image from the Old Farmer's Alamac 

Have you noticed these bright yellow flowers around?  It is Goldenrod and you can bet the bees are enjoying them.  

Happy Tuesday morning.  With having a Monday off it really throws off the whole week but it is Tuesday already.  We had a little shower of rain this morning. It is predicted to have a lot of rain tonight.  It is because of a cold front moving through. The rest of the week it is to be mild, cooler and dry.  That will be a nice change from the heat and humidity.  Ice Cream Social at the Westfork United Methodist church is from 5-7.  We serve beef burgers, homemade ice cream, homemade bars, chips and drinks.  Free will offering going to the Vietnam Veterans of North Iowa for them to buy gift cards in December for veterans.  I make the beef burgers and will be going down this afternoon to heat them up and put the beef burgers into roasters.  Others have made homemade ice cream, and still others have baked the homemade bars.  Many hands make this event happen.  It is such a good mission for our church, and it helps build our church.  Fellowship is very special, and you should see that with all the talking, laughter and enjoyment the fellowship room brings.  All in the name of our Lord. 
 
Australia family and friends are really having a lovely spring they tell me.  70% chance of rain for their Wed. Sept 9th.  But they are happy with rain because when their summer comes it is hot and dry.  Stay dry, stay well. 
 
We were at a beekeeper’s home this weekend, picking up honey.  I noticed his area near the beehives were all a bright yellow and I am sure the honeybees were working that field as it was all Goldenrod.  Think about adding this to your gardens next year. 
 
Goldenrod: The Fall Flower That's Not Causing Your Allergies  Written By:  Robin Sweetser
In late summer and fall, goldenrod puts on a brilliant golden show. But don’t blame this golden beauty for your allergies—that’s ragweed! Learn what goldenrod looks like, why this amazing American native is so important for pollinators, when it blooms, and even about its surprising role in the Boston Tea Party.
Would you be surprised to find that goldenrod was once so popular that it was in the running for America’s national flower? In 1918, a survey found that Americans’ favorite contenders were clover, columbine, daisy, and goldenrod. This was before native goldenrod acquired the erroneous reputation of being a cause of allergies. (Today, the rose is our national flower.)
Goldenrod Is NOT the Same as Ragweed
No, goldenrod does not cause most seasonal hay fever. Ragweed is the major culprit. Although goldenrod and ragweed bloom at about the same time and can grow in the same fields and gardens, they are very different plants.
A common misperception is that goldenrod (Solidago), a perennial flowering herb, is the cause of hay fever—but wind-pollinated plants are the source! The major culprit, ragweed (Ambrosia), happens to look similar and also shares the same flowering period as goldenrod, plus both flowers appear in open fields and backyard gardens, so goldenrod is often labeled guilty by association.
What Does Goldenrod Look Like?
Goldenrod puts on a show to attract pollinating insects, which then spread its pollen. Consequently …
Its pollen grains are large, heavy, and sticky, so that they will attach to the insect bodies.
This means that the grains weigh too much to become readily airborne, so it’s not goldenrod pollen that’s floating in the air toward your nose and eyes. Conversely, ragweed pollen tends to be small and buoyant, so it can be carried airborne by the gentlest breeze.
But since it’s often goldenrod’s flowers that we see through our watery eyes (in between sneezes!), this beautiful flower gets the blame. Many allergy-prone gardeners unnecessarily go to great lengths to avoid goldenrod. What a shame for this beneficial plant!
When Does Goldenrod Bloom?
Goldenrod usually flowers from August or September through frost, carrying the garden from summer to fall. Its late-season bloom is one reason why it’s such an asset to the garden, adding golden color when many other flower colors have faded.
Why Is Goldenrod Good for Pollinators?
An important source of nectar for so many pollinators—such as butterflies and native bees—goldenrod is especially crucial to the winter survival of many honeybees. Its pollen adds considerable amounts of protein, fats, and minerals to the late-season diet of the bees. Goldenrod also hosts a huge variety of insect herbivores, such as beneficial spiders and insect predators like praying mantids, lacewings, assassin bugs, and ambush bugs.
Goldenrod also produces seeds that birds, including goldfinches, grosbeaks, and nuthatches, love. Other birds—especially chickadees and downy woodpeckers—like the energy-rich larvae hidden in goldenrod galls (which are also hosts to other insects, from moths to flies).
Goldenrod and the Boston Tea Party
After the Boston Tea Party, goldenrod tea became known as “liberty tea” and was imbibed by colonists instead of traditional tea as a protest against British taxation.
Add some goldenrod to your garden for good fall color, reflecting the late-summer sun. The brilliant yellows combine well with other late-summer bloomers like white Boltonia, purple liatris, pink coneflowers, blue asters, and rosy Joe-Pye weed. They also blend well with their composite cousins, including coreopsis, gaillardia, and helenium!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/goldenrod-vs-ragweed
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from Old Farmer's Almanac 

