Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties

09/23/2026

Our horticulturist, Scott, wants to remind gardeners that, now is a good time to cut back and, if needed, divide peonies.

Peonies had a rough season with various issues, so good fall sanitation can help reduce disease pressure next year.

When dividing peonies, make sure each division has two to three “eyes” and one or two larger taproots.

When planting herbaceous peonies, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system, but be sure to keep the “eyes” about two inches below the soil surface. Planting peonies too deeply can prevent them from thriving and blooming properly.

09/23/2026

Your Husker Journey Starts Here!

High school juniors interested in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are invited to experience campus, explore their interests, and get a head start on the journey to becoming a Husker!

Junior Jumpstart gives you an inside look at life at Nebraska, including:
• A campus tour led by a student guide
• Two academic sessions to explore your interests
• Tips and advice for making the most of your senior year
• Lunch in the dining center and a taste of campus life

Come see where your next chapter could begin, meet fellow future Huskers, and get ready to Go Big Red! Dates are Nov. 9 or 16, 2026.

Get all the details at

Junior Jumpstart helps high school juniors explore college and prepare for Nebraska.

09/22/2026

Happy First Day of Fall!

Stay active and healthy this season with our Fall Physical Activity Bingo Card! We’ve created some fun and simple ways to keep moving all fall long.

How many BINGO squares can you check off? Challenge yourself, get your family involved, and enjoy staying active this fall!

Let the fall fun begin!



Print off your copy today athttps://food.unl.edu/sites/unl.edu.ianr.extension.food/files/resources/fall-physical-activity-bingo.pdf

09/22/2026

What have we been seeing? 🕷️ The Woodlouse Hunter Spider!

Our horticulture team has been fielding questions about these spiders, which have started to appear in homes. With their tan abdomen and brick-red cephalothorax, the Woodlouse Hunter Spider can certainly look intimidating!

But there’s no need to worry, they’re pretty much harmless to people. Originally from the Mediterranean, these well-traveled spiders have made their way to many parts of the world. They overwinter as adults in protected locations, which can explain why you may spot them indoors.

09/22/2026

You don’t have to build an emergency kit all at once or spend a lot of money. Start with what you already have, check what may be missing, and add to your supplies over time.

Take a few minutes this week to check your emergency supplies. Do you have the basics, such as water, nonperishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a phone charger or backup power source, important information, and supplies for children or pets?

Remember to think about the emergency supplies you may need at home, at work, and in your vehicle. Being prepared in more than one location can help you respond more confidently when an emergency happens.

Check out this easy-to-follow checklist to help you get organized and set yourself up for success before an emergency occurs!

Nebraska Extension - Disasters

09/21/2026

Ever wonder how prairie grass seed goes from the field to your garden or restoration project?

Backyard Farmer recently visited Stock Seed Farms to see how native grass seed is harvested, milled, tested, and prepared for sale. Their locally grown seed is well suited for prairie restoration, native landscapes, wildlife habitat, and other Great Plains projects.

Watch the video to learn more! 👇

Amy Stock and the staff at Stock Seed Farms in Murdoch Nebraska tal...

09/21/2026

What a great way to celebrate our 4-H program!

Thank you, Vala’s, for this wonderful annual event. We appreciate your continued support of 4-H and can’t wait to see all of our 4-H families out there!

Have you made plans for Vala’s Pumpkin Patch yet? Don’t forget that 4-H Discount Day is this Thursday, September 24! https://valaspumpkinpatch.com/group-information/special-group-discount-days/

4-H families can enjoy $13.50 admission per person, and the discount is good for your entire family. Just have the 4-H member wear their 4-H T-shirt or show proof of membership at admission.

It’s a great excuse to get the family together and enjoy a little fall fun at Vala’s!

09/21/2026

Is your garden producing more fruits or vegetables than you can use? Check out our canning, freezing, and drying resources for preserving food safely at home here: https://food.unl.edu/food-preservation/
All things food related including recipes at: https://food.unl.edu/

09/20/2026

Eating breakfast provides your body with the energy it needs to start the day, helps you stay alert, and can even improve your mood.

Set yourself up for a successful week by making a batch of our delicious Breakfast Burritos now! They’re perfect for a quick, easy breakfast all week long.

Get the recipe at https://food.unl.edu/recipe/breakfast-burritos/

09/20/2026

Celebrate Good Neighbor Week with our Master Gardeners!

Mark your calendars and join us for Celebration Saturday!

Saturday, September 26
1–3 PM
Gene Leahy Mall
1001 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102

Stop by the Ask the Master Gardener Table and connect with our knowledgeable Master Gardeners!

Bring your gardening questions, learn something new, and enjoy this free, family-friendly event celebrating community and being a good neighbor.

We hope to see you there!

Learn more about Good Neighbor Week Omaha:
https://www.oneomaha.org/good-neighbor-week/