CLAY COUNTY CONTACT - Clay County Extension Office

CLAY COUNTY
CONTACT
Clay County Extension Newsletter
Volume 30, Issue 7
March-April 2015
Featured This Quarter
Soil pH & Liming
Up Coming Programs
Become a 4-H Leader
What is Clay County 4-H ?
Upcoming 4-H Events
Using My Plate & Watching Portions
Spring’s in the Air?
March/April Planting Schedule
Clay County Extension
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Clay County
A Note From Our County Director . . .
As I write my column, it’s rather chilly, but we know that spring will bring us a new perspective soon. At the
Extension office, we have classes to prepare you for a new season. Our horticulture agent, Amy Morie, has a
series called “Growing Vegetables” that runs through March and April, with features on soils, irrigation, pest
management, and hydroponics. Agriculture agent, David Nistler, can help the new farmer-rancher get started
with a class in early March. Jackie Schrader, our family and consumer sciences agent, hosts food preservation
classes every other month, so you can enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your springtime labors during the off
months. Our 4-H program, under the leadership of both Stephanie Conner and Jackie Schrader, will be
preparing for the Fair, held April 2-11th. You, too, can enter plants and crafts. Contact the Fair office at 284-1615
or look at claycountyfair.org. It’s “Farm Fresh Family Tradition!”
We are fortunate that Garber Ford is sponsoring the
“Drive 4UR Community” to benefit our 4-H program,
May 9th. For every driver who test drives a particular
Ford model, Ford will donate $20 to 4-H. We are
shooting for 300 qualified drivers! Please watch for
more details to participate, or call the 4-H office. What a
fun way to support 4-H.
Stephanie Toelle
Interim Clay County Extension Director
University of Florida IFAS Extension
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing
knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible.
CLAY COUNTY CONTACT
March/April 2015
Soil pH and Liming
David Nistler, Clay County Extension, Agriculture, Small Farm, Natural Resources Agent
Late winter and spring can be an opportune time to lime pastures, if your soil test results indicate that lime is
needed. This is especially true for those areas that are to be renovated and replanted in the spring or summer
since it provides an opportunity for the lime to be incorporated. Lime should be incorporated into the soil
whenever possible since lime reacts with the soil with which it contacts. Surface applied lime neutralizes the soil
acidity of the surface soil, but has little immediate effect on the
soil pH below the top inch or so.
Soil pH can affect the growth of pasture grasses, and lime is
applied to raise the pH when soils are too acidic. If soil pH is
lower than 5.0, liming of Bahiagrass pastures is recommended.
If you have Bermudagrass, liming is recommended when the
pH is lower than 5.5. It
is important to
remember that
ammonia forms of
nitrogen fertilizer
acidify the soil, so the higher the ammonium nitrogen rate the more
often lime will be needed. A general rule of thumb for heavily fertilized
pastures is to lime, every three to five years. Always test the soil pH
before applying lime, over liming leads to plant deficiencies of
micronutrients.
When establishing Bahiagrass on new land that is very acid, try to apply
and incorporate lime before planting the Bahiagrass so that the lime will
have had sufficient time to neutralize the soil acidity. Dolomitic or
calcitic lime can be used and should be applied according to soil-test
recommendations. Ideally the lime should be applied and incorporated
3 to 6 months prior to planting.
Growers can obtain soil
test information and
forms through the Clay
County Extension office
or through the
University of Florida’s
Extension Soil Testing
Laboratory. For the
University of Florida’s
Soil Testing Laboratory, complete a Soil Test Information Sheet and
indicate the test desired and crop to be grown. A copy of the test sheet
can be obtained at the Clay County Extension office or online at:
http://clay.ifas.ufl.edu/Diagnostictests.shtml. Mail all samples and the
information sheet to the University of Florida Soil Testing Laboratory in
the mailing box provided. Soil sample bags, forms and mailing boxes are
available from the Clay County Extension offices. Computerized results
with fertilizer and lime recommendations will be mailed to you and to our office in approximately two weeks. If
you have questions on the recommendations, call David Nistler at 904.284/269-6355 and discuss them as they
relate to your individual situation.
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CLAY COUNTY CONTACT
March/April 2015
Upcoming Programs
UF/ IFAS Clay County Extension presents:
2015 Growing Vegetables
Workshop Series
March 2nd, 2015 - Building Healthy Soil
Click Here To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-healthy-soils-tickets-15591747336 or
call 904-284-6355
March 12th, 2015 - Drip Irrigation Basics
Click Here To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drip-irrigation-for-vegetables-tickets15594070284 or call 904-284-6355
April 20th, 2015 - Pest Management
Click Here To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vegetable-pest-management-tickets-15594303983
or call 904-284-6355
April 29th, 2015
- Introduction to Hydroponics
Click Here To Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hydroponics-tickets-15598122404
or call 904-284-6355
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CLAY COUNTY CONTACT
March/April 2015
BECOME A 4-H LEADER
Jackie Schrader, Family and Consumer Sciences/ 4-H Agent
HELP!!!
BECOME A 4-H CLUB LEADER
WE NEED YOU
& YOU CAN HELP
(Especially in the Orange Park area)
Clay County 4-H
2463 State Road 16W
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
904-284-6355
http://clay.ifas.ufl.edu
WE ARE NOW ON
FACEBOOK ! !
Keep up to date on all
the exciting events and
programs @ UF IFAS
Extension Clay County.
www.facebook.com/
ClayCountyExt
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CLAY COUNTY CONTACT
March/April 2015
4-H Corner
What is Clay County 4-H?
Stephanie Conner, Clay County Extension, 4-H / Youth Development Agent
Clay County 4-H supports and educates approximately 360 traditional club youth, 7,300+ School Enrichment and
Special Interest youth and 1,045 volunteers. Youth and life skill development is achieved through events and
activities such as: traditional club meetings, school enrichment, youth councils and committees, clinics/
workshops, competitions, camps, youth /adult partnerships and, community service projects, and much, much
more!
Members of the AgVenturers 4-H Club pose for a
picture at their recent “Public Speaking Pet Parade”
4-H Marine Club members at Camp Chowenwa
studying native plants, animals and trees.
2014 at a Glance

