USU Extension - Washington County

03/06/2026

Name That Shrub: Bright yellow blooms covering bare branches are one of the first signs that spring has arrived in Southern Utah. Do you know this shrub?

It’s Forsythia.

Forsythia blooms in late winter to early spring, often before the leaves appear. Its cheerful yellow flowers make it a favorite for adding early color to landscapes.

Southern Utah Tips:
• Plant in full sun for best flowering.
• Provide well-drained soil.
• Prune right after flowering, since blooms form on old wood.
• Avoid heavy pruning in fall or winter, or you’ll remove next year’s flowers.

Forsythia works well as a hedge, border plant, or bright focal point in the yard.

Have you spotted one blooming yet?

03/04/2026

Registration is now open for the **48th Annual AZ/UT Range Livestock Workshop & Tour**.

Join ranchers, producers, land managers, and livestock professionals for three days of practical education, discussion, and on-the-ground learning.

**March 24–26, 2026**

Workshops will be held at the North Event Center in Orderville and the Grafton Building in Hurricane, followed by a tour on the Arizona Strip.

This annual event focuses on current range and livestock topics, real-world management strategies, and collaboration across state lines. It is a valuable opportunity to gain insights, connect with industry professionals, and see working landscapes firsthand.

Register here:
[https://www.tickettailor.com/events/azutrangelivestockworkshoptour/1770731]

03/04/2026

“Before you buy fertilizer, do this first.”

Healthy plants start with healthy soil.

As you plant, mix 1–2 teaspoons of a balanced fertilizer into the soil beneath each plant. This places nutrients right where roots can access the macronutrients they need for strong, productive growth.

But don’t overdo it! Over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good—leading to weak growth, salt buildup, and wasted money.

👉 Before adding anything, start with a **soil test** to understand your baseline nutrient levels. Knowing what your soil actually needs helps you fertilize smarter—not heavier.

Have you tested your soil lately?

Learn more about soil testing at https://extension.usu.edu/utah/gardening/soil-testing

03/03/2026

Today, we recognize **World Teen Mental Wellness Day**

The teen years can bring big emotions, new pressures, and unexpected challenges. As parents, caregivers, and community members, creating space for open conversation and encouraging healthy coping skills can make all the difference.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is listen first.

If you’re looking for practical, research-backed (and free!) resources to help navigate tough conversations and support the teens in your life, visit:[https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/faq/talking-with-teens]

You don’t have to navigate the teenage years alone — support and tools are available.

03/01/2026

“If you raise livestock in our county, this matters.”

USU Extension provides research-based support for animal health, nutrition, and management. If you work with swine or other livestock, our office is here to help. https://extension.usu.edu/agriculture

03/01/2026

Have you checked your blossoms yet? What are you seeing in your orchard?
Last week’s freezing temps had many fruit tree owners holding their breath. If your trees were in bloom, you may be wondering… did the frost take your fruit crop?

Here’s how to check:

Pick a blossom and gently open it.
• If the center is bright green – good news! It likely survived.
• If the center is gray or black – that blossom was damaged by frost.

For a better estimate of crop loss:
1️⃣ Pick 10 blossoms from different parts of the tree.
2️⃣ Open each one and check the center.
3️⃣ Count how many are dark (frozen).

Example: If 7 out of 10 blossoms are black in the center, that’s about 70% crop loss.

Keep in mind — even with some loss, trees often produce more blossoms than needed for a full crop.

If you’re curious about the specific temperatures that cause damage at different bloom stages, check out this helpful publication from Utah State University Extension:
https://extension.usu.edu/productionhort/files/CriticalTemperaturesFrostDamageFruitTrees.pdf

02/27/2026

It’s National Retro Day, and we’re celebrating the timeless “granny crafts” that never go out of style.

Knitting. Sewing. Crocheting. Quilting. Embroidery.
These skills connect generations, preserve stories, and create something meaningful with our own two hands.

Whether it’s a hand-stitched quilt, a knitted dishcloth, or mending a favorite pair of jeans, these traditional crafts teach patience, creativity, and self-reliance.

Today is the perfect day to:
• Finish that project you started months ago
• Learn a new stitch
• Teach a child or grandchild a classic skill
• Pull out a pattern that’s been tucked away

Handmade never goes out of style — it just becomes vintage.
Visit extension.usu.edu/sewing/ for your next project.

What’s your favorite retro craft? Share a photo of something you’ve made in the comments!

02/27/2026

Landscape Watering Tips – When to Irrigate

Keeping your lawn, trees, and plants healthy means watering at the right times throughout the year. According to the Washington County Water Conservancy District’s watering guide:

Smart Watering:
✔ Water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong roots
✔ Use the “cycle & soak” method to avoid runoff
✔ Adjust your irrigation based on your soil, weather, and plant needs
🌱 Seasonal Frequency:
Nov–Feb: Up to 1 day per week
Mar–Apr: Up to 3 days per week
May–Aug: Up to 4 days per week
Sep–Oct: Up to 3 days per week

Best Time of Day:
Avoid watering during the heat of the day. Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation and help water soak into the soil.
Give your landscape exactly what it needs — not more — and save water while keeping things green! 🌎💦
⬇link first comment

02/26/2026

Ready to show off your skills at the Washington County Fair?
30 days left to register your items!

Get all the details & enter here:
https://washcofair.net/participate-in-the-fair/

Time is moving fast — don’t miss out! ✨

02/19/2026

Have you ever wondered why orchards often paint the trunks of the trees white?
It is not to prevent insect damage! The reason is to prevent what is called “southwest sun scald,” which occurs in the winter months when the sun hits the southwest side of the tree, activating the tissue under the bark, which then freezes at night, causing the bark to fluff off later in the year or several years down the road. White wraps or paint will reflect the sunlight and prevent the damage. It is very common on fruit trees, but also occurs on some of our ornamentals. https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/abiotic/sunscald

02/18/2026

02/18/2026

What’s Your Favorite Cool-Season Crop?

Have you ever wondered exactly when to plant cool-season vegetables in Washington County? Timing can make all the difference — especially with the variation in elevation and temperatures across our communities.

We’ve taken the guesswork out of it! Our team at USU Extension Washington County has created a planting schedule tailored to the county's different cities, so you can plant with confidence.

For our warmer areas, most cool-season crops can be planted now or by early March. Cooler locations may need to wait just a bit longer.

Take a look at the schedule and tell us:
• Have you had success planting on these dates?
• Do you prefer to plant earlier or later for certain crops?

We’d love to hear what’s working in your garden!https://extension.usu.edu/washington/gardening/vegetables/