image from botanicpinterests.com 

Labor in the garden for September 

Happy Labor Day Sept 7th.  We are having less humidity, cloudy weather and a little cooler out.  We will take this.  I will need to labor and water today.  We have had rain but not a lot so the plants need good watering.  How about you working outside today?  Hope the humidity is not so high this week, and the temperature is more seasonable so we will feel like working outside.  ENJOY, and stay safe. 
Australia family and friends are enjoying their start of spring.  They have had some nice rain so they are happy with that as it is to be a hot summer for them. Today is Tuesday for them and high of 64F(17C) and that is 5 degrees warmer than their average.  Enjoy and stay safe. 
 
Use these ideas and if you don’t do them this Labor Day you can work on them this month.   Ideas for the end of summer.    NOTE:  She is harvesting brussels sprouts and that is one vegetable that is harder for us to grow here.  It is a long growing vegetables like over 110 days.  You can try and if you get some that is great.
 
Labor Day Gardening: What to Do in the Garden This Weekend   Written By:  Doreen G. Howard  Gardening Writer
Remember that Doreen is writing what she is doing in her garden.  This isn’t me with all the harvesting and working in the garden.  I don’t have a garden as she has but I do use containers and have friends give me produce. 

Although some folks say Labor Day is the “end of summer,” that’s certainly not true for most gardeners. We’re harvesting, storing the bounty, saving seeds, dividing plants, and—yes—planting for a “second summer.” Come join us in the garden—and learn what to do in September.
Heads up, North Americans! The season will be with us for a few weeks until the autumnal equinox on September 22 and then come the cooler temperatures. Gardening in the fall is so much more relaxing. And planting after Labor Day leads to a bountiful harvest for many regions!
Harvest the Bounty
Seeing the plants ripen and finally bear fruit is most exciting. At this time of year, make a daily trip around your garden.
Depending on where you live, you may be picking beans, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, melons, winter squash, and more!
One Labor Day weekend, I spent an entire day digging up ‘Russian Banana’ fingerling, and ‘All Blue’ and ‘Red Rose’ potatoes.
Plus, we picked apples, Asian pears, brussels sprouts, and carrots. It took three times as long to clean and store everything as it did to pick the huge harvest.
Preserve the Harvest
One of the greatest joys of edible gardening is being able to store, freeze, dry, and even can excess crops for winter enjoyment. Call me old-fashioned, but I feel a deep kinship to my ancestors who came to this country, raised large families, and fed them from either the home gardens of my Hungarian side of the family or the farm my Irish-Cherokee grandfather worked.
I feel I shouldn’t waste anything grown in my organic garden. So, after I share with neighbors and family and give large amounts to an organization called “Plant a Row for the Hungry,” I preserve the remaining vegetables and fruit. See four easy ways to preserve your fruit and vegetables at home.
I picked over two bushels of Asian pears—far more than we could eat, give away, and share with the hungry. The crisp, juicy fruits only keep about 6 weeks in the refrigerator, and they must be stored in sealed bags to prevent dehydration. I hate to lose this exquisite fruit treat, so I borrowed a dehydrator from a friend to dry wedges of the pears into fruit crisps.
When it came to my brussels sprouts, I blanched them to prepare them for freezing. I had grown five brussels sprout stalks, and it took hours to cut, trim, and blanch them all, but I have enough of the tasty vegetables for the entire winter in my freezer.
In addition, I scrubbed carrots and potatoes for storage, and I washed all my fruit to kill lingering bacteria and fungi before refrigerating.
Next, I picked all the ripe tomatoes in the garden, roasted them, and made spaghetti sauce, which I froze in pint containers.
 