1600 youth participated in the 4-H School Enrichments programs 4-H Tropicana and Spread Your Wings
Embryology.

70 youth participated in camping programs, such as Equine Education, Cloverbud Camp and Camp Ocala.

10 (one day and/or multi- day) clinics/seminars/workshops were conducted for youth to develop life skills.

Youth competed in 12 (one day and/or multi-day) competitions, such as Shooting Sports, Consumer
Choices, Public Presentations, Table Setting, Holiday Bake-Off, Fashion Review, and horse shows.

Youth participate in over 20 4-H sponsored events and activities, such as 4-H University, 4-H Day at the
Capital, Horse Shows, Clay County Fair, leadership activities and Teen Leadership Council.
- Continued on next page
In January, we hosted a “Weekend of Livestock” with a Steer Clinic and practice show on Saturday (left),
followed by a Swine Clinic on Sunday. (right)
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CLAY COUNTY CONTACT
March/April 2015
- Continued from page 5

Youth participated in over 35 community service project from clothes and food drives and pet food drives to
home makeovers

Clay County 4-H works with volunteers to maintain successful committees, such as the Clay County 4-H
Association, the Clay County 4-H Foundation and the Horse Program Committee

Clay County 4-H also works to recruit, screen and train successful adult volunteers to aid in educating our
4-H youth

Life skills identified as being developed by our 4-H members through this program and its activities include:
leadership, community awareness, self-confidence, time management, empathy, conflict resolution, critical
thinking, marketability, teamwork and character.
Upcoming 4-H Events
Stephanie Conner, Clay County Extension, 4-H / Youth Development Agent

4-H County Events is coming up in March with
Public Speaking, Share the Fun and Fashion
Revue competitions on Thursday, March 12th
and Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks
competitions on Saturday, March 14th.

4-H Day at the Capitol is on Thursday, March
26th in Tallahassee.

The Clay County Agricultural Fair will run
from Thursday, April 2nd to Saturday, April
11th with a lot of exciting shows and contests to
see. Be a part of the “Farm Fresh and Family Tradition”!

