Growing Strong & Healthy

Did you know that gardeners eat twice as many servings of vegetables as people who do not garden? Gardeners also get twice as many hours of exercise as people who do not garden.

UW-Extension educates Milwaukee County residents about gardening as a way to enhance self-sufficiency, health, family traditions and neighborhood dynamics. We also rent garden plots and help residents develop their own community gardens.

Emerald Ash Borer Found in Wisconsin
On August 1, 2008, the emerald ash borer was found in Ozaukee County, just north of Milwaukee County. This is the first siting in Wisconsin of this destructive beetle. The emerald ash borer is a wood boring beetle that attacks ash trees, usually killing them in one to three years. To learn how to identify and control this beetle, visit: http://emeraldashborer.wi.gov . To report a suspected infestation, call 800-462-2803.

Calendar & Tips
What should you be doing in your yard and garden this month? Check the monthly Garden Calendar and Tips prepared by Sharon Morrisey, Consumer Horticulture Agent. Sharon also provides timely gardening information between 7 and 9 am Mondays on Fox 6 (April-October) and the 1st Tuesday of each month from Noon to 1 pm at JS Online Chat.

Horticulture Help Line
Have a yard or garden question? From 9 am to Noon Monday through Wednesday, Milwaukee County residents may call 414-290-2410 to consult our Horticulturists or Master Gardeners. For more answers to your yard and garden questions, visit the Horticulture Help Line web page.

Master Beekeeping & the Urban Apiculture Institute
Milwaukee County UW-Extension & the Urban Apiculture Institute have started Wisconsin's first Master Beekeeper program. In 2008, we secured a permit for an apiary at the community gardens in Wauwatosa and conducted our first Master Beekeeper class. To learn more, contact Linda Reynolds, 414-290-2417, or visit the Urban Apiculture Institute web page.

Now Open!
UW-Extension Horticulture Center at Boerner Botanical Gardens
For horticulture literature, answers to your general gardening questions, plant identification and diagnosis of insect and disease problems, stop by to talk to our Plant Health Advisors and Master Gardener Volunteers. The Horticulture Center is located on the Lower Level of the Boerner Botanical Gardens Education & Visitor Center. Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 2 pm (May 1- September 30)

Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by UW-Extension specialists and agents in many aspects of horticulture. In return for their training, Master Gardeners volunteer to help with educational programs in horticulture and a wide variety of community service projects. For more information about the SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners, call the Volunteer Coordinator at 414-290-2416 or visit the SEW MG web site.

Accessible Gardening
Since 1995, Extension Urban Agriculture staff have been teaching gardeners with physical and developmental limitations the joy and techniques of gardening. We train clients and caregivers at our innovative accessible demonstration garden and adjacent greenhouse. For more information about accessible gardening or to arrange a tour, contact Dennis Lukaszewski at 414-290-2413 or by email.

Project FEEDs
FEEDs, Food, Ecosystem, and Educational Demonstration sites, is working to make the community gardening movement stronger by building connections among gardeners. Extension staff conduct workshops to help people create and sustain community gardens. We enhance communication among gardeners through a website and email list-serve. To learn more, visit the FEEDs web site or contact Tracy Wasielewski at 414-290-2414 or by email.

Rent a Garden
2008 is the 36th year that Extension has rented gardens in Milwaukee County. For urban residents who do not have a place to garden, the garden plot rental program provides an opportunity to grow nutritious food, save grocery money, enjoy some exercise and share family traditions. To learn more about renting a garden, visit the Garden Rental web site or contact Carleen Xiong at 414-290-2405 or by email.