How to Weed Your Garden and How Often

Written by Derek Carwood, Greenwood Horticulture

What is the Santa’s Hard Luck Fund?

Many years ago a few wise fairboard members realized that we provided a great opportunity to our RE3J students during the Southeast Weld County Jr. Fair & Rodeo each year, to showcase their hard work on projects in 4H and FFA, and even more wonderful, an opportunity to market specifically their livestock projects in the sale. They also recognized children and families in our community were less fortunate, and/ or unable to take advantage of this specific opportunity.

Supporters have come from near and far for 100 years now to support budding youth in our community at the fair. Many of those supporters walk the halls of our schools each day, or have children of their own who commingle with families who just have not had the best of luck. It is a sad reality that we aren’t sure that each and every child in our community will have a warm and bright Christmas morning by the tree, or a hot meal before they fall asleep with visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads. It was when this doubt of less fortunate children longing for the holiday joy crept into these wise men’s heads that they sprung to their feet much like St. Nick and plotted a way to deliver more support to our community. Keep reading, this Christmas story is about to get good!

What is a weed? While certain plant species are generally classified as “weeds,” such as dandelions and creeping Charlie, weeds are simply defined as any plant that isn’t desired in a given location. Even a rose would still be a weed if it popped up in the middle of a vegetable garden! To keep your garden in tip-top shape, here’s how to weed your garden and how often.

Weeding Basics

Most plants need three basic factors to grow: sunlight, water and soil. Weeds take advantage of open soil, access to sunlight and ample amounts of water in our landscapes to grow and thrive if left unchecked. Weeding is the process of removing these undesirable plants from the garden or lawn. While there’s no easy way to get rid of weeds in a fully planted garden, you can use techniques to inhibit weed growth or remove them from the garden.

How Often to Weed Your Garden

All gardens will have weeds from time to time. The question of how often to weed your garden is largely dependent on the climate, your planting style and the amount of time you can devote to weeding. Locations that receive more precipitation and have warmer growing seasons tend to see more weed growth, while gardens in drier, cooler climates tend to have fewer weeds.

Likewise, sparsely planted yards will see stronger weed growth due to ample access to open soil, while gardens with a heavier concentration of plants and less space between plants inhibit weed growth. The time you spend weeding in the garden will vary depending on all these factors, but keep in mind that it’s not necessary to eliminate every small weed from the garden. Some weedy species, like common purslane, are completely harmless and actually edible! However, checking your garden weekly (or even daily as you stroll through your garden) for weed growth can help you keep unwanted plants at bay.

How to Weed Your Garden

When weeding your garden, you’ll first need to decide what tools are right for the job. While many herbicides are available on the market, hand tools such as a stainless steel weeder or garden hoe can help you weed without the need for noxious chemicals. When using implements, be sure to remove the weeds in their entirety, including their often long, sturdy tap roots. Many weeds have the remarkable ability to regenerate from even small pieces of root left in the soil, so removing the whole plant is important.

You might also prefer to use a weed control film in your yard. Often made of fabric, these products allow for water and airflow while physically inhibiting weed growth. Weed barriers are especially effective in locations around large annual plants, such as pumpkins, tomatoes and squash, where the barrier can be seasonally removed and refitted or replaced.

Another effective weed control method is the naturalistic planting approach where you grow many plants close together, crowding out would-be weed seedlings and avoiding the problem altogether. This technique requires one to two years for plants to fully mature but creates a more natural feel and habitat for microorganisms, insects and birds.

When all else fails, call your local County Extension Office for further assistance. Weeding the garden can be a tedious task, but with the right tools and know-how, you can have a healthy, flourishing garden nearly free of weeds in no time! For more information on how to get started weeding, check out how to weed an overgrown garden.

The Santa’s Hard Luck Fund began small and has continued to grow each year. Since its start hundreds of children have benefited. The fund’s biggest gifting goes toward helping families nominated by the school district each Christmas season with Target Gift Cards. Target cards are specifically chosen so that these families can purchase warm clothes, food, and toys, but removes the opportunity for it to be spent on tobacco or alcohol products. It should also be noted that during the year our community continues to see other challenges and the Hard Luck Fund stands to support those in need past the holiday giving season!