4-H District Events competition will be held on
Saturday, April 25th in St. Johns County.

The 4-H Consumer Choices Judging Contest will be
on Friday, May 8th

On Saturday, May 9th we will be having a 4-H
“Drive 4 UR Community” fundraiser at the
Garber Ford dealership in Green Cove Springs.
Details at http://clay.ifas.ufl.edu/4-H.shtml
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CLAY COUNTY CONTACT
March/April 2015
Using My Plate & Watching Portions
By Jackie Schrader, Family and Consumer Sciences/ 4-H Agent
In 2011, the USDA released a new symbol called MyPlate which is a guide to promote
healthier eating. With MyPlate, we recommend portion control as well. It is a guide to help
Americans eat healthy. We all have favorite foods but tend to enjoy them in large portion
sizes. This can be unhealthy in the long run even if some of our favorite foods are lower
calorie. Most foods and beverages have calories and if we consume more than we burn,
weight increases and health issues can develop.
The first step to a healthier diet is to know which foods are good for you and which foods
you should limit. Knowing the difference helps in making good choices.
Foods to Increase
Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that our bodies need for good health. It is recommended that
we fill half of our plate with fruits and vegetables of different colors. This does not mean a heaping portion like we
observe with patrons at salad bars. Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables all count. When buying canned
vegetables, the healthiest choices are “reduced sodium” or “no-salt added”. Canned fruits packed in water are better
choices than those packed in syrup.
Low-fat or fat-free milk is an important part of a healthy diet. The recommended intake for children over nine years old
and adults is three cups of low-fat or fat-free milk each day. All types of cow’s milk contain calcium, a mineral needed
for healthy bones. Whole milk contains more fat than our bodies need. If your family drinks whole milk on a regular
basis, make the switch gradually to reduced-fat (2%), then to low-fat (1%), and finally to fat-free milk. This procedure
will prevent a great shock in taste because most people going to lower fat milk claim that it tastes like water.
Whole grains contain fiber, which is important for weight management, digestive health, and heart health. Half of the
grains we eat each day should be whole grains such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, barley, and quinoa.
Look for the “Whole Grain” logo or the word “Whole” in the ingredient list.
Foods to Limit
Sodium, commonly known as salt, is found in many processed foods and many Americans eat too much. This can lead to
health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. You can reduce the amount of sodium in your
diet by limiting the amount of salt you add to your foods and by choosing “reduced sodium,” “no sodium added,” or
“low sodium” options.
Saturated fat is found in animal products such as whole milk, cream, butter, high-fat cheeses, and high-fat cuts of meat. It
can also be found in non-animal foods made with animal fat or highly-saturated vegetable fats such as the fats used in
chocolate, cakes and cookies. Vegetable oils high in saturated fat include palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil.
Diets high in saturated fat have been linked to heart disease and other chronic diseases.
Foods high in added sugars also should be limited. Some foods, such as milk and fruits, naturally contain sugars.
Added sugars are sugars and syrups in prepared foods and drinks such as corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup.
They
provide calories with few or no vitamins and minerals known as empty calories. A diet with too many added sugars
can increase weight and create health issues.
Tips to Control Portions:
 Use Smaller Plates --this helps to limit the amount of food you serve yourself.
 Be Mindful of What You Are Eating-this will help you slow down, eat less, and be more
aware of the “full” sensation.
 Indulge on Special Occasions-enjoying foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat on a
limited basis will prevent the feeling of deprivation and keep you motivated with a
healthy eating plan.
 Explore Healthy Ways to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth--eating fruit is a great way to satisfy
your sweet tooth in a healthy, delicious way such as in smoothies. You must be careful
that the other ingredients are not overloaded with sugar and fat.
 Drink Smarter--All calories count, even the ones you drink! Many people don’t realize how many extra calories they
