The Johnson County Extension Council elections will take place on Monday, October 16 at the Extension Office from 9 AM to 6 PM. This group represents the citizens of Johnson County and provide feedback and guidance to agents and the director.

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Rock Mulch: a Solution, or a Problem? 

Mulching is hard work! One common substitute for the bark mulch is rock or gravel, which may seem like the perfect alternative.

Before you spread that load of gravel, let’s look at the reality. It may not be the solution after all. Read more

October Gardening Notes

• Plant garlic cloves for next summer's harvest. Fall planting gets a jump on spring conditions.
• After a light frost, dig sweet potatoes and cure them for two weeks in a warm location. Then store in a cool, dry location for longer keeping.
• Harvest peanuts and roast for a homegrown snack.
• Pick pumpkins and winter squash. Keep in a warm area for a couple of weeks, and then store in a cool, dry location.
• Till the garden at the end of the season and add organic matter such as manure or compost to improve the soil structure.
• Make notes of successes and failures in the garden for next year.
• Remove hulls from black walnuts to retain good color of the kernels.
• Continue to harvest apples.
• Pick up and discard fallen fruit to reduce disease next year.

View the complete October gardening calendar

It's Sweet Potato Time

Nearly October, the time is nigh to head out to your garden and dig up this year’s bounty of sweet potatoes. The year has been long, and hot, which coincidentally are the exact conditions required by these tuberous roots to flourish.

So how should you harvest them? How do you know when they’re actually ready? Read more

How could you inspire the next generation?

With the new 4-H year kicking off, there are many ways to get involved with 4-H. While many volunteer roles involve working with youth, others do not.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities with the 4-H youth development program.

Whoooo Wants to Know? 

There are eight species of owls in Johnson County. The most common are barred owls and great horned owls. We rounded up everything you wanted to ask about owls. It's a hoot! Read more

Now accepting applications for the Class of 2024

Extension Master Naturalists are trained volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to managing natural resources.

If you love nature, want to improve your skills and knowledge, and like to work with people, the EMN program may be for you. Applications are due by November 6, 2023. Learn more

October 2023 Personal Financial Check In

David Bach coined the term "latte factor" to describe how we spend our money on everyday items that don't add much value to our lives. What impact do frequent purchases have on your financial goals? October is a great time to assess!

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Who will make medical decisions for you?

Only one in four American adults has an advance health care directive.

As you review your health coverage, you may also want to implement and communicate permissions related to your medical wishes if you were unable to make your own decisions.

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Eat your pumpkin!

Besides their beauty, pumpkins are also loaded with nutrition including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

One cup of pumpkin puree packs 7 grams of fiber! That is nearly one-fourth of your recommended daily fiber intake of 25-30 grams per day.

Learn more about this nutritional powerhouse and get a recipe for roasting your own pumpkin seeds.