Dandelions are starting their spring bloom. 

Greetings Everyone, 

April was a fickle month this year, but what else is new? We had snow rain, tornadoes, and drying conditions, and not in that order. I talked with farmers and it seems like folks are starting to get in the fields. However, with the rain and cold snap that ended April and began May, it seams like everyone is sitting tight for a while. 

The frost free date showing up as April 30th, but I'm still a little wary to put out my annuals and potted plants. I'm also keeping my tomato plants inside until after Mother's Day. I usually grow around a dozen plants from seeds to use in the community gardens spread throughout the county. 

On the warm days I've been working out at the gardens and I haven't had to use to many of the backup rain dates. In April, I completed the Indiana Master Naturalist Course. This class was excellent and covered a wide range of topics that I usually don't cover in Extension. 

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to the Extension Office and leave your name, phone number and e-mail address. Phone: 260-563-0661 (Ext 1408) or emailing me directly at gschortg@purdue.edu

See other events below and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 

Best Wishes, 

Geoff Schortgen 

County Extension Director,  Ag and Natural Resources Educator 

New for 2023:

Purdue Extension Monthly HOT TOPICS!!

**NEXT SESSION IS May 18- Soil Health*

Join Purdue Extension Specialists and your local Ag & Natural Resources Educators for a free, live and virtual discussion on the latest research and best practices in a different area of expertise each month.  The topics will be timely and engaging, bring your questions and love for life long learning!  Register once to be signed up for each monthly program.  If you can make it on, great! If you can’t make a month, no problem. March will be the Purdue Plant and Diagnostic Lab!

Register online here: www.bit.ly/3V30MvK

Please contact Geoff Schortgen with any Questions

Email: gschortg@purdue.edu

Tuesday May 9th at the North Manchester Public Library. Click the image for more info

Come Join us Downtown where we will plant herbs and other veggies for the community!

Ornithology was another topic for Indiana Master Naturalists. 

The forsythia is blooming! It used to be said to put down crabgrass preemergent when forsythia blooms, however, the soil temperatures are a better measure on when to apply.