Divide Perennials
Labor Day weekend is a very good time to divide summer-blooming perennials.
A hole or dead area in the center of the planting area is a sign that a perennial needs to be divided. Other cues are poor flowering or pale foliage.
You want to divide once flowers have stopped flowering, well before winter. This allows the divisions to become well established and spend the winter on root growth before the springtime.
Usually, it’s a good idea to divide most perennials every few years, although some never need to be divided, and others, such as mums, could benefit from dividing every year. One year, I needed to divide my bearded irises. See how to divide irises.
Store Seeds
For early-blooming perennials, you can also collect the seed pods and store them to sow next year! Store seeds from lupines, columbines, and other plants in the refrigerator.
Fertilize Lawns
If there is one time to fertilize a cool-season lawn, it’s around Labor Day.
Also, seed or reseed any bare patches now; this is a better time than spring. Weather conditions going into autumn favor the growth of grass, especially the growth of its roots. See lawn care tips.
Plant Shrubs and Trees
As temperatures cool, you can plant shrubs, trees, perennials, and even some annual vegetables.
For shrubs and trees, prepare your soil with organic matter such as compost. Ensure the enriched soil is wide enough for the growing area, not just for the planting hole.
Water the soil a few hours before planting and then after planting too. See tree-planting tips for fall.
Plant Cool-Season Vegetables
Gardening on or after Labor Day leads to a bountiful harvest! In the North, there are many cool-season plants to enjoy, including lettuce, spinach, kale, cabbage, turnips, and brussels sprouts. In the South, gardeners can grow almost anything they like, aside from most heat-loving veggies!
 
Below are 10 crops that grow quickly, in time to mature before the frost kicks in; they are extra hardy, verdant, and longer-lasting. Note that many are leafy greens that can even withstand the frost through part of winter.
Remember to consider a seed packet’s listed “days to maturity” and back out from your frost date in order to find your planting dates. Also, take a look at the Almanac’s last Fall Planting Dates.
Fast-Growing, Cool Season Vegetables
Vegetable        Days to Maturity
Arugula           20–40 days
Broccoli           35–65 days
Kale     35–65 days
Leaf Lettuce    40–60 days
Mesclun Mix   30–45 days
Mustard Greens          25–40 days
Pak Choi (Bok Choy)    30–40 days
Radishes          30–40 days
Swiss Chard     30–50 days
Other vegetables to consider (depending on your climate) are: beans, beets, green onions, kohlrabi, and peas.
Keep an eye out for frosts or freezes. See how to use row covers, cold frames, and other ways to protect your garden from frosts.
Cover Crops
Plant a winter cover crop in areas of the garden as they become vacant through mid-October. Cover crops are an excellent way to keep your soil protected, avoid erosion, and give nutrients back to the land for a better growing season in the spring. Winter rye is a common winter cover crop and you can find the seeds at garden and farm stores. See the Almanac’s chart on cover crops.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/labor-day-gardening-tips
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from botanicpinterests.com 






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The Meaning of “Laboring in a Garden”The phrase “laboring in a garden” can carry both literal and metaphorical meanings, depending on context.
Biblical perspective
In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (NIV) Bible Hub. Here, “God’s field” is a metaphor for a cultivated space entrusted to human care, much like a garden. The idea is that believers are co-workers with God, tending His “field” — a symbol of God’s creation and mission. In this sense, “laboring in a garden” can represent faithful, diligent service to God’s purposes.
Literal gardening labor
In everyday life, “laboring in a garden” refers to the physical work of cultivating plants — planting, weeding, watering, composting, mulching, and maintaining soil health Storied Mind. This work often requires constant attention, seasonal planning, and adaptation to weather and plant needs. It can be both a source of sustenance and a form of personal fulfillment, offering physical exercise, creative satisfaction, and even therapeutic benefits.







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The Meaning of “Laboring in a Garden”The phrase “laboring in a garden” can carry both literal and metaphorical meanings, depending on context.
Biblical perspective
In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (NIV) Bible Hub. Here, “God’s field” is a metaphor for a cultivated space entrusted to human care, much like a garden. The idea is that believers are co-workers with God, tending His “field” — a symbol of God’s creation and mission. In this sense, “laboring in a garden” can represent faithful, diligent service to God’s purposes.
Literal gardening labor
In everyday life, “laboring in a garden” refers to the physical work of cultivating plants — planting, weeding, watering, composting, mulching, and maintaining soil health Storied Mind. This work often requires constant attention, seasonal planning, and adaptation to weather and plant needs. It can be both a source of sustenance and a form of personal fulfillment, offering physical exercise, creative satisfaction, and even therapeutic benefits.

image from wallpaper.com 

You have a safe Labor Day weekend and start of fall.  

September delivers summery days that make it hard to believe fall is just around the corner. Yet this is the month of the autumnal equinox and the Harvest Moon, unmistakable signs that summer is waning.( I love this word waning.)  I will use it in writing but never say the word in conversation. 
Labor Day weekend, last weekend to celebrate the end of summer and the start of fall.  Gardens are coming to an end, school starts, lawns are changing, leaves will be changing and we will have mornings that have a chill in the air.   

