Released: January 18, 2005

Garden Catalogs Signal Coming of Spring

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Seed and garden catalogs are a serious gardener’s version of a Christmas catalog, said Evelyn Neier, Kansas State Research and Extension coordinator of the Junior Master Gardener Program.

“Most catalogs offer something for everyone, though,” Neier said. “Seed catalogs typically offer more varieties than local suppliers can carry. The pictures of the plants can help gardeners visualize less common – or new – varieties.”

“When different varieties are pictured side by side, there is an opportunity for gardeners to make comparisons that can be helpful in their decision-making process,” she said.

“The catalogs also can help gardeners picture mature flowers that may not be showy as seedlings and marketed in sixpacks. If early growth has a plain-Jane look, a greenhouse may choose not to carry the plants because they may not sell well,” said Neier, who suggested supplementing family favorites with one or two new vegetables, flowers or herbs.

“Don’t overdo it,” said Neier. “Gardening requires a time commitment. And, while it’s true that educational opportunities in the garden and physical and mental health benefits from gardening are known, it’s best to start small and then add crops as time permits.”

Neier advises first-time gardeners to choose a few flowers and vegetables – perhaps a couple of rows of beans and a few tomato and pepper plants – and learn how to grow them well.

“If gardening as a family, consider choosing early salad crops like lettuce and radishes that grow quickly and hold a child’s interest. Mid-to-late season crops – cucumbers, squash, pumpkins or sunflowers that seem to add size daily – also usually hold a child’s interest,” she said.

Children typically like bright colored leaves, flowers and vegetables, said Neier, who urged parents to consider a child’s age and attention span.

“A younger child will, for example, have less dexterity, so ask them to help plant larger seeds like those for sunflowers or melons,” she said.

With gardening information plentiful this time of year, Neier recommends research-based information available at local K-State Research and Extension offices and on Extension’s Web site: www.oznet.ksu.edu. To learn more about flowers that grow well in Kansas, click on “Lawn and Garden” and “Horticulture Information Center” to identify Prairie Star and Pride of Kansas flowers. To choose publications, return to the main menu and search for “Recommended Vegetable Varieties” at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/hort2/l41.pdf  and “Vegetable Gardening Planting Guide,” at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/hort2/mf315.pdf  . A moderately-priced comprehensive “Kansas Garden Guide” is available at Extension offices.

More information on the Kansas Junior Master Gardener Program, part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Family Nutrition Program, also is available at Extension offices and on the Web site. Click on “Home, Family and Youth,” then “4-H Youth Development” and “Programs.”

“Children usually like to eat vegetables they grow,” Neier said.

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News