Extension News: March 2007 Archives

Project Teams Master Gardeners with Retail Centers

UNH Cooperative Extension (UNHCE) has partnered with a group of retail garden centers throughout New Hampshire in a pilot program called "Ask a Master Gardener." The program will tap the knowledge and expertise of highly trained Master Gardeners to help garden center staff answer home gardening and lawn care questions.

The program has two goals:

1. To increase statewide awareness of the UNHCE Master Gardener Program and the Family, Home & Garden Education Center toll-free Info Line (1-877-398-4769).


2. To form working relationships between retail growers/garden centers and the Master Gardener program that will benefit the volunteers, the businesses, and the customers.

The pilot program will run in 18 outlets from mid-April through June of 2007. For more information about the program, contact Family, Home & Garden Education Center Coordinator Rachel Maccini at 629-9494, ext. 130.

Soil testing
Lab will analyze your soil sample and return recommendations for amending your soil to promote optimum plant growth. Compost testing, too!

Insect identification
Get those unknown insects, spiders and mites identified. Submit samples by mail or in person.

Plant diagnostic laboratory (plant diseases)
Extension Plant Health specialist will diagnose plant diseases, stress-related disorders, and pests for both commercial and home gardeners. Walk in or submit samples through the mail.

2nd-time winners in financial lifeskills competition move on to nationals in Orlando

For the second time, Sullivan County 4-H has won the state championship in the 2007 New Hampshire Jump$tart Coalition's LifeSmarts financial literacy competition.

The team of five high school students: team captain Allen Abendroth, Rachel Shklar, Amy Barriger, Rebecca Mailhot, and alternate Caroline Mailhot, beat high school teams from Winnacunnet, Raymond, Newfound Regional, Mascoma Valley, and Interlakes Regional.

The Sullivan County team will represent New Hampshire at the LifeSmarts National Competition April 21 to 24 in Orlando, Florida.