All of this I just can’t believe.  I am fortunate to be able to get some tomatoes, so I am doing lots of canning and processing tomatoes.  My next work will be getting ready for the end of the season and getting ready for winter.  I have plants to compost, I have plants I need to transplant, there will be plant orders to put in and just clean up the garden areas.  Just like you there is work at the end of the season.  All of this you will be doing too with your gardens, garden beds, and working on getting ready for that winter season. 

How were your gardens this season?  It has been a challenge with the weather we have been having.  May was cold and even the nights were chilly so some of the warm weather plants didn’t grow or now are not producing fruit.  June and July were a little on the dry side so lots of watering.  August came and we had rain, but we also had heat and humidity.  Many days were near 100F heat index.  Now in September we are having that humidity again.  Sounds like the first part of Sept will be above normal temperatures. 

So much of our success in the gardens, flower beds and containers depends on the weather.  Evey year is so different and that makes what we do in the garden a challenge and the reward of the plants that grow well. 

As gardeners we will continue to plant, grow, plan and work in the gardens looking at the sky for the weather for that success.  Hope you have a good September, enjoy the fruits of your labor and use the time to reflect on what to do for next year.
​
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from wallpaper.com 
 

image from bestflowers.te.co

You would be surprised when it is the best time to buy mum plants in the fall.  

​Good morning, bright sun out, clear blue sky BUT it is humid out and the thermometer is rising.  I am getting tired of this hot and humid weather.  I know what I will say when we have snow, blowing snow and cold this winter.  I am looking forward to the mornings and that crisp fall air and sweatshirt weather in the evening.  Same as all week highs 88F(31C) but the nights are warm at 70F(21C).  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are enjoying their spring like weather with high of 67F(19C) but 100% chance of rain which they are on a weather alert for severe weather.  It is going to be Saturday morning, and one of the grandsons of Evelyn and Tom’s will be playing in the grand final soccer match.  We wish the team good luck.  Wonder what the rain will do to the match?  Stay dry, stay safe.
 
I have been debating about posting this information about whether it is too early to buy Mums?  Lots of the garden centers and places are having them out.     
Is September Too Early to Buy Mums? A Flower Pro Explains When to Start Shopping for the Best Blooms  By Nadia Hassani 
Buying mums too early in hot weather can cause them to dry out and fade before fall.
Waiting for cooler temperatures helps mums bloom longer with less maintenance.
Mums sold as annuals rarely survive winter, so they work best as seasonal decor.
When the first mums start to appear at garden centers and nurseries, it may be tempting to grab them, especially if your other annuals look a bit bedraggled. But when it comes to buying mums, early does not necessarily mean better, not better.
 
To ensure that your mums are still looking great when fall arrives, you might be better off following the advice of an expert in flower gardens and waiting.
Stacy Ling is the blogger behind Bricks ‘n Blooms and the author of “The Bricks ‘n Blooms Guide to a Beautiful and Easy-Care Flower Garden.”
Is It Too Early to Buy Mums?
“August is generally too early to buy mums for fall decorating, even though that is when they begin appearing at nurseries and big-box stores,” says Stacy Ling from Bricks ‘n Blooms. “In hot summer weather, potted mums dry out quickly and require frequent watering, and their flowers may fade before fall arrives.”
The only exception, according to Ling, is when you need immediate color for a party or special event. She recommends choosing mums in full bloom and reminds gardeners that flowering won’t last as long.
When Is the Ideal Time to Buy Mums?
Mums produce the most flowers at temperatures between 65 and 70°F.1 In many locations, however, August and even September is much warmer.
“I prefer to wait until daytime temperatures begin to cool, which in my Zone 6b, New Jersey climate, is usually late September or early October, which gives me the longest-lasting display with the least amount of maintenance,” Ling says.
“Gardeners in cooler climates may be able to buy mums earlier, while those in warmer regions may want to wait even longer.”
With unusually warm fall weather becoming more frequent, it makes the most sense to take the actual temperature as a cue for buying mums rather than going by calendar month.
How to Care for Mums
“Consistent watering is the key to keeping mums looking their best,” says Ling. “Because they have shallow root systems, they dry out quickly, especially when grown in small nursery pots or placed in full sun,” she explains.
As soon as you bring the mums home, Ling recommends repotting the plants in a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix or planting them directly in the ground.
“Mums planted in the ground generally retain moisture longer, while container-grown mums may need to be checked daily during warm weather,” she says.
 
