NEED SULFUR FOR FERTILIZER? TRY MATCHES

You don't normally read about placing matches into holes before setting out pepper plants. But, pepper plants like sulfur, and this is one way to provide it.

This little gardening fact, along with others, will be presented during the SEMO Master Gardener's Symposium, to be held Saturday at the Jackson National Guard Armory.

Jane Kniestedt, who was raised on a farm and is now a Master Gardener, will be one of the guest speakers during the symposium, and will discuss things that "mom and dad didn't tell you about vegetable gardening."

Kniestedt currently maintains a herb garden at her home in Frohna.

She is one of a dozen speakers during the five-hour symposium.

Dr. Charles H. Korns, retired professor of horticulture from Southeast Missouri State University, will be keynote speaker at the event.

Korns, who now makes his home in Arkansas, will discuss lawns and turf, and how to maintain, improve and keep grasses.

"This is the first year for the symposium," said Don Koehler, president of SEMO Master Gardeners. "We hope to make an annual event of it."

Koehler and his wife, Carol, will discuss growing and using herbs.

Three sessions will be in progress at the same time, in Areas A, B, and C. said Koehler.

Garden and lawn tool displays will be set up at the armory by Rental Land Inc., of Cape Girardeau. Debby Naeter, the Plant Lady, will display a number of tropical plants.

Naeter is also a speaker at the conference and will discus tropical plants.

People attending the symposium will receive numerous flower and vegetable garden tips, along with information on composting and other topics concerning gardening.

Visitors can also learn more about the Master Gardener program, said Koehler.

"Anyone interested in gardening, lawns, trees, shrubs, and environment can become a Master Gardener," said Koehler.

The SEMO Master Gardener's group has about 75 members in four chapters -- in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry and Scott counties. Master Gardeners are a part of the University of Missouri Outreach and Extension. Classes are conducted by university extension each year.

To become Master Gardeners status, gardeners must have 30 hours of classroom instruction and serve a one-year internship.

In Cape Girardeau County, Master Gardeners help grow flowers at the Missouri Veteran's Home, and at May Greene Community Garden.

Additional information and cost of the symposium, or the Master Gardener program, is available by calling Koehler, 334-3118.

Symposium schedule

8:30 a.m.

Welcome, by Don Koehler.

8:40 a.m.

Dr. Charles H. Korns, keynote speaker.

9:35 a.m.

Area A: "Beauty That Lasts," perennials, by Octavia Schrenborg.

Area B: "Growing and Using Herbs," by Don and Carol Koehler.

Area C: "Black Gold, How to Make and Use it," composting by Sue Brewer.

10:30 a.m.

Refreshment served by Master Gardeners.

11 a.m.

Area A: "Things Mom & Dad Didn't Tell You About Vegetable Gardening," by Jane Kniestedt.

Area B: "How, What and When to Feed Your Plants," by Pat Wedge.

Area C: "Grandma's Roses," Heirloom roses, by Dorothy Hickam.

12:00

Area A: "Multiplication & Division," propagation, by Bill Hallam.

Area B: "The Green Member of your Family," tropicals, by Debbie Naeter.

Area C: "Bonus Beauty for Your Garden," Butterfly Gardening by Kathy Venneman.