Backyard Farmer Monthly Newsletter

April Newsletter

April is Blooming with Possibilities!

The 73rd season of Backyard Farmer returns tomorrow, April 3 at 7pm CT on Nebraska Public Media. We look forward to diving into your backyard farming adventures. This month is all about planting, nurturing, and preparing for a season of growth and abundance. Whether you're sowing your first seeds or tending to a flourishing garden, we've got you covered with tips, tricks, and timely advice to keep your backyard thriving.

In this issue, we'll explore essential mulching, planting schedules, soil preparation techniques, and ways to attract beneficial pollinators. Plus, don't miss our expert lawn insights and a special feature on growing spring vegetables.

🌱 😂 Gardening Funnies:

What kind of flower looks like it just came back from a fight?
A Black-Eyed Susan!

What kind of socks does a gardener wear?
Garden hose!

Video: Spring Turf Tips

UNL Turfgrass Research Manager Matt Sousek gives us some tips to getting your lawn off to the right start this spring.

Video: Mulch Types & Usage

Nebraska Extension Assistant Educators Scott Evans and Dana Freeman talk about different types of mulches and how to use them.

Video: Sping Soil Preparation

UNL Director of Landscape Services Jeff Culbertson demonstrates some techniques for having your garden soil ready for the season.

Website: Attracting Butterflies

Plant Butterfly-Friendly Flowers: Choose nectar-rich blooms like lavender, coneflowers, and milkweed. A variety of colors and bloom times will keep butterflies coming back all season long.

Provide a Water Source: Butterflies need water to stay hydrated. Create a shallow dish with damp sand to give them a safe place to drink.

Create Sunlit Spaces: Butterflies love warmth, so leave open areas where they can bask in the sun.

Avoid Pesticides: Chemical pesticides can harm butterflies. Opt for organic gardening methods to keep your garden safe for pollinators.

Add Host Plants: Caterpillars need specific host plants to grow into butterflies. Popular choices include milkweed for monarchs and parsley for swallowtails.

Video: Starting a Vegetable Garden

Nebraska Extension Educator Terri James goes through a series of tips on how to get a vegetable garden planted this spring.

Upcoming Events

Backyard Farmer Returns

Date: April 3, 2025

Time: 7 - 8pm CT

Details: Backyard Farmer premieres on Thursday, April 3 at 7pm CT on Nebraska Public Media. If you miss the live show, go to the BYF YouTube channel for all our latest shows and content, or subscribe to our weekly podcast.

👇Scroll down for the links.

GRO Big Red Virtual Learning: Trees to Plant and Trees to Avoid

Date: April 9, 2025

Time: 12 - 1:30pm CT

Zoom: Registration

Details: Nebraska Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom talks about choosing the perfect tree for your landscape. It's a long-term investment that can transform your outdoor space! Discover key factors you need to consider when selecting a tree and learn which ones to avoid for a stunning, hassle-free landscape that lasts for years to come!

Level 1 UNL Beekeeping Course

Date: Tuesday nights - March 18 thru May 6

Time: 6 - 8pm CT

Location: UNL East Campus

Registration

Details: Introductory level course that focuses on beekeeping, including topics on beekeeping equipment, protective gear, honey bee biology, stressors, and management basics. Sessions 1-4 include lectures, hands-on activities, and demos by several speakers. Sessions 5-8 of the course is field training that gets you in the hives. Learn how to setup the equipment, install and handle bees safely, and perform hive inspections. Registration required and cost is $120 per person for all 8 sessions

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Full shows and featured segments from the past 10 years are all available on YouTube.

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