I have recently been assigned a new phone number for my house. My new home telephone number is (478) 982-5132. This number originated too late to be put into the new telephone book. However, it will be inserted in next year’s telephone directory.

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Help wanted!

We are currently advertising for a part-time 4-H position at the Jenkins County Extension Office. This position will be mainly after school, working with 4-H’ers (kids) on projects. If you are the type of person that really enjoys working with children, then this is the job for you. Primary duties will be helping children construct 4-H projects. This includes D.P.A., mini-booths, or whatever project we are working on at the time. You must have transportation to and from the office and must be a high school graduate. The maximum number of hours that the applicant can work will be 19/week. If you are interested, please call the Jenkins County Extension Service at 982-4408, or come by the office to pick up an application. The application deadline is August 12.

4-H'ers participating in the dolphin cruise were, from left, kneeling: Mason Davis; first row (standing): Sara Brook Thompson, Mark Lane Jr. and Trent Lindsey; second row standing: Caleb Lindsey, Savanna Bowers, Aaron Tanner, Nathan Lewis and Tiffany Wasden; third row: Rachel Welch, Tonya Lane, Jacob Lindsey, Becca Rich, Johnna Forehand, Kayla Kirkland, Steven Brantley, Bobby Boone, Ashlee Rhodes, Tyler Kirkland and volunteer leader Winona Lindsey; fourth row: volunteer leader Tina Welch, Emily Sammons, Thomas Joyner and Jalisa Banner; and fifth row: volunteer leader Diane Wasden, Ashton Sherrod, Rhonda Lovett, Shante' Bynes, Porshea Cooper, Shiamante' Grimes, Callie Dailey, teen leaders Marah Johnson and Katrina Daley. Not pictured were volunteer leaders Joan Brown, Tina Sammons and program assistant Elaine Lanier.

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Discount Plants

As I was walking through several different stores that sell plants, I noticed several perennials that were on sale. These plants such as crepe myrtles, blueberries, azaleas, boxwoods, roses, small ornamental trees, and many more have steep price discounts. The discounts were put in place to try to get "rid of them." If you were to buy these plants during their peak planting times, you would be paying twice or three times the amount of money. However, the catch is getting these plants to live when planting this time of year. Let’s take azaleas, for example. This time of year one can purchase an azalea for approximately $2.00/plant. There are certain management practices that can be done to help ensure survival. Have you ever noticed how tightly packed the roots of a plant are when taken out of the pot? You will want to take a box cutter or razor blade and cut from top to bottom (vertical cuts) on the root ball. This cut should be no more than ¼ inch thick. Then, take your hand and break the bottom of the root ball, allowing exposed roots to dangle. This practice allows your roots to begin growing in the soil. When digging your hole to plant, always remember to dig it twice the size of the root ball, and add peat moss/potting soil with your mixture. It is always good to trim off the top part of azaleas when planting this time of year. This will decrease the amount of water needed and reduce transplant stress on the plant. I highly suggest that you do not add any fertilizer the first year of transplant, as it could burn the root tips.

The scenario described above works well if you have a few plants you would like to try to get to grow. I must say that the chances for survival are lower when planting this time of year. If you are a bargain hunter and a chance taker, then go for it.

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Peanut Leafhoppers

This past week has been a very busy week for peanut leafhoppers. I visited several fields this past week where growers were concerned about yellow chlorotic spots on their peanuts. Peanut leafhopper damage can sometimes be confused with herbicide injury. Leafhopper damage is easily recognized by a bright yellowing of the leaves that starts in the center and spreads to the margins. On the other hand, herbicide damage is recognized by speckling that later can lead to defoliation. Peanut leafhoppers can be controlled by any pyrethroid, sevin, or orthene, which can be added to your tank-mix fungicides.

4-H Update

Jenkins County 4-H’ers got a taste of the ocean life as they headed to the coast of Georgia for a dolphin cruise. 4-H’ers loaded the boats at the docks of Tybee Island and headed out to sea. According to Mrs. Elaine, it took about 15 minutes to get to the place where dolphins hangout and socialize. As the captain of the boat turned the motor off and anchored, dolphins started popping out of the water. At first there were a few, and then dolphins started popping everywhere. After the dolphin cruise, 4-H’ers and chaperones enjoyed an afternoon on River Street. After talking to the kids, I don’t know if they enjoyed River Street or the dolphin cruise best.

We look forward to offering this activity again next year.

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.