Gaussoin, Terrance P. Riordan

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how thatch accumulation damages turfgrass sites, and gives methods for removing accumulations and preventing their reoccurrence.

Thatch is a problem on many turfgrass sites. It consists of a tightly intermingled layer of dead and decaying turfgrass tissues derived from stems, roots and leaves.

G82-618 Grapes: Cultivars, Training And Pruning, Don Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Planting and caring for grapes both are covered here.

Grapes have long been a favorite fruit of the home gardener. The earliest settlers in the New World found wild grapes thriving along streams and in timbered areas. These were mostly of the species Vites labrusca and V. riparia, while the wine and dessert grapes of the Old World are V. vinifera.

Ec79-1206 Roses, Donald H. Steinegger, Frederick P. Baxendale, John E. Watkins, Amy Greving

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Roses are one of the most versatile and exciting plant groups to use in landscape compositions. There are rose cultivars (varieties) adapted for almost any garden site or landscape purpose, including formal beds and perennial borders, arbors, trellises, hedges, ground covers, steep banks, edging, accent, specimen plants, and as patio or tub plants.

The most common rose types are hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and climbers. More people are becoming familiar with the so-called "old fashioned" or shrub roses. Many of these are well-adapted to Nebraska and to water-conserving landscapes.

Ec78-1233 Pruning Fruit Trees, Don Steinegger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Productive fruit trees with an abundance of high quality fruit don't just happen. They result from good cultural practices, including pruning. Pruning is often neglected either due to a lack of pruning skills and knowledge or a fear that one is going to injure or kill the tree.

A major requirement for the backyard farmer is a small tree open enough to allow effective spraying with home equipment and ready gathering of fruit. Pruning, combined with growing dwarf fruit trees will help accomplish this requirement. Although pruning is essential in development and maintenance of fruit trees, excessive pruning in young …