get from drinking sodas or other sweetened drinks. Drinking water is a great way to satisfy your thirst.
 Choose Wisely When Dining Out--choose the lighter options when you can, such as grilled or roasted. Avoid high-fat
cuts of meat and foods that are fried or in a cream sauce or dressing. Order vegetables as a side dish. Listen to your
hunger cues. If you are full, you can take the leftovers home and enjoy them later.
Food provides us with enjoyment as well as the energy and nutrients we need to stay active and healthy. In America, we
tend to eat more calories than our bodies need. It is important to understand that we need to balance our intake of food with
the energy we expend. Following the suggestions provided should help you enjoy your food, but eat less.
Source: Hamm, Ashley, Shelnutt, Karla, and Kauwell, Gail, Choose MyPlate: Enjoy Your Food But Eat Less, fy1400, University of
Florida
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CLAY COUNTY CONTACT
March/April 2015
Spring’s in the Air!
Amy Morie, Clay County Extension, Environmental Horticulture Agent
After chilly winter evenings and nippy mornings, spring is a welcome season in North Florida.
We may be
zone 9a on the USDA plant hardiness map, but we still experience some cold temperatures in our area! Do you
have a plant that isn’t recovering this spring after the low winter temps? Drop me a line at amorie@ufl.edu and
let me know the plant name, what kind of soil and light it had, and anything else you can think of. Pictures are
welcome—send a photo of your freeze victim (before, after, or both) and we’ll select one to print in the next issue.
When to fertilize?
This question is on the minds of many this month. The best possible answer is that
you’ve had a soil test done and it has indicated the need for supplemental nutrition. If this is the case or plants
are showing signs of deficiency, then do a little homework before reaching for your wallet. There’s a wide range
of options, and what works for one plant may be the death of another! Check with your Extension agent or a
Master Gardener to see if the plants you’re growing together are right for each other in terms of sun, soil,
moisture, pH, and fertility. You may need to move a plant that isn’t performing well to match conditions for its
growing requirements. If a fertilizer application can help, always read and follow all of the label directions. In
fact, be money smart when buying any garden fertilizer, herbicide or pesticide - read the label before you
purchase to be sure it will work for your pest or problem). We’ll take a look at nutrition by plant type, as needs
can be very different:
Turf: Fertilization for turf generally begins mid-March, but it all depends on your
turf type and expected maintenance level. Read http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/LH/
LH01400.pdf for a handy chart to guide you.
Annuals: Now is the time to use controlled-release fertilizer to keep plants happy
throughout the season. If using quick-release fertilizer products, begin monthly
applications in March. Check http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg319 for a guide to gardening
with annuals in Florida.
Perennials: Many perennials require little or no fertilizer once established; others
benefit from one to four light applications of fertilizer per growing season. If you’re
not sure, ask your county agent or Master Gardeners to help you determine if your
perennials need regular fertilizing. If so, a general purpose landscape fertilizer
(such as 15-0-15) should work well, These contain equal amounts of nitrogen and
potassium and low to no phosphorus. Look for controlled-release fertilizers that
release nutrients over time. For more on perennials: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg035.
Shrubs and trees: Like perennials, shrubs and trees often don’t need supplemental
fertilizer. Again, a soil test is the most accurate way to determine whether your
plants need a boost. One exception is palms, which often suffer from nutrient
deficiencies in Florida soils. March is time to correct deficiencies using a fertilizer
labeled for palms. Early spring bloomers such as Azaleas, Camellias, Dogwoods,
Redbuds, and Spireas can be fertilized this month if they show deficiency or soils
tests indicate a need to fertilize. Take a look at https://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/handbook/
Fertilize_Appropriately_vSept09.pdf for more info.
Species Feature: Red Cedar (Juniperus
virginiana)
A fantastic Florida native tree! Young trees make a
great ‘living Christmas tree’ that’s green year-round.
Used as an accent tree, hedgerow, or windbreak.
Red Cedar slowly grow up to 50’ and spread out in
form as they age. They attract Cedar Waxwings and