Another key element of mum care to extend the bloom time is to deadhead them regularly. When the flowers begin to fade and turn brown, cut them with sharp scissors or pruning shears just below the bloom.
Fall mums sold as annuals (florist mums) should not be fertilized; it won’t extend their bloom time. The plants have received plenty of fertilizer at the nursery, where fertilization is stopped a few weeks before the plants are made available for sale to ensure the best bloom.2 Feeding them while they flower could shorten the bloom.
How to Keep Mums as Perennials
The potted mums sold at roadside stands, supermarkets, or other retailers in late summer or fall are grown to be annuals only, and that affects their ability to be kept as perennials beyond a single fall season.
Trying to overwinter mums, either in pots or planted in the ground, has a low success rate, as they lack the extensive root system that is necessary to make it through the winter, especially in a cooler climate.
Because mums don’t reliably return the next year, Ling also treats them as annuals and uses them for seasonal decor, much like poinsettias at Christmas.
“This lets me enjoy fresh plants each fall, change my color scheme from year to year, and avoid depending on mums for lasting fall color,” she says.
Taken from https://www.thespruce.com/is-it-too-early-to-buy-mums-12036097?hid=67c8789e940e361d557d747dcde278cd6cab888d&did=25577882-20260903
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from bestflowers.te.co

image from pingtree.com 

Do you grow sunflowers?  If not, something to think about for next season.

We got rain early this morning.  And at some point, we lost our electricity.  I was going to get up and see if shop and the streets were out, and everything came back on.  It is sprinkling now, so overcast.  First thing this morning the humidity was less, but I don’t think that is going to last.  Looking at radar it looks like it will rain till 2:00 PM and if the sun comes out it will not be for very long.  We are in line for more rain throughout the weekend.  Of course, it rains many times on Labor Day weekend.  Stay dry, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Friday Sept 4th will have their average of 66F(16C) and a chance of rain.  Stay dry, enjoy spring and stay safe.
I am encouraging you to grow Sunflowers for next year if you don’t for this year.  They are so beneficial to many insects including bees.  Did not know that you could feed the sunflower heads to the chickens.  I know there are chickens as well as you are having a garden.  Give it some thought for next year. 
 
How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds Written By:  Celeste Longacre
Have you ever harvested your own sunflower seeds? I mostly give my sunflower heads to the chickens and birds, but you can also harvest seeds from homegrown sunflowers to roast and enjoy yourself! Here’s how.
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are native annual flowers that come in many different colors and patterns. Some reach for the heavens with one thick stem, putting all their energy into a single giant flower. Others spread out with many branches, inviting you to pick them so that they can “come again.”
Many single-stem sunflower varieties are really quick to bloom, needing just 60 days from the seeding date to reach harvestability. Make sure that you are making the most out of your sunflowers!
Isn’t it amazing to think that these giant flower heads start from one little seed?
About Sunflower Seeds and Oils
Sunflower seeds contain many nutrients, and the best seeds come fresh from the flower head. They’re packed with calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. However, they are very fragile once they have been removed from their shells, so always purchase them in the shell or from a refrigerated source.
Sunflower oil is one of the few vegetable oils that is fairly stable. I use sunflower oil in my mayonnaise. The truly stable ones come in a dark bottle, are cold-pressed, and are unrefined. Once opened, the bottle should be refrigerated to avoid rancidity.
When to Harvest Sunflower Seeds
It’s important to recognize when the sunflower seeds are close to harvest. Here are the cues:
The large heads begin to droop and turn down. The backside of the head should turn yellow-brown. If it’s still green, it’s not close to ready.
The tiny petals covering the developing seeds have dried and fallen off, exposing tightly packed mature seeds. If most of the petals are still attached, leave the sunflower alone.
The seeds are hardened and turn black with white stripes. If they are still milky white, they are not mature. Pull a few seeds to see if they have developed.
The foliage has turned yellow.
While you wait for your sunflowers to mature enough to harvest, protect them from critters. Once you notice the petals wilting, cover the sunflower heads with brown paper bags, fine netting, mesh, perforated plastic bags, or cheesecloth. Use a twist tie or rubber band to secure the bag so the seeds don’t fall out.
How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds
It’s best to wait and let the seeds dry completely on the stem. Then, just cut the stem an inch below the heads.
But some folks want to beat the critters and dry indoors. In this case, cut the stalks about a foot below the heads when the outer seeds are mature and hang the heads upside down in a warm, dry place that is well-ventilated and protected from rodents and insects. Keep the heads covered as described above.
When the seeds are thoroughly dried (after a few weeks), dislodge them by rubbing two heads together, rubbing the seeds with your hand, or using a stiff brush. Dislodge them over a big bucket. Allow the seeds to dry overnight on a paper towel.
Eating and Roasting Seeds
Once dried, you can eat the seeds alone, mixed with dried fruit, added to salads, or even used in place of nuts for baking—store seeds in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator to retain flavor. 
Roast the seeds to enhance their flavor, lightly brown them on a cookie sheet in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes. We have also heard that many of our readers have successfully roasted sunflower seeds in the air fryer! Try this method by air frying them at 350° for 7 to 8 minutes and giving the basket a shake when they are halfway done.
You can eat the seeds on their own, or use them in your favorite recipes. We love incorporating our freshly roasted seeds into the Soft and Chewy Granola Bars and the Chicken Salad with Rice, Oranges, and Snow Peas.
Seeds for Chicken Feed
I always give the seed heads to my chickens. As the seeds mature, I cut the heads off of the plants and, with a gloved hand, I rub the now dry brown “fuzz” off of the seeds. I then place them where they will dry. This includes my oven that has a pilot light and my picnic table when the sun is on it.
Once the back is truly dry, I place them in bags upstairs. These I feed to the chickens when it snows. As they refuse to go outside during these storms, I give them some sunflower heads and a few pumpkins or squashes so that they will have something to peck on besides each other.
Sunflowers as Cut Flowers
Sunflowers also make excellent cut flowers. Many times, they do need to be wired so that their heads look straight ahead. Getting the wire from a florist, put it right through the thick neck, bringing it into the middle, then twist both sides down the stem. They generally like a prominent placement if you put them in a mixed bouquet. They definitely can capture the audience’s attention!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/harvesting-sunflower-seeds
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from the Old Farmers' Almanac image from pingtree.com 

