Report Underscores the Importance of Forests & Forest Landowner Education to N.H. Economy

New Hampshire's State Forester, Brad Simpkins, recently announced the release of The Economic Importance of New Hampshire's Forest-Based Economy.  

The report offers a wealth of current data on the direct economic value of New Hampshire's forests, from the percent of forests covering the state (84%) to the $2.3 billion impact the forest-products industry has on New Hampshire's economy, including supporting 20,000 jobs and providing the green backdrop for much of the state's tourist industry.

In 2009, landowners received $30 million in revenues from timber sales, which in turn, generated $3 million in timber-tax revenues for municipalities. "Many folks are surprised to learn that we have such a vibrant forest industry in New Hampshire or that 76 percent of the state's forest lands are privately owned," says Sarah Smith, forest industry specialist with Extension's Forestry and Wildlife Program.

(Full Article)

The 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire is a not for profit Foundation that serves over 25,000 young people throughout the State of New Hampshire in a variety of ways. As part of the UNH Cooperative Extension, 4-H Youth Development program provides opportunities for young people to experience the sense of Belonging, develop the

skills of Mastery, explore the road to Independence, and practice Generosity toward others and their community.

The 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire has set an annual fund raising goal of $90,000 for this year, and we need your help. As the major spring fund raising effort, the 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire will be hosting the Tom Fairchild Golf Tournament Friend of NH 4-H on May 20, 2011. This event will be held at the Candia Woods Links and will prove to be an enjoyable event with lots of great golf, silent auction, prizes, plenty of food, and enthusiastic and dedicated 4-H staff and volunteers.

Why play? The Tournament Supports:

• 20,000 New Hampshire youth
• 2,250 volunteers
• 4-H Science, Engineering & Technology
• National opportunities for youth and adults
• State 4-H Teen Conference
• Dairy, Horse & Livestock events
• Much, much, more!

For more information about this event, please visit our website www.extension.unh.edu/4H/4H.htm .  

Agriculture  

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO PLANT?

Like standup comedy, timing is crucial for success in gardening, especially when it comes to planting. The various crops we grow vary in their tolerance of cool or warm weather, and if we plant at the wrong time, a crop will suffer. Peas planted in late May will probably not be as productive as those planted in late April. On the other hand, peppers planted too early in the spring will probably get hit with frost and die, while those planted in late spring or even early summer will do just fine.  (full article)

 

SENSIBLE INSECT MANAGEMENT: SEPARATING THE GOOD FROM THE BAD

The other day someone stopped in my office to ask about lawns. In the course of our conversation, this person informed me that they used several pesticides - all of them insecticides - to guard their lawn against ants, grubs, and all manner of other creepy-crawlies. When I asked what sort of damage insects have caused in the past, they couldn't really say - the insecticides were a sort of preemptive measure. (full article) 

 

LILY LEAF BEETLES

Every year around this time, I get a flurry calls from gardeners who want to know what's happening to their lilies. They look fine one day, but are reduced to mere stumps the next, and covered with small, dirty, slimy lumps of...well, something. (full article)

Family & Consumer Resource

Rhubarb 

Know what to do with that rhubarb in your garden? There's even a video on how to freeze it for enjoyment later.  http://umaine.edu/publications/4266e/ 

America Saves

Are you ready to take charge of your financial future? America Saves is here to help. Enrolled savers receive the American Saver newsletter which offers information on a wide variety of savings topics and it will introduce you to other Savers who are achieving their financial goals. They also provide email access to free financial planning advice and, best of all, America Saves will motivate you to discover for yourself the peace of mind that accompanies having money in the bank. Let America Saves help you build wealth, not debt.  Enroll now at http://www.americasaves.org/enroll/ .

Are You Ready?

Many people are planning to grow and preserve food at home this summer.  Whether you've done it for years or are just beginning, the resources available through the Cheshire County UNH Cooperative Extension office may be helpful.  We have fact sheets with the most recent USDA food preservation recommendations.  If you are a home canner, this is the time of year to plan ahead and prepare. Get your equipment and supplies out and inspect them so you are ready when the crops are.

Pressure canner dial gauges should be tested annually for accuracy and this can be done free of charge at the Extension office.  Please call ahead to make arrangements for the gauge to be checked.  Remove the dial gauge from the canner lid and bring just the gauge in to be tested.  Weighted gauges do not need to be checked for accuracy.

Food & Nutrition   

Grow Vegetables in Containers

I love summer drives through town.  Each trip is an opportunity to view the incredible gardens planted along walkways and driveways, in place of front lawns, beside offices and stores, and in public spaces.   For the last two summers I have observed a beautiful container garden growing along side a downtown apartment house.  Five gallon drums with tall, well supported tomato plants can be seen from the road.  At harvest time a sign appears on the lawn, advertising tomatoes for sale.   I carry the inspiration of this talented urban gardener throughout the summer.

My own garden grows shadier by the season, as trees along the edge of my yard grow taller and wider.  I am looking for a new location for my small vegetable patch, but not ready to establish a permanent bed this year.  Maybe it's time for me to try a container garden of my own.

Container gardens are great for a variety of reasons.  Check the following links to learn more.

Container Gardening Problems 

Container Vegetable Gardening 

Herbs