The thoughtful and generous men who came up with this cause still stand strong in their belief of making sure, “We Do It For the Kids!” With this note I will leave you, if you find yourself searching for a place to donate this season, and would like to serve those in our community, please stop by High Plains Bank and make a donation to the SEWC Hard Luck Fund! If you donated through the silent auction at this years’ fair or made other donations to our cause we would like to extend the greatest of our gratitude for your continued support!

In the fast-paced world of construction, having reliable and efficient equipment is the backbone of any successful project. One company that has made significant strides in providing top-notch construction equipment solutions is MTC Equipment. Born in a modest 2-bay garage in Commerce City in 2020, MTC Equipment has quickly become a trusted dealer for XCMG construction equipment, focusing on sales, rentals, and service to cater to the diverse needs of the construction industry. With its commitment to customer satisfaction and a state-of-the-art 15,000 sq ft shop in Hudson, MTC Equipment has emerged as a leading force in the sector.

The Humble Beginnings and Rise of MTC Equipment:

What started as a small operation in a two-bay garage has evolved into a remarkable success story. MTC Equipment was founded in 2020 with a vision to revolutionize the construction equipment industry with superior products and unparalleled service. From the outset, the company focused on the core principles of integrity, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

The XCMG Partnership:

MTC Equipment’s partnership with XCMG has been a crucial factor in their success. XCMG is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery, renowned for producing high-quality, innovative, and technologically advanced equipment. As an authorized dealer for XCMG, MTC Equipment gained access to a vast array of machinery that catered to the diverse needs of the construction sector. This allowed MTC Equipment to meet its commitment to customers, ensuring they receive the best solutions for their projects.

Customer-Centric Approach:

MTC Equipment’s relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction sets it apart from the competition. Instead of treating clients as mere transactions, MTC focuses on building lasting relationships. The company’s sales representatives take the time to understand the unique requirements of each customer and recommend the most suitable equipment for their projects. By providing personalized attention and tailored solutions, MTC Equipment ensures that every client receives the best value for their investment.

Sales, Rentals, and Service:

MTC Equipment’s comprehensive range of services encompasses sales, rentals, and service, making it a one-stop destination for all construction equipment needs.

Sales: Whether a construction company is looking to expand its fleet or needs specific machinery for a project, MTC Equipment offers a wide selection of new and used XCMG equipment. From excavators and loaders to telehandlers and scissor lifts, they have the tools to meet any construction challenge.

Rentals: Not all projects require long-term investments in equipment. MTC Equipment recognizes this and provides flexible rental options, enabling construction companies to access top-tier machinery without the burden of ownership. Their rental fleet is well-maintained and up-to-date, ensuring optimal performance on the job site.

Service: Recognizing that equipment downtime can significantly impact project timelines, MTC Equipment prioritizes timely and efficient service. Their team of skilled technicians is equipped to handle maintenance and repair tasks promptly, minimizing interruptions to construction operations. Moreover, their commitment to providing genuine XCMG parts ensures that equipment remains in top condition, maximizing productivity and longevity.

The Hudson Shop:

MTC Equipment’s decision to operate out of a 15,000 sq ft shop in Hudson reflects their commitment to quality and professionalism. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest tools and technology to provide top-notch maintenance and repair services. The spacious shop also allows them to house a diverse range of equipment, ensuring quick access for customers.

Looking Ahead:

As MTC Equipment continues to grow, they remain dedicated to enhancing their offerings and customer experience. They plan to expand their inventory to include the latest advancements in construction equipment, embracing new technologies that improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Conclusion:

In a relatively short period, MTC Equipment has achieved remarkable success by prioritizing customer satisfaction and aligning with a world-renowned brand like XCMG. Their journey, from a small garage to a state-of-the-art facility, exemplifies their commitment to excellence and innovation. As the construction industry continues to evolve, MTC Equipment’s customer-centric approach, along with its range of sales, rentals, and service, is set to leave an indelible mark on the sector, empowering construction projects across the region with the best-in-class machinery and support.

Big Balloon Build at Aims Community College Community Center in Greeley

Big Balloon Build at Aims Community College Community Center in Greeley continued from page 8

South Platte Valley Historical Society Gets Ready for Trappers Day

by Jackie Smith

Whether visiting the park or volunteering, South Platte Valley Historical Park offers a sense of cultural experience and an excellent opportunity to give back to a worthy cause.