image from the Old Farmers' Almanac

Cucumbers have been doing really well this garden season, how about the rest of the vine plants doing?  Like Cantaloupes, squash, and watermelons?

Good morning, we are having some rain showers.  Not more than a sprinkle, but further north of us they have had storms, wind and power is out.  Hope all of you are staying safe.  This will still be hot and humid day.   After the rain then the sun comes out and will be hot at 86F(31C) with  90% humidity.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are having spring like days for their September 3rd.  They are to have rain today, but the temperature is warming up to 63F(17C).  When we were there 2 years ago, they would have thought the mornings were cold, but for us it was a great temperature.  Just whatever you are used to.  Stay dry, stay safe.
 
Cucumbers were doing well this garden season.  How are the rest of the vine plants doing?  Squash, zucchini, watermelons, and cantaloupes.  Here is when to harvest the cantaloupe or as you will read really, they are muskmelons. 
 
Nothing whispers summer like a chilled slice of sweet, orange cantaloupe juice dribbling down your chin. Good news: These sun-loving melons are easy to grow—and even easier to devour.
Cantaloupes are a type of melon with a tan-green rind. Typically, the rind is covered in a spiderweb-like pattern, though some varieties may also be striped. Inside, the flesh is bright orange and sweet. Their growing requirements are similar to those of other popular melons, such as watermelons and honeydew melons.
How and When to Harvest Cantaloupes
When rinds begin to change from green to tan or yellow, the melon is typically ripe enough to pick. Be careful not to pick too early, however.
Look for a crack in the stem where it attaches to the fruit. This is a sign of ripeness as well. The fruit should be easy to separate from the vine, but if the fruits fall off by themselves, they are usually overripe.
Harvest melons when vines are dry and be careful not to damage them.
Melons will soften after harvesting but will not continue to sweeten off the vine.
Cantaloupe can be stored uncut for 5 or 6 days. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic.
Wit and Wisdom
Oddly enough, the melon that is commonly referred to as a “cantaloupe” in North America is not a true cantaloupe, which is more common in Europe. In fact, our “cantaloupes” are a type of muskmelon. (True cantaloupe has a rough, warty rind and is not widely grown or commercially available in the U.S. and Canada.) In North America, the names “muskmelon” and “cantaloupe” are used interchangeably, but we refer to this fruit simply as “cantaloupe” on this page to avoid confusion!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/cantaloupes
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from the Old Farmers' Almanac 

image from the Old Farmers' Almanac 

Talked about humidity and hot weather yesterday, now today talking about our winter weather for 2026-2027 from the Old Farmers' Almanac 

​Good morning, and it is a warm, really should say hot one with high humidity.  Hot today as a high of 85F(30C) with dew point at 75F and 81% humidity.  We had a shower this morning, so the air is really full of moisture.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends Happy First Day of Spring which for you was yesterday Sept 1., as it is now Sept. 2nd.   Confusing isn’t it with the time and the day it is for you and for us.  My app for your weather says you will have rain today. But a lovely high of 65F(18C)  Stay dry, stay safe.
 
