Hunter Wallis

Hunter Wallis of Union Dale, recently captured his 6th Grand National Turkey calling title. He beat out callers from across the nation to win the Intermediate title at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sports Show in Nashville, Tennesee. Hunter is a staff Member for Zink Calls and Avian X Decoys and is regularly figured on Avian T.V. seen on The Pursuit Channel.  He is a senior at Forest City Regional School and is enrolled in college next fall where he plans to study marketing and communications to further prepare him for a career in the hunting industry. He'll be traveling to several states this spring promoting Zink Calls and hunting for next season’s episodes of Avian X T.V.

Well…it’s that time of year to think about starting seedlings for the garden.  You have many choices as to what containers you start them.  You can use plastic seed trays; cow or peat pots; winter sowing, etc.   I use soil blocks, they are easy and quick to make.  Soil blocks are basically molded soil in a single block.  These blocks serve as the container and growing media all in one, eliminating the need for those pesky plastic 6 pack trays that seem to take over my shed.

Before I begin I do want to let you know the Penn State Master Gardeners will have a demo of soil block making at our Annual Spring Garden Day being held on Saturday, April 16th from 9-3 at the United Methodist Church in Montrose.  If you are interested in attending you may sign up through the Montrose Adult School at www.montroseadultschool.org.  If you have any questions on Soil blocks, feel free to contact me through the Penn State Extension office at 570.278.1158.

Now, let’s talk about Soil Blocks. Commercially available blockers range in size for 3/4", 2" and 4".   You are able to purchase inserts which allow the 3/4" blocks to nest in the 2" block and the 2" block to nest into the 4" block.  Thus you can start small seeds in the 3/4" blocks, as soon as they emerge they can be placed into the 2" block.  The 2" block is good for most all seeds.  The 3/4" is good for small seeds such as celery, parsley, peppers.  Eggplant can be started in 3/4" blocks, but should be transplanted in the 2" blocks as soon as the plant emerges.

Seedlings that are grown in soil blocks establish stronger root systems than those grown in containers.  This is due to the increased oxygen to the roots and the soil block’s natural tendency to “prune” roots.  The soil block creates an advantage when transplanting in the garden.  The plant establishes itself more quickly, since there is less root disruption, they are less prone to transplant shock.   This is due to the increased root surface area and the air pruning of the roots.

The roots will grow until they reach the edge of the soil blocks. They will stay there ready and willing to reach out to and grow once they are placed in soil.  As opposed to plants in containers which will become root bound.

The key to success with soil blocks is using a mix of peat, compost, soil, and sand or Perlite.  The most important ingredient to this mixture is the peat - Its Fibrous consistency is used to both bind the material together and help retain moisture.  You can either mix your own mixture or you can buy a pre made mix for soil blocks.  I have done both.  There are a number of block mixtures on the market - Johnny's Seed makes a mixture 512 mix, which I have used in the past.

One thing to consider- you cannot use traditional potting soil for soil blocks- it is not the right consistency.  A blocking mixture needs the peat to bind everything together and retain moisture.

For information on the basic formula for mixing your own soil block mixture, feel free to contact me at (570) 278-1158.

Mix thoroughly together in large tub, you may want to use a sifter screen to screen out some larger debris in the peat and compost.   In a separate tub, (Pull out roughly enough dry material to make as many soil blocks as you will need), mix 3 parts mix to 1 part warm water. It should be the consistency of concrete or putty mix – Not real soupy and not real dry.  Place the blocks about 1/4" apart in a seedling tray or waterproof tray.

Once you plant your seeds you will probably not need to water, if planted in freshly made blocks, for two to three days.  When watering, you should use a fine mist to water the blocks. Water the block from the bottom up.  Do not use a large or course water flow as it will erode the block.   I use a misting bottle.

Peyton

Gorgeous Peyton is looking for a family that will love and keep her for the rest of her days. She has patiently been waiting at the shelter for quite some time. Peyton adores people, but needs to be your one and only animal companion. She loves to play and go for walks, but also enjoys snuggle time. Housebroken, spayed, up to date on rabies, micro-chipped, and only 2 years old, this fun-loving girl will bring lots of happiness to that one lucky family. Spring is only a few weeks away, why not adopt a walking partner like Peyton who will get you out and about on those glorious sunny days?

A very special thank you to the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center Cabinetry Dept. for once again making beautiful, well constructed dog houses for True Friends.  If you are interested in one of the dog houses please contact us at the shelter.  They are a $50 donation to True Friends.

Fun Fact: A dog's nose print is as unique as a human fingerprint.  Their combination of ridges and creases is so distinct,it can actually be used to identify them. Why not adopt one and find out for yourself what wonderful and intriguing creatures they are?

This class, taught by Master Gardener George Schreck will focus on maximizing fruit production for apple, pear, peaches and plum trees. The class will cover proper pruning of very young to old fruit trees for overall high quality fruit.  Not only is pruning covered but it will also cover site selection, variety selection, proper planting of new trees, choosing proper tools, maintenance of tools, sanitation and disease prevention plus more!

The program will be held on March 12, 2016, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Lindquist's Orchard, 8689 SR 547, Susquehanna. Directions will be sent upon registration. Exact date may change due to weather conditions.  Class limit: 20

To register visit: Montrose Adult School www.montroseadultschool.org. Click the Classes link. You can print out a registration form under the HOW TO REGISTER section. To see what classes are offered, click Nature and Country Living to see the Master Gardener classes.

Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County will be offering the Master Gardener Training Program for the spring. If you live in Susquehanna County you are welcome to take this training and then serve as a Master Gardener in Susquehanna County.

To become a Master Gardener, you need a keen interest in gardening, a willingness to learn more, and a strong desire to share your knowledge with others. To become certified as a Penn State Master Gardener, you must complete a minimum of 36 hours of training, score at least 80

percent on the final exam, and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service in your first year of service.

A few of the topics you will learn are: Botany, Plant Propagation and Pathology, Soils, Entomology, Native Plants, IPM, Turfgrass, Vegetables, Plant ID and Diagnostics, Small Fruits, Herbaceous & Woody Plants, Pruning, Landscape Design, Weeds, and Indoor Plants.

The training will be held Tuesday and Thursday nights, beginning March 8th at the Lackawanna County Penn State Extension Office. For more information or an application, please call 570-963-6842 or email: LackawannaMG@psu.edu.

Susquehanna County will be offering the Master Gardener training in the fall beginning in October and running through March of 2017. If you are interested in this training email Kim at klg11@psu.edu.

The Susquehanna County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (SCFSC) new vice president, Dave Fox (left) was welcomed by President Mike DePaola (right) at the groups, February, 2016 meeting. Dave is the Canawacta Rod and Gun delegate representative to the SCFSC. Mr. DePaola, a member of the Silver Lake Rod and Gun Club, is serving his second term as president of the SCFSC.

Pictured (L-R) are:  Lori Hubal - District Eight Director, Rachel Pulice- NJDBPW- Vice President, Linda Bedford- NJDBPW President , Ethel Ambagais, Mellissa Testa, Jenny Bixby, Gay Keyes- NJDBPW- Secretary Mary Mushala.

On February 13, 2016 members of the NJD BPW held their annual Valentine Party with the residents of the Skilled Nursing Facility at Barnes Kasson Hospital. Each year the members spend time with the residents and give a little something to each resident for Valentine Day.