Taking place several times throughout the summer, the society hosts periodic workdays where volunteers help maintain the park. They clean, trim branches, remove dead wood and trash, stain wood, and paint. These volunteers are a special bunch of people dedicated to the success of the park. Volunteers like Ron Martin who lends his expertise to repair doors, beams, and signs; Ken Wee who puts his painting experience to benefit the park. Bill Taylor is also constantly in the park. Dressed in his stylish bibs, Bill can usually be found in the settler’s garden growing tomatoes, beets, and other delicious vegetables. He also assists in the repairs, mowing, and gives tours when the park is closed to visitors who just show up. These are just a few of our numerous heroes! Thank you to all who graciously donate their time. If you are interested in helping out, Sunday, August 13 is the next scheduled workday from 9AM – 2PM; lunch will be provided for the volunteers. All you have to do is bring your gloves and show up.

Do you know what is coming up September 9th? It is Trapper Days and Jerry the mountain man is back, and he has brought a few friends and they are hungry! So, what’s Jerry to do? Well Jerry, you can take your friends and go to the Annual South Platte Valley Pancake Fundraiser Breakfast. You and your friends can get all you can eat pancakes, sausage, and drink for $10.00. Kids under six eat free. Smiles are also free. The Society will be flipping them up early from 7-10 AM at the Ft. Lupton Fire Station on Saturday, September 9. Part of the downtown Trappers Day festivities. Umm, umm good! Also, on Trappers Day the park will be open with re-enactors in the park. Visit us from 10 AM-4 PM. Do not forget to join us for our potluck membership meeting and historical talk on Monday, August 8 at 6:00 PM. A historical guest speaker will enlighten us on the 1800’s. Check the website for details www. spvhs.org or follow us on Facebook South Platte Valley Historical Park. Remember we are not just a fort, but a living history park. We are located at 2001 Historic Parkway in Fort Lupton. On highway 85, the northside of Fort Lupton, turn West on 14 1/2. The park will be on your right. We are looking forward to your visit.

CCPC Congratulates Troy Schneider on election to Corn Board, Matt Mulch on Corn Advocate Award

Troy Schneider Elected to NCGA Corn Board

Delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Congress, which was held July 20 in Washington D.C., elected four farmers to serve on the organization’s Corn Board. Taking office on Oct. 1, the start of NCGA’s 2024 fiscal year, are new board members Troy Schneider of Colorado, Kelly Nieuwenhuis of Iowa and Bill Leigh of Illinois. Current board member Jed Bower of Ohio was reelected. All four candidates were elected to three-year terms.

Schneider served several years on the CCPC Board, including as president. He has also served as the chair of the Market Development Action Team for NCGA. “It is an honor and a humbling experience to be elected to the NCGA Board. The three of us that were elected have huge shoes to fill, and I look forward to working with the team,” he said.

The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for the NCGA and enhance the organization’s public standing on all organizational and policy issues.

“This year’s Corn Board candidates brought impressive records of service to their fellow farmers,” said NCGA Nominating Committee Chairman Chris Edgington. “Their willingness to share their time and talent serves as a testament to the importance of the work we do. I look forward to watching how the insights, ideas, experiences, and perspectives each brings helps guide NCGA’s work to build a bright future for corn farmers across the country.”

Matt Mulch selected as Corn Advocate of the Year

CCPC’s Secretary Matt Mulch was selected as one of three NCGA Corn Advocates of the Year. This is the first year this award has been presented, and it was done at this year’s Corn Congress on July 20.

“I was very surprised to receive the award. I do really enjoy being a voice for the corn producers of Colorado, and hope that this could just be the beginning. I tried to do as much as I could this year to learn and am grateful for the opportunity,” said Matt Much.

Recipients were selected based on their participation in NCGA’s call to action alerts, participation in various leadership development opportunities, CornPAC membership and participation in flyin/Hill engagement opportunities. The individuals were recommended by the NCGA Grassroots Team and voted on by the NCGA Corn Board.

The Colorado Corn Promotion Council (CCPC) was established over 30 years ago to manage a one-pennyper-bushel assessment collected by first handlers of sales of corn in the state.