Now I found this article from the Farmers Almanac about our winter.  It seems like something to talk about when we are having so much summer.  But here it is.  First part is the general weather for the country; second part is for us in the Upper Midwest.  Still having summer enjoy and stay cool.  Thoughts of winter are coming.
Mostly Mild Winter — Colder, Snowier Spots Ahead!
Temperatures: Mostly mild, with a colder stretch from central New England through the Appalachians and Ohio Valley, plus Hawaii.
Wet/Dry: Wetter than normal across much of the West and in parts of the South, Midwest, and Florida; drier than normal in parts of the East, Plains, and Southwest.
Snowfall: Snowier in parts of the Northeast and Appalachians, parts of the West, and Alaska.
Where Will It Be Cold This Winter?
A milder winter doesn’t mean the cold is taking the year off. Across much of the country, temperatures are expected to be near normal or warmer than normal. But colder-than-usual temperatures are expected from central New England south through the Appalachians and into the Ohio Valley. Hawaii will also be cooler than normal.
And remember: “Above normal” is relative. While it won’t be as cold as usual, it’s still winter!
9. Upper Midwest
Expect milder months in the Upper Midwest to transition to colder-than-normal temperatures as winter continues. While snow will be near to below normal, there are many chances for flakes to fly in the new year.
Temperatures: Above normal
Coldest period: Mid- to late January
Precipitation: Above normal in the east; below normal in the west
Snowfall: Near to below normal
Snowiest periods: Early and late January, late February, and early March
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/winter-extended-forecast-farmers-almanac
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from the Old Farmers' Almanac 

image from animalia.life.club

Does humidity affect your garden?  Here is what I found out.  

WOW at the end of August.  Now I will be asking for signs of Fall.  Where did spring and summer go?  Ask any kid and they will say the same thing as it is back to school.  School and college are all starting now.  It is humid , but it feels isn’t as bad as it could be as it is cloudy and overcast out. High today is 82F(28C)  with 75F as the dew point with 77% humidity, so it feels like 90F(32C).  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Tuesday Sept 1st which is there first day of Spring are going to have a high today of 72F(22C) with sunny conditions.  Beautiful spring day.  Enjoy and stay safe.  Looks like the rest of the week, rain is predicted. 
 
What does high humidity do to our gardens?  Are you seeing any of this?  Till Wednesday for sure have high humidity.  For me it isn’t any fun to be working outside  so for now I am working in the house/office.  Processing tomatoes, making beef burgers, and doing bookwork and what I do usually every day with this posting and more.  Stay cool, stay safe.  Weather soon will change as September is here.  I can’t believe how some of the crops are really turning so a sign of fall.  Have you noticed that the corn is getting brown in some fields? 
How High Humidity Affects Gardens
High humidity can have both beneficial and harmful effects on garden plants, depending on the species, temperature, and soil conditions.
Positive effects
Lush growth: High moisture in the air (often 70–80%) slows transpiration, keeping leaves moist and boosting growth rates for many plants
Suitable for tropical species: Orchids, ferns, and other moisture-loving plants thrive in humid conditions
Faster leaf development: In warm, humid weather, leafy greens and some vegetables can grow quickly
Negative effects
Fungal diseases: Moisture in the air promotes pathogens like powdery mildew, black spot, and root rot
Pest attraction: High humidity can increase aphid, spider mite, and other pest populations
Nutrient deficiencies: Excess soil moisture can dilute nutrients, leading to yellowing leaves, poor flowering, and stunted growth
Root stress: Prolonged high humidity can cause soil to stay soggy, reducing oxygen to roots and leading to root rot
Reduced gas exchange: For plants adapted to dry climates, high humidity can slow photosynthesis and overall performance
Tropical plants: Adapted to high humidity, often 60–80%, and benefit from it
Succulents/cacti: Prefer 30–40% humidity; high moisture causes rot
Herbs/vegetables: Best in moderate humidity (40–60%) to balance growth and disease risk
Management tips
Choose resistant varieties and space plants for airflow
Water early in the morning to reduce leaf wetness
Improve drainage to prevent waterlogging
Prune excess foliage to reduce humidity around plants
In short, moderate humidity supports growth, but excess humidity—especially with heat—can cause disease, nutrient issues, and root problems. The right plant selection, watering, and airflow management are key to thriving in humid garden conditions.
Article from Copilot Search Branding
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from animalia.life.club

image from Pinterest.com 

Let your Light shine.  Dolly Parton held this belief.  

