MU Extension in Caldwell County

10/27/2026

Plant garlic this fall for a flavorful harvest next summer.

Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow at home. Plant individual cloves in autumn, let them overwinter and enjoy fresh, homegrown garlic the following summer. Whether you're just getting started with gardening or have years of experience, garlic is a low-maintenance crop that delivers big rewards in the kitchen.

Watch the video for a step-by-step demonstration on how to plant garlic and set yourself up for a successful harvest.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x6HWa

10/26/2026

The office will be closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Will be open Thursday & Friday, 8:30am - 12pm.
Sorry for any inconvenience.

Have a Great Week!!!

Send a message to learn more

10/26/2026

WE'RE HIRING! JOIN THE CALDWELL COUNTY 4-H TEAM!

Do you have a passion for working with youth, building community partnerships, and making a positive difference? The Caldwell County Extension Council is looking for an energetic, motivated individual to help grow and strengthen the Caldwell County 4-H program!

Location: Kingston, Missouri
Hours: 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule
Application Priority Date: November 7, 2026
Apply online at: https://extension.missouri.edu/about-us/extension-jobs

What will you do?
Inspire and empower youth through hands-on learning, leadership, and life skills.
Build partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local volunteers.
Help plan, promote, and lead educational programs, camps, contests, and 4-H events.
Support and engage volunteers who make 4-H possible.
Create opportunities for youth to explore STEM, agriculture, healthy living, leadership, and more!

We're looking for someone who:
Enjoys working with youth and families.
Is organized, creative, and enthusiastic.
Loves connecting with people and building relationships.
Can work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Help us make the BEST BETTER in Caldwell County!
If you're ready to make a difference in the lives of young people and help 4-H continue to grow, we encourage you to apply!

Please share this opportunity with someone who would be a great fit for our 4-H team!

10/26/2026

As temperatures cool, you may notice more stink bugs trying to sneak indoors. Brown marmorated stink bugs are looking for warm places to spend the winter, and while they're a nuisance, they're harmless to people and pets. They don't bite, sting or spread disease.

The best defense is prevention:
• Seal cracks and entry points with caulk or weather stripping.
• Be sure openings are sealed when removing window air conditioners.
• Trim back vegetation around the inside of your home and clean up yard waste to reduce hiding spots for insects.
• Vacuum up bugs with a shop canister vacuum that make their way inside.

10/23/2026

Last week, we introduced cold stratification and explained why some perennial flower and native plant seeds need a winter chill before they sprout. This week, we're showing you one simple way to do it at home.

Using pots and garden soil, you can expose seeds to the natural cold, moist conditions they need while keeping them organized and ready for spring growth. It's a low-maintenance method that mimics nature and can help improve germination for many species.

Watch for step-by-step instructions, and stay tuned for a spring follow-up when we'll show you what to do as your seeds begin to emerge.

10/22/2026

Halloween should be fun for every trick-or-treater. For children with alpha-gal syndrome, many traditional candies may contain ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction. Offering vegan treats or nonfood items such as stickers, glow sticks and small toys can help make Halloween more inclusive for everyone.

Learn more about alpha-gal-friendly options and ways to support children with food allergies this Halloween: https://brnw.ch/21x6Bma

10/22/2026

Agricultural lenders play an important role in helping farm operations navigate changing markets, production costs and land values. Gain the latest economic insights and tools to better serve your agricultural clients at MU Extension's 2026 Agricultural Lenders Seminar series.

The series will cover farm profitability, lending risks, commodity markets, enterprise budgets, land values and cash rental rates, along with region-specific topics important to Missouri agriculture. Sessions will be offered at five locations across the state beginning in November.

Learn more and register: https://brnw.ch/21x6A5j

10/20/2026

More flu vaccine myths are up for review.

We've already tackled some common misconceptions about flu vaccines. In this video, we're breaking down a new set of claims to help you separate fact from fiction and make informed health decisions.

Watch now to see which myths don't hold up to the facts and which ones do.

10/19/2026

Recent rains may have greened up pastures, but they can also increase the risk of prussic acid poisoning in cattle and horses. Young regrowth of Johnsongrass and other sorghum species may contain dangerous levels of compounds that release prussic acid, especially after periods of drought followed by rainfall.

MU Extension specialists recommend avoiding grazing on these forages until plants reach about 24 inches tall and feeding hay or grain before turnout so hungry animals are less likely to consume large amounts of potentially toxic forage. Clinical signs can appear quickly and may include rapid breathing, muscle tremors, excessive salivation, staggering and collapse. If poisoning is suspected, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Get more info: https://brnw.ch/21x6w0e

10/16/2026

Why do some seeds need a winter chill before they grow?

Many perennial flowers and native plants won't sprout right away. They need a process called cold stratification, which mimics winter conditions and signals the seeds that it's safe to germinate when spring arrives.

There are several ways to cold stratify seeds, including refrigerating them indoors or winter sowing in recycled containers. In this video, we're introducing another simple method that lets nature do the work.

Watch Part 1 to learn why cold stratification matters, then stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll show you how to cold stratify seeds using pots and garden soil right in your own backyard.