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Weather is fascinating. It affects our daily life. It’s exciting. And it’s always changing.

KSMQ is proud to announce the next Regional Town Hall as part of the series, Cities on the Move. On Tuesday, June 30 we will be exploring the hot/cold/wet/dry/windy influence that weather has on our region. A panel of experts will cover the basics of climate change and new technology and share their favorite weather stories.

Our at-home audience of informed citizens can also engage the panel in a dialogue on weather events, storm chasing, or their favorite method of prediction. It is sure to be a lively and entertaining discussion.

Garden Connections appreciates the questions and comments we have received from our viewers. This is in response to a question asked recently about drip irrigation. Thank you Jason.

Drip irrigation is definitely the way to go when watering. There are many different types of irrigation (Ebb & Flow, Sprinkler, Mist, Drip, Manual), but drip irrigation is definitely the most eco-friendly and very easy to use if put together properly. Drip irrigation uses up to 70% less water than sprinkler irrigation because it is applied directly to the root zone or pot, whatever you are working with, and reduces water loss from wind blowing and evaporation. It is more efficient than manual watering because it is delivered slowly so the water has time to thoroughly soak in instead of just running off.

Like I mentioned earlier, putting the system together properly and maintaining it is the key. You can often find soaker hoses (porous hose that allows water to soak through the entire length) at most stores that carry garden hose. This would be the simplest way to start. Simply hook it up to your faucet and turn it on for 1-2 hours. However, it may not be the most precise. When working with pots, you may find you need a specific line to each, or you may have plants that need more water than others in the garden. These scenarios would mean hooking up a main hose line and then adding secondary lines attached to the main line with regulatory emitters. You can then place 1 line in each pot, 1-2 lines to each plant (depending on water needs) etc. You can even get as fancy as adding timers. For homeowners that already have lawn sprinkler systems, they may be able to add a drip line zone for shrubs and flowers if their system has the proper set up.

Though drip systems give you the best water usage, they can be tricky to maintain. You need to make sure water doesn’t leak from connections, wind or animals may pull up or move the drips, animals may chew on the lines, etc. So, you will need to check on the system regularly to make sure it is working properly. If you end up with a wilted pot/plant one day, check it out right away and fix whatever the problem is. It is also best for many trees and shrubs if you limit water to whenever necessary and only water 1-2 times per week with a good deep soaking, rather than a little bit every day. This will encourage deep healthy root systems that can be self sustaining rather than shallow systems that depend solely on your irrigation system.

If you’re like me, you can instantly answer the question “what’s your favorite PBS programs?” For me, Saturday is “the” day… that’s when my KSMQ favorites are on.

Oh sure,  I could be outside doing yard work, taking the dog for a walk or some other typical Saturday activity… but on Saturday afternoons you’ll find me glued to my seat watching, Hometime, This Old House, Ask This Old House, New Yankee Workshop, Woodwright’s Shop and Motorweek.

I started watching This Old House and Motorweek back in the early 80s. These programs have helped me to make decisions about my home, home improvement projects that I’ve undertaken and helped me to select the vehicles that I drive. There’s just something about Saturdays and KSMQ, they seem to go together.

Thanks KSMQ! I’m glad Classic PBS is still in full-force!

(Ps… these programs begin @ 1:00pm).

Signed KSMQ’s “Web Guy”

On Tuesday night, June 16th, fifty fun-loving KSMQ members and staff journeyed to Minneapolis’ Orpheum Theatre to enjoy opening night of “A Chorus Line”. Although it was pouring rain and it seemed every highway and street in Minneapolis was under construction, our intrepid bus driver Wayne got us there safely and soundly and dropped us off right in front of the theatre. We were all unanimous in declaring it fabulous and encourage anyone who has not yet had the chance to see this Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece should definitely get to the Orpheum to see it! The dancing is incredible and makes me wish I hadn’t given up on those dance lessons as a kid!

As well as “A Chorus Line”, KSMQ members have traveled this year to see “Celtic Woman” and “Andre Rieu”. In August we will be going to see Daniel O’Donnell (another sold out tour.) We are in the process of planning some new concert/theatre/travel opportunities for KSMQ members for the coming months and should be posting some new opportunities soon. I would love to have you join us!

Marianne Potter
KSMQ President/CEO

With the recent severe weather and damage to our area, The United Way of Mower County wants to remind the community where to call for help, volunteer or to make a donation.

United Way of Mower County, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and AAIRDR work together to coordinate efforts to best assist those affected by disasters.

The United Way of Mower County partners with the Mower County Chapter of the American Red Cross by organizing and matching volunteers with community needs, accepting donations, providing the public with information on where to get assistance and other pertinent information regarding this week’s disaster. There is an immediate need for volunteers who have the ability to haul away trees and debris from the storm. Please call the United Way of Mower County at 507-437-2313 to lend a hand.

Also please note that the Salvation Army provides community meals Monday through Friday from 6-6pm at their downtown location for the community. Anyone who is still without power or displaced after Wednesday’s night storm should feel free to come in for supper.

Are there more severe storms and tornadoes in our future? That is one of the questions you could ask our panel of experts on Tuesday, June 30th at 6:30pm on KSMQ Public Television when Stephanie Passingham hosts the next Cities on the Move Townhall and the topic is Weather. Be sure to tune in.

Marianne Potter
KSMQ President/CEO