The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
Thanksgiving Day was cold in Foster County, with temperatures dropping steadily throughout the day from a high of 14 degrees just after midnight to a low of minus 1.
In the past 30 years of weather records, only two Thanksgiving Days were colder than this year: 2010 and 2014.
The National Climate Prediction Center recently updated its winter forecast.
The weather models indicate that North Dakota can expect colder-than-normal conditions from January through April.
As for precipitation, our region has equal chances of receiving below-average, near-average, or above-average moisture this winter.
The cold forecast doesn’t rule out occasional stretches of milder weather like we experienced last week – but it’s almost certain that this winter won’t be nearly as pleasant as last year’s.
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Are you looking for a Christmas gift for a gardening enthusiast?
Have you considered a hori-hori knife? Also known as a weeding knife, the tool has a heavy steel blade that’s sharp on both sides, making it ideal for digging out weeds.
If the hori-hori knife is my favorite garden tool, then my second favorite is a pair of heavy-duty scissors.
Thick and sharp garden scissors are useful for many tasks, including cutting and deadheading flowers, harvesting vegetables and opening seed packets.
Other gift ideas are gardening gloves, quality hand pruners, a sturdy tool tote, a kneeling bench or pad, an amaryllis kit, birdseed, and a festive wreath or poinsettia from a local florist.
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Did you purchase a poinsettia for your home this Christmas?
With the right care, a poinsettia can last 6 to 8 weeks. Temperature and soil moisture are key to extending the plant’s life.
Poinsettias thrive in temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees, so place them in sunny spots away from drafts, such as near doors or furnace vents.
Poinsettias do not like “wet feet,” so if the pot is wrapped in foil, make sure to pierce the bottom to allow excess water to drain.
While it is important not to overwater, avoid letting the plant dry out and wilt.
Check the soil daily by pressing your finger about half an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water. Add lukewarm water until it drains out of the bottom, then discard the excess.
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Don’t forget Central Dakota Ag Day on Monday, Dec. 16 at the Carrington REC.
The event will feature two general sessions: Tom Brusegaard, from Senator Hoeven’s staff, will provide updates on federal agriculture policy, while NDSU Extension Crops Economist Frayne Olson will share his 2025 grain market outlook.
Attendees can also choose from 18 breakout sessions on a variety of topics, including agronomy, livestock production, beekeeping, gardening, and Foster County’s agricultural history.
Donuts and coffee will be available starting at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Preregistration is not required.
For more details, contact Jeff Gale at the Foster County Extension office at 652-2581 or via email at [email protected].
