Daylight is getting shorter
Published 12:49 am Sunday, September 16, 2007
It is getting that time of the year when days are about to get shorter.
Daylight savings time ends Nov. 4 this year but Sept. 23 is the Autumnal equinox.
This is the day when there is 12 hours from sunrise to sunset. Daylight will become shorter which means fewer hours to work in the garden or on the lawn, so plan accordingly.
Some good news to spread is the National Weather Service has put out a promising forecast for October through December.
The predictions call for higher than normal temperatures and normal rainfall.
This means that the warm season crops you now have in the garden should keep producing a little longer than normal.
It does not mean that frost will be later, but it does mean temperatures should not be as cold and protecting plants from short intervals of low temperatures or freeze should be worthwhile.
Here are some good questions for both the gardeners and a group we have not addressed before, wildlife enthusiast and hunters!
Q. If I missed out on planting pumpkins for Halloween what can I grow for Thanksgiving?
For this years thanksgiving feast adventuresome gardeners can grow their own English peas.
Short vined, short season varieties such as Knight, Dakota, and Spring still have time to make peas before the feast.
It is still a little warm for best success with peas, but gardeners looking for a challenge should try a packet.
For really serious gardeners don’t forget about Christmas. Christmas peas should be planted at the end of September, later maturing varieties such as Laxton and Mr. Big would be good varieties to try for the new year meals.
Q. Is now a good time to start preparing food plots for hunting season?
The answer is yes, but there are several steps and strategies in properly preparing food plots.
I will defer all food plot questions until next Tuesday night. On Tuesday night, Sept. 25 at 6 at the Adams County Extension Office we will be hosting a seminar on Wildlife Habitats and Food Plot Management.
If you are an avid or just weekend deer hunter you will not want to miss this opportunity.
One of Mississippi’s best biologist and Statewide Extension Specialist Bill Maily will be here in person along with area forestry agent Trey DeLoach to conduct the training.
They will address all topics involved with food plot management from what to plant, how Ph affects plot conditions, and much more along with habitat management strategies to help increase your wildlife potential on any amount of land.
This is a free service to everyone.
A free complimentary meal will also be provided for all in attendance.
For more information or to sign up for the workshop call the Adams County Extension Office at 601-445-8201 to reserve your spot.
David Carter is the director of the Adams County Extension Service.