By: Tanya Begley

May is always a time for celebration with Mother’s Day, school vacations, graduations, setting summer goals and quite reflection. As we close out May this Memorial Day. Cherished memories of our loved ones and our fallen heroes are shared and honored. While beautiful sunny skies give us warmth and enlightenment to forge ahead . A promise that summer is nearing.The plants are growing, and soon we will be in full bloom as we make more memories, share more stories and continue to enjoy blessed bounties nature has to offer.

In this May 2021 edition of our blog, I hope you will take a moment to enjoy (or even share with us) your own “bounty” with summer’s arrival promised and on full display. As we do each month, we will give growing season tips and tricks for summer crops, and planting and maybe a recipe, craft or “life hack” or two. We hope that you enjoy them and find them useful.

 We wish to highlight some happenings around the county, local resources, and farmers that want to invite you to come see what they have to offer. Please feel free to contact me at tanya.begley@owsley.kyschools.us  if you or your event would like to be featured in our blog.

By: Alan Taylor

* Soil testing should be completed. If not, you still have time. To complete the soil test, take 10-12 soil samples from different parts of the garden. Take these samples to your local extension office for analysis. The results will help you to determine how much fertilizer that you need to apply to your garden.

*Late April/early May was a great time to plant sweet corn and you can still put it out. Potatoes can be planted if they are not already planted, as can any of the cold crops such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.

* Beans, tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, and muskmelon can be planted beginning mid-May. The average last frost should have pasted around  May 3 and May 18.

*Owsley County Extension office directions link: https://owsley.ca.uky.edu/content/directions

 

 

 

 

 

By: Tanya Begley

Local events & Reminders

The Owsley County Farmer’s Market will officially Open for the season Tuesday June 1st at 9 a.m. . It will be open every Tuesday & Saturday. You can keep up with the Farmer’s Market on their wonderful Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/people/Owsley-County-Farmers-Market/100057258197449/

There will be an Vendor’s Fair June 5th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Owsley County Fair Grounds . See more information here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1112909039114496/

We hope you have enjoyed this months Owsley County Farm To School -Grow Appalachia Blog. We would love to feature local farming and events around the community. Feel free to reach out and let us know what you have going on. We will close with recipes  for some “refreshing summer drinks” perfect for your summer gatherings or to enjoy on your own! https://www.fifteenspatulas.com/4-refreshing-summer-drinks/

photo courtesy of: www,fifeteenspatulas.com

Happy Growing,

Mrs. B♥