County Agent Update

2015 SCN Soil Testing Program

The NDSU Extension Service and the North Dakota Soybean Council are working together to coordinate a SCN soil testing reimbursement program again in 2015.  County Extension agents in most counties of North Dakota have SCN soil testing bags available to producers who want to sample their field for soybean cyst nematode.  The best time to sample is right before or after harvest.  

The North Dakota Soybean Council is funding reimbursement for soil samples in 2015.  Growers can pick up bags at the County Extension offices.  Instructions are simple, select a site to sample, fill the bag with soil, and mail the sample bag and a one page instruction sheet to the laboratory.  You must use bags provided for reimbursement.  Growers will receive results in the mail.  NDSU will create a map of known SCN distribution, similar to 2014. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact the Extension Office for details.

Indoor Herbs

One downfall during the winter is losing the ability to have garden fresh herbs, growing herbs indoors is easier than it seems. Scatter the seeds of cilantro, dill, basil and parsley. Cuttings of chives, thyme, sage and rosemary may be taken from the garden and repotted indoors. When repotting plants, or starting from seed, make sure the containers have drainage holes. Using potting soil mix indoors is ideal, doesn’t get heavy or hard. You may use small (3-4 inch) pots or larger pots depending on your space, small pots work great for windowsills and larger pots work well with plant stands. It is best to set the pots near a sunny, south facing, window with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Another option is using full spectrum fluorescent lights, keeping them on for at least 12 hours a day and set close to the plants (6-15 inches). During the winter months, homes are generally dry, set the pots together on a gravel filled tray and then add water to that tray. A humidifier and regular misting can help add humidity to the room where the plants are located. It is recommended that you fertilize monthly when growing indoor herbs.