OSU Extension: Join us at Fairfield County 4-H Camp this summer

Connie Smith
·6 min read

Registration opens online May 1 for all 4-H and School Enrichment members. There are four camp options based on current grade in school for youth this summer.

Camp Dates:

  • Day Camp (Grades 3,4,5,6,7,8,9) – June 13-15-Alley Park; Cost $50

  • Cloverbud Day Camp (grades K-2, Cloverbud Members) – June 17-Alley Park; Cost $25

  • Junior Camp (Grades 3,4,5) – June 20-23-Tar Hollow; Cost $100

  • Senior Camp (Grades 6,7,8,9) – June 30-July 3-Tar Hollow; Cost $100

Registrations are on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning on May 1 and close on May 15, (or until capacity is met) for program preparations, supply ordering, and to qualify for the Bertha Wilson Campership. Complete online camp registration: go.osu.edu/FCCamp. Have additional questions? Contact the Extension Office at 740-653-5419.

Controlling Poison Hemlock

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) was originally brought to the United States in the 1800s as an ornamental garden plant (another good idea gone awry) and is now found throughout North America. Rogue plants remained relatively rare until around 30 years ago. Since that time, poison hemlock has elevated its profile from an uncommon oddity to a common threat. This non-native is one of the deadliest plants found in North America. It is the plant used to kill Socrates as well as the Greek statemen Theramenes and Phocion. Poison hemlock plants contain highly toxic piperidine alkaloid compounds, including coniine and gamma-coniceine, which cause respiratory failure and death in mammals.

Poison hemlock is a biennial that forms a rosette its first year, often going unnoticed, and then produces white umbel flowers (umbrella-like) on tall stems in the spring-summer of its second year. These types of flowers are common in the carrot family and are similar to wild carrot (also known as Queen Anne’s lace, Daucus carota), which is often mistaken for this plant at younger stages. The second-year stems of poison hemlock are hairless and have purple spots, which help distinguish it from wild carrot.

Purple spotting on smooth, hollow stems is a tell-tale sign of poison hemlock. Poison hemlock reproduces exclusively by seed. It can produce up to 38,000 seeds per plant that generally fall near the mother plant but can be dispersed by water, birds and other wildlife. Seeds can germinate immediately or lay dormant for up to six years. The plant will die soon after it sheds seed, but the stems will remain standing and slowly release seed into winter.All parts of the plant are poisonous: leaves, stems, seeds, and roots. However, the toxins must be ingested or enter through the eyes or nasal passages to induce poisoning. The toxins do can cause sensitivity to UV light from the sun, resulting in blisters. Regardless, this plant should not be handled because sap on the skin can be rubbed into the eyes or accidentally ingested while handling food. Immediate emergency medical attention should be sought if an accidental poisoning from this plant is suspected.

Do not burn plants to prevent any accidental inhalation. Mowing or weed whacking will not kill the plant but can reduce seed production in second-year plants. If you are mowing or weed whacking in areas infested with poison hemlock, wear protective eyewear and a dust mask to prevent exposing your eyes and lungs to small particles.

Choosing a herbicide will depend on the desirable surrounding vegetation. If poison hemlock is growing amongst grasses, synthetic auxin herbicides such as 2,4-D, dicamba, clopyralid and triclopyr will selectively control the poison hemlock, leaving the grass unaffected. If the poison hemlock is in a bare ground area, or other area where the surrounding vegetation is not of importance, a broad-spectrum herbicide, such as glyphosate (active ingredient in Roundup Weed and Grass Killer, among others) can be effective. Note that glyphosate will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots and injured bark of desired plants.

Source: Michigan State University and OSU Buckeye Yard and Garden Line

Predictions for more cold weather the first week of May

According to OSU Extension Climate Specialist, Aaron Wilson this cool air is not ideal for most of us. After a modest warm up the rest of this week, we are not seeing great news for the first week of May. We will need to watch closely for horticulture and agriculture impacts. There is an increasing probability of much below temperatures about a week from now, which would be the first week of May. Be advised to keep those sensitive plants indoors and pay attention to weather forecasts and monitor soil conditions and temperature.

Keep in mind, OSU Extension in Fairfield County has Soil Thermometers available for purchase for $10. All proceeds benefit the Fairfield County Master Gardener Program. If you are thinking about starting a vegetable garden the soil thermometer will come in handy to help you know what soil temperature many of your seeds need for proper germination. For example, spinach will germinate when soil temperatures are anywhere from 45-75 degrees F, while green bean seed germinates more readily when soil temperatures are 65-85 degrees F. OSU Extension in Fairfield County is located in the Fairfield County Agriculture Center located at 831 College Avenue, Lancaster.

Support 4-H at Lancaster Greenhouse on May 6-7

Support Fairfield County 4-H by Shopping at the Lancaster Greenhouse & Nursery on May 6-7. Pick up a coupon at the Fairfield County Extension Office (831 College Ave, Suite D) or online at u.osu.edu/fairfield4h/ and bring with you to the Greenhouse during business hours (May 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or May 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). At time of checkout, customers will give a copy of the coupon to the cashier so they know you are supporting 4-H, and 15% of the transaction will be donated back to the group (not the customer). Absolutely no coupons can be distributed at the store location.

Stay out of the Garden when the soils are WET

Keep in mind you will create more problems if you become overanxious and begin working your garden soils when they are too wet. If worked too wet, heavy soil become hard and will not handle well for the entire season. If a handful of the soil can be pressed into a ball, work in the garden should be delayed.

You can begin working in the garden when the moisture content of the soil is such that the soil “shatters” when turned. When moisture conditions are right, soil crumbles freely. Such soil requires a minimum of preparation. Usually raking or harrowing to level the soil is all that is required.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: OSU Extension: Join us at Fairfield County 4-H Camp this summer