Phosphorus is one of the three key nutrients that plants require in the largest quantities and is commonly found in many, if not the majority, of commercial fertilizer products. Unfortunately, it is the principle cause of declining water quality in Connecticut’s lakes and ponds. Where does the phosphorus come from? – mostly failing septic systems and fertilizers! Last May, legislation was passed that would limit the use of phosphorus
on established lawns. Fertilizers containing phosphorus can still be used when seeding, overseeding and laying down new sod. On established lawns, a phosphorus-free fertilizer should be used for routine maintenance fertilizer applications unless a soil test (taken within the past 2 years) indicates a need for phosphorus.
More information see:
http://www.soiltest.uconn.edu/documents/PhosphorusLegislationinConnecticut.pdf
The main program was “Honey Bees and a Taste of Honey” presented by Ralph Harrison, a beekeeper from Milford, CT. We learned about the inhabitants of a hive (the queen, workers and drones), how a hive is constructed, and what goes on inside. The discussion also covered the flowers that bees use to gather nectar and pollen. Finally there was a honey tasting where we sampled different varieties of honey.