For the time period of April 15-30, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 1.56 inches of rain in Hardin County. Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 3.16 inches.

Hardin County Master Gardeners are sponsoring four free educational programs at the Friendship Garden, 960 W. Kohler St., Kenton this spring and summer. On May 19 at 9 a.m., the subject will be about planting vegetable gardens.

The High Flyers 4-H club met Tuesday, May 8 at Epworth United Methodist Church. A safety report was given by Carter Cannode about always making sure to wear a seat belt while traveling in a car.

The slow start to 2018 planting continues, but we would expect progress to accelerate this week as rainfall amounts lessen and air temperatures increase. We are at the calendar date where ground conditions, rather than concerns about soil temperature, will dictate planting.

The FFA chapter at Hardin Northern took advantage of the sunshine early in the week by hosting an Ag Day on April 30 for the kindergartners through sixth graders of the HN Elementary School.

The 15th Annual Hardin County Plant Sale begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 12 at the Hardin County Fairgrounds Arts and Crafts Building. Sponsored by the Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, there will be several Hardin County garden clubs and societies at the event that offers the public a myriad of choices of their favorite flowers, bedding plants, roses, herbs, trees and various other potted plants.

COLUMBUS — The corn was dying that summer. So were the soybeans, drying out, shriveling up.

As the weather warms up and rainfall increases this time of year, the Ohio Department of Agriculture Division of Soil and Water Conservation would like to remind producers and nutrient applicators of laws and restrictions on manure application.

As Hardin County farmers get ready to plant this year’s corn and soybeans, crop yields from the 2017 growing season have been released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service. Although these crop production numbers are based on estimates, they are used for crop insurance and government reporting purposes.

The Blanchard Pleasant Buckeyes 4-H club met at 7 p.m. on April 16 at the Hardin Northern School. The recreation for the night was the Limbo, led by Makenna Eibling and Hedi Trachsel.