Beech Tree News Network

          Many Kentucky families enjoy gardening as a hobby, a way to produce food for their family, or as a way to add income to a farming operation.  There are many things to consider when planning your garden.  The University of Kentucky has a wonderful educational publication called “Home Vegetable Gardening in KY”.  This publication provides a wealth of information about all aspects of vegetable gardening.  It also contains information on using raised beds and container gardening.  The gardening publication discusses topics such as:  picking a site, adding fertilize and lime, pest management, planting dates and other planting considerations, estimating yields, and some info on harvesting and storage. 

An example of information gardeners can gain from the garden publication is that beans should not be planted until danger of frost has passed each year.  Most bush snap beans will be ready for harvest 50-60 days from planting.  There are both pole and bush type beans.  Seeds should be planted in rows 30 inches apart and seeds should be 3 inches apart in the row.  They should be planted 1.5 inches deep in a well prepared seedbed. 

Information like this on most garden crops is available at the Extension Office.  Good luck with your garden in 2018.  For pest management questions during the growing season the University of Kentucky Extension Service has a diagnostic lab to identify pest problems in home gardens.  These services are free to Butler County residents.  Simply bring affected crops to the office. 

            For more information, contact the Butler County Extension Office at 112 E GL Smith Street, Morgantown, or call 270-526-3767.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

 Submitted By: Greg Drake II, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources