Douglas-Sarpy@unl.edu

(402) 444-7804

July 2025

SNAP-Ed Cultivates Healthy Habits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is an evidence based program designed to help individuals and families lead healthy, active lives. Through hands on learning and practical tools, SNAP-Ed empowers participants to make the most of their SNAP dollars, shopping smart, cooking nutritious meals, and staying physically active.

SNAP-Ed partners with state and local organizations to meet people where they are whether that's in schools, community centers, or neighborhoods. In addition to offering nutrition education classes, SNAP-Ed supports policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes that create lasting, community wide impact.

Together, we’re building healthier communities, one step at a time. Our SNAP-Ed recipe collection offers delicious, budget friendly options the whole family will love, perfect for busy schedules. Discover how tasty healthy eating can be at: https://food.unl.edu/nutrition-education-program/recipes/

Critters in the Garden Landscape: Friend, Foe, or Somewhere in Between?

You’ve planted your garden, and now the bugs have arrived! But what are these curious critters creeping, crawling, and flying through your landscape?

Join Dr. Jody Green for an eye opening journey from the soil to the treetops as she explores the diverse and fascinating world of garden arthropods. From familiar faces to hidden heroes, you'll uncover surprising facts about the insects sharing your space and why many of them deserve your appreciation, not your fear.

Learn how to embrace nature’s balance and live in harmony with the incredible creatures that call your garden home.

🗓 When: July 8, 2025

🕕 Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

📍 Where: UNL Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office

8015 West Center Road, Omaha

Seating is limited, reserve your spot today here.

This event is free to attend, but participants can donate non-perishable food item for our Free Little Pantry on-site or you can make a donation to the Friends of Extension Foundation - https://www.friendsofextension.org/donate.html.

Canning Resources

Canning Vegetables

Safe Canning Methods for Vegetables

Pressure canning, using either a dial gauge or weighted gauge pressure canner, is the only safe, research based method for preserving low acid vegetables like green beans, corn, and carrots.

For reliable, research backed guidance, check out our vegetable canning resources at https://food.unl.edu/article/canning-vegetables/

Take note: Tomatoes are higher in acidity and can be safely canned using either a boiling water canner or a pressure canner

See all our canning tutorials here.

Essential Equipment for Safe Home Canning

There are three main types of equipment used for heat processing home canned foods:

• Boiling water canners and atmospheric steam canners: Used for high acid foods (pH 4.6 or lower), such as fruits, jams, and pickles.
• Pressure canners: Required for low acid foods (pH above 4.6), including vegetables, meats, and poultry.

Most canners are designed to hold 7 quart jars or 8 to 9 pint jars. To meet USDA safety guidelines, a pressure canner should hold at least four quart size jars.

See more about canning equipment here.

Summer Events

Sarpy County Fair

The public is invited to explore 4-H projects, enjoy animal shows, and visit our "Ask the Master Gardener" tables at this year's Sarpy County Fair.

Douglas-Sarpy 4-Hers will exhibit their projects, and Sarpy County residents are welcome to participate in Open Class entries.

Where: Sarpy County Fairgrounds, 100 Main Street, Springfield

Dates: July 30 – August 3, 2025

Learn more at https://sarpyfair.com

Canning Class

Preserve with confidence! Join Nancy Urbanec as she shares expert canning techniques and essential food safety tips to ensure your home preserved goodies stay fresh and delicious.

When: July 12, 2025

Time: 9-10 am

Where: 8015 West Center Road, Omaha

Cost: 15 pre-registration, $20 at the door

Sign up at go.unl.edu/gbr

Please note, Nancy will be demonstrating canning, this will not be a hands-on class.

Douglas County Fair

The public is invited to participate by entering their best homemade goods, beautiful pictures, or amazing quilts.

Where: Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St, Ralston

Dates: July 19-20 2025

Learn more at https://www.douglascountyfair.org.

*New for 2025, there is no entry fee for entries!

Horticulture Resources for July

Dealing with Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes

Blossom end rot is a common issue gardeners face when growing tomatoes. It appears as a dark, sunken spot on the bottom (blossom end) of the fruit and is often mistaken for a disease. However, the real cause is a calcium imbalance within the plant, frequently brought on by inconsistent watering or periods of rapid growth.

To help prevent blossom end rot in your garden:

• Water deeply and consistently, especially during hot or dry weather.
• Apply mulch to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote rapid foliage growth at the expense of fruit development.
• Test your soil before adding calcium supplements, as overapplication can cause other nutrient imbalances.

With proper care, tomato plants can recover and continue to produce healthy fruit throughout the growing season.

For a quick and helpful overview, check out this video from Nebraska Extension horticulture expert Scott Evans here.

Groundcovers: A Smart Solution for Challenging Landscape Areas

Not every area in the landscape is ideal for turfgrass or large trees. Locations with deep shade, steep slopes, or narrow spaces often pose growing challenges. In these tough spots, groundcovers can offer an attractive and practical alternative.

Groundcovers are low growing plants that spread to form a dense cover over the soil. While turfgrass is one type of groundcover, this article focuses on ornamental groundcovers, plants that are often better suited to problem areas and can enhance both the appearance and functionality of the landscape.

Although they are not completely maintenance free, selecting well adapted ornamental groundcovers can reduce upkeep over time and contribute to a healthier, more visually appealing outdoor space.

Consider incorporating ornamental groundcovers into your landscape plan to tackle tough growing conditions with style and sustainability. Learn more from our experts here.



Our Extension Experts on Backyard Farmer

Backyard Farmer is a cooperative television program produced by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Public Media. From lawns and landscapes to fruits, vegetables, and trees, Backyard Farmer connects viewers with Extension experts to help them grow smarter, healthier, and more beautiful outdoor spaces.

See previous episodes here.

Ask our Backyard Farmer experts a question here. Your question may be featured on the TV show!

What’s in Season Now?

Strawberries

Did you know strawberries are packed with vitamin C to help heal cuts and wounds? They're also a great source of potassium, which supports muscle function and keeps fluid levels balanced.

Try them fresh in this tasty fruit salsa recipe at https://go.unl.edu/tmj7 .

Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are a simple and healthy way to add flavor to your meals—without the need for extra fat or salt. Whether you're cooking at home or meal prepping for the week, herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, and thyme can elevate any dish.

Want tips on how to choose, store, and use fresh herbs effectively?

Visit: https://go.unl.edu/ozmt

Learn more about horticulture and the 4-H program by signing up for our Newsletters:

• Monthly Horticulture Newsletter by emailing Rachel here.
• Weekly 4-H Newsletter by emailing 4-H here.

Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties

8015 West Center Road, Omaha

402-444-7804

go.unl.edu/douglassarpyext 

Email us at douglas-sarpy@unl.edu

See our annual report here.

Our south office is located at 1102 E. 1st St., Papillion, NE 68046.

Call 402-444-7804 to schedule an appointment at our Papillion Office.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu