By JOE BECKER
Groundskeeper, KSU Ag Research Ctr-Hays
Tuesday evening, September 20 is set for the annual Horticulture Night at the K-State Ag Research Center in Hays. Emphasis will focus on the low-water use turf demo plots, the tomato and pepper varietal trials, and the Prairie Star flower performance trials. The date has been intentionally scheduled later in the summer so attendees can better view the results of the complete season.
Jared Hoyle, K-State turfgrass specialist will lead the discussion for the low-water use (mostly buffalo) turfgrass varieties. The plots are well established in their second year since planting for visual comparisons. Hoyle has experience with multiple turfgrass issues throughout the state. The particular demo plot is in conjunction with the Turf Conversion Program promoted by the city of Hays. This program encourages homeowners in Hays to convert their full-sun exposure lawns currently planted to a cool-season turf to a low-water use turfgrass. The advantages of established warm-season grass is water conservation and less maintenance.
The Ellis County Master Gardeners will present the results of production for the 11 tomato, 24 pepper, and 3 zucchini varieties. There will be sampling tables so participants can taste the varietal variations. The Master Gardeners will also announce their exciting plans for the 2017 garden projects.
The evening will conclude with a walk along the Prairie Star Flower Performance Trials. More than 130 cultivars are being grown and rated for vigor, appearance and season-long performance. Holly Dickman, Ellis County Horticulture Agent, will provide her comments on each general group or series. This statewide bedding plant trial program (4 locations) is one of only a few across the U.S. and the only one in the Great Plains region. Cultivars selected for the Prairie Star list must perform well for two years before being added to the recommended plant list. The weather this summer has certainly thrown a challenge for some of them. Come see for yourself how they have performed –you’ll be the first to know the best bedding plants cultivars for the Hays area coming on the market.
Property and homeowners are encouraged to attend. Bring along your friends and neighbors, and youngsters who are interested in growing vegetables and flowers. Questions about flowers, vegetable gardening and turfgrass will be addressed but it is not limited to these topics. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. with the program starting at 6 p.m. The Research Center is located south of Hays at 1232 240th Avenue. For more information call (785) 625-3425 or check Facebook or Twitter.