Extension
Connection
Extension
Connection
Planting Considerations
By Heather Benedict, Agronomist Specialist
This is Heather Benedict, Regional Agronomy Specialist. I am based out of Bethany Mo. I serve Worth, Gentry, Harrison, Mercer, Grundy, Daviess, Caldwell and Livingston Counties. I will be bringing you today’s program.
Planting is just around the corner. Home gardens are getting a start in small planting cups in spare rooms or in greenhouses. Corn fields are being prepared for planting. With green beginning to show in yards and daffodils poking up, we are all anxious to begin working in the garden or the fields.
Farmers should consider their herbicide regimen at this time. A pre-emergent herbicide will allow planting into a clean field and postpone the need for post-emergent treatment. However, the application advantages need to be weighed against the dangers of driving too many times across a muddy field. Compaction is a very real threat to good yields. Also a pre-emergent herbicide can limit the ability to change crops in a specific field in case of crop injury due to weather or some disaster. Any good management plan will take into account these factors.
One of the first dangers all farmers and gardeners need to prepare for is having the seeds eaten by below ground insects. Some common insect pests are seedcorn maggots, wireworms and white grubs. Black cutworms will make an appearance a bit later in the season. In order to combat these insects, a seed treatment is recommended. Many of the common vegetable crops as well as field crops have seed treatments available. The treatments have variable lengths and rates of insect resistance. If there is a history of problems with emergence in a particular location, the seed treatment or lack thereof should be considered.
What ever choices are made in planting, remember that plant growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Enthusiasm in planting should be tempered with wise decision making. So as you begin to plant, keep in mind your long term goals and have fun.
More information and the research on the practices I have discussed as well as on many more subjects can be found in your local extension office. So if you would like further information on this or any other topic contact your local University of Missouri Extension office. University of Missouri and Extension programs are open to all. Thank you for your time.
(Written March 30 , 2009)
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Extension Connection Barb Ubben, Web Manager harrisonco@missouri.edu Last revised: 05/25/04 |