other wildlife and have few pest and disease
problems. edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st327
Image: UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County
Get to know your plants and their
fertilizer needs—depending on the
plant and the place, they may have
special needs—or may even need
less than you think!
Images: A. Morie
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CLAY COUNTY CONTACT
March/April 2015
March / April Planting Schedule
Amy Morie, Clay County Extension, Environmental Horticulture Agent
Vegetables that can be planted in March and April in our area
Jerusalem Artichokes are related to
include Asparagus, Beans (Pole, Bush and Lima), Cantaloupes,
sunflowers, but these tall native plants
Collards, Corn salad, Cucumber, Eggplant, Garbanzo, Mustard,
have edible roots like potatoes
Okra, Pepper, Pumpkin (small types), Southern Peas, Summer
and Winter Squashes, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes,
Turnips and Watermelon. Wanting something different for this
year’s garden-to-table? Calabaza, Chayote, Jerusalem
Artichoke, Jicama, Malabar Spinach, Malanga, New Zealand
Spinach, Tomatillo, and Tampala are tastes that are worth a try
in your vegetable patch. Finish planting Arugula, Beets,
Carrots, Celery, Endive/Escarole, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Green
Onions, Shallots, English Peas, Potatoes, and Radishes in
March. Wait until April to add Dasheen and Roselle.
Herbs can take center stage in spring when worked in as edible
landscaping. In March and April, try Anise, Basil, Catnip,
Cilantro, Horehound, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Lemon Grass,
Marjoram, Mint, and Oregano. Terra cotta pots work well for
the Mediterranean herbs Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme —these
pots help keep roots happy by drying out quickly .
Adventurous gardeners should try their hand at Borage,
Cardamom, Chervil (similar to tarragon), Cumin, and Lovage
(similar to celery leaf).
Spring annuals and flowers to start planting in March will have your garden bursting with color: try Ageratum,
Alyssum, Amaranthus, Asters, Baby’s Breath, Balsam, Begonia, Browalia, Calendula, Calliopsis, Celosia, Cosmos,
Dahlia, Delphinium, Dusty Miller, Exacum, Gaillardia, Gazania, Geranium, Hollyhock, Impatiens, Lobelia,
Marguerite Daisy, Marigold, Nicotiana, Ornamental Pepper, Pentas, Periwinkl, Phlox, Rudbeckia, Salvia,
Strawflower, Streptocarpus, Sweet William, Thunbergia, Torenia, Verbena, and Zinnia. In April add new
plantings of Crossandra, and finish planting Marguerite Daisy, Ornamental Cabbages and Kales.
Keep on planting the many Bulbs, Tubers or Rhizomes for the spring garden that can be planted this month:
Amazon lily, Aztec lily, Blood lily, Caladium, Canna lily, Clivia, Dahlia, Gloriosa Lily, Moraea, Spider lily,
Tritonia, Tuberose, Walking Iris, Watsonia, and Zephyr lily.
**DESIGN CAMP**
Tuesday April 21
Tuesday April 28
Thursday April 23
Thursday April 30
This fun series covers design ideas and
help you create a strategy for your
property that reflects your aesthetic and
lifestyle. Registration covers all four
classes and materials. Classes build on
each other - please plan on attending all
four. Save the dates and register early,
space is limited!!
Roselle’s okra-like flowers are followed by
eye catching calyxes high in vitamin C. They
make tart, tasty drinks and jams.
https://www.eventbite.com/e/
landscape-design-camp-tickets15594456439
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Clay County Extension
2463 State Road 16 West
PO Box 278
Green Cove Springs FL 32043
(904)284/269-6355 & (352)473-3711
Our Website—http://clay.ifas.ufl.edu
Stephanie Toelle,
Interim County Director
Family & Consumer Science Agent
Katrina Pierce
4-H Secretary
Beverly Whitener
Executive Secretary
David Nistler
Agriculture/ Small Farm/ Natural
Resources Agent
Amy Morie
Environmental Horticulture Agent
Sally Doyle
Receptionist
Michelle Alters
Agriculture/ Horticulture Secretary
Stephanie Conner
4-H Youth Development Agent
Jackie Schrader
4-H Youth Development
Roxane Strickland
Custodial Technician
Family & Consumer Science Agent
“The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. It is not a
guarantee or warranty of the products names, and does not signify that they are approved to the exclusion of
other suitable composition.”
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer
authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that
function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital
status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service,
University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County
Commissioners Cooperating.