Platte County Extension Office

Platte County Extension Office "Extending Knowledge, Changing Lives"

08/13/2026

Looking for plants that don't use a ton of water? In Wyoming's climate, water-wise gardens are a good choice for enhancing your landscape. One term used for these types of plantings is 'xeriscaping' (xeric = dry).
This video discusses xeriscaping at high elevations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roIOEQJQ-1Q
To find plants that tolerate tough conditions, check out the Plant Select website: https://plantselect.org/

08/13/2026

Do you have a raspberry patch or want to start one? B&B has information about managing both plants and pests!
Revive your raspberry stand:https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2024/spring/raspberry-revival.pdf
Controlling rose-stem girdlers in raspberries:https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2021/summer/0721rosestemgirdler.pdf
Variety selection:https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2015/spring/042015bbraspberries.pdf

08/13/2026

If your animal needs an antibiotic, it's best to consult with a veterinarian. Learn about best practices and developing a veterinary client-patient relationship (VCPR) in this article:https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2024/summer/accessing-antibiotics.pdf

08/13/2026

Looking for a local farmers' market? Wyoming's Food Coalition has a map of all the Wyoming farmers' markets to help you find yours! See the map here: https://www.wyfoodcoalition.org/wy-farmers-markets

Why buy local?
- more flavor
-more nutrients
-produce lasts longer
-supports local economy
-benefits environment

08/13/2026

Can you read an animal's flight zone or recognize a blind spot? How do you balance pressure and release? Does moving animals heighten your stress?
Here are two great articles to help you out!
https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2025/winter/stockmanship-reduces-l.s.stress.pdf

https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2025/spring/lower-livestock-stress.pdf

08/13/2026

What is a sustainable diet?
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a sustainable diet is “one that achieves and maintains physical, mental, and social health and well-being at all life stages while protecting the planet's resources and preserving biodiversity”.
In short: it's good for people and good for the planet.
So how do you eat more sustainably? Eat more plants, reduce food waste, and buy local & seasonal. Here's how:
1. Eat more plants. Animal products can be nutritious, but meat and dairy farming demand huge amounts of land and water while also being a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions. Eating a variety of whole plant foods while omitting ultra-processed options isn't just great for the planet; it's amazing for your health too.
2. Reduce food waste Nearly 30% of all food produced globally is wasted. Simple fixes? Freeze food before it spoils, plan your meals ahead, and actually eat those leftovers. (More on this in a future post!)
3. Buy local & seasonal (or grow your own!) Local, seasonal food is often more nutritious and supports your local economy, with way less travel time from farm to plate. Growing your own is a bonus. It's budget-friendly and sustainable! Eating locally cuts transportation emissions, skips the single-use packaging, and reduces reliance on chemical pesticides.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9498311/
https://www.wwf.org.uk/better-basket
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8895941/

08/13/2026

If you are relying on your lawn sprinklers to water your trees, they may not be getting enough. Hot and dry conditions are especially tough on trees. Make sure trees receive around 10 gallons for each inch of trunk diameter (3" thick trunk = 30 gallons of water) each week during the growing season. Apply water at the dripline, where the roots can use it most efficiently.
For more info about caring for trees in a landscape, check out this bulletin:https://www.wyoextension.org/agpubs/pubs/MP-158-4.pdf

08/13/2026

Mulching around trees, landscape plants, and gardens can lead to significant amounts of water savings by reducing evaporation! Using mulch can also contribute to w**d control and pleasing aesthetics! Read more about using mulch here:https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/_files/documents/magazine/2025/fall/mulch-start.pdf
How to properly mulch around a tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pqnXAdB41s

08/13/2026

🐝 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Wyoming Bee College! Join us October 23–24 at Casper College for practical beekeeping education focused on science-based information, practical skills and meaningful connections.

Learn from experienced beekeepers, researchers, Extension educators and conservation professionals, ask questions and connect with others who share an interest in bees and pollinators.

🔗 Register and learn more:
https://wyomingbeecollege.org/

📅 October 23–24, 2026
📍 Casper College | Casper, Wyoming

Registration options:

🍯 Beginner Beekeeping | Friday and/or Saturday
🐝 Intermediate Beekeeping | Friday and/or Saturday
🍴 Culinary Beekeepers | Friday
🌼 Pollinators | Saturday

Bringing a young beekeeper? Youth tickets are free with an adult ticket. There are no separate youth sessions. Youth participants attend the same tracks and sessions as adults.

Speaker and session details will be announced as they become available.

We’re buzzing to see you in Casper!

Address

57 Antelope Gap Road
Wheatland, WY
82201

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+13073223667

Website

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