​Good afternoon.  We had a little over ½” of rain which will help with the watering that I would have had to do.  It seems cool out now but today will be but tomorrow it will be more humid and warmer.  Summer is still here.  Now it might be all week, but then depending on  where the dome is how far south it is, we might not be like over 100 degrees heat index.  We will see what happens.   Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends for their Sunday August 30 will have a cool start to the day with a low of 47F(8C) but with the wind it will feel like 39F(3C).  Just like our spring days it will warm up to 64F(17C) and be a very pleasant day.  ENJOY and stay safe. 

I usually don’t share with you on Facebook posting about my devotional I do with the radio show.  But found this one was a good one to share with all the things coming together about it.  Hope you enjoy.  I am sharing with you my radio show’s devotional.  This part of the radio show shares a message I have done for over 29 years.  The Lord’s words of encouragement are always good to hear.  It is hard but we need to listen, care, and pray for all.  Prayers have power.  Thanks to all that they tell me they hear me on the radio, and they enjoy the messages.  I am the only messenger in this message and all I do.    I try to have the Lord’s hand on all of it. 
 
This came across my Facebook feed, and I had already picked out this devotional.  Let your light shine.
Dolly Parton was a Christian who didn’t use her religion to control and condemn others, but to welcome them.  She didn’t wear her religion as a arrogant status symbol.  She just loved people.  She was a talented, brilliant and caring person who led with love.  In a world of Christians be a Dolly Parton.  Dolly said, “I always ask God to work through me and let me be a light of some kind and help in this world.”
The bible verse Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. 
Let your light shine by Joyce Meyer from The Power of being Thankful
     Before we purchase something, we like to check its quality.  As we shop, we read labels or we look for certain trademarks(brand names) that have a reputation for being of good quality.  That is what people should be able to do with us as disciples of Christ.  Love is the trademark (distinctive sign or characteristic) of a Christian.  People should be able to identify with us not only by what we say, but by how we behave.
     As believers, we have a great opportunity for show the world who Jesus is.  We do that by walking in His love, the love of the Father that was revealed and expressed in His Son Jesus and is now manifested in us.  The Word says,” Let your light so shine before me,” and nothing shines brighter than love.  Keep in mind that you have the privilege of personally representing Jesus and be thankful that He will use you to draw people to Him.

Let us pray:  Lord, thank You for the example, Jesus gave us of how to love others. And thank You for the opportunity I have to share Your love with everyone I come into contact with today.  Help me shine brightly in a dark world.  In your name we pray Amen
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from Pinterest.com 

image from ar.inspiredpencil.com 

Harvesting honey for Winnie the Pooh to eat.  Interesting reading on how it is done.  

Another perfect summer day.  ENJOY as it is going to change back to hot and humid.  It is cooler out with a high today of 81F(27C) with 67% humidity.  I should have been outside composting plants off wagons, but instead I have been canning tomatoes.  When they are ready, you must do this.  I love canning and processing food just about as much as growing plants.  Have you been canning, freezing, preserving your garden produce?  It is time of year.  Enjoy this milder weather, stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are having more spring like weather on this Saturday Sept 29 with a high of 63F(17C) Enjoy as your spring is coming and stay safe.
 
There has been lots of posts on Facebook about honey and getting the honey or harvesting the beekeepers would say.  Here is how they do it.  It is a detailed list, but I just put the high points of the job. 

“The only reason for being a bee that I know of is making honey … And the only reason for making honey is so as I can eat it.”
–Winnie-the-Pooh (1926) by A. A. Milne

How to Harvest Honey from a Beehive (Step-by-Step Guide) Written By:  Charlotte Anderson
Master Beekeeper
There’s nothing quite like tasting fresh honey straight from your own hive. But harvesting honey isn’t as simple as lifting a lid and scooping it out. Timing, technique, and proper equipment all play a role in making sure you collect your honey safely—without harming your bees or risking their winter survival.
In this guide, you’ll learn when honey is ready to harvest, how much you can safely take, and the step-by-step process for extracting honey from the comb. Whether you’re a first-year beekeeper or preparing for your second season or beyond, understanding how to harvest honey correctly will help keep your colony healthy and productive for years to come.
How to Harvest Honey (Quick Overview)
Ensure frames are at least 80 percent capped.  Use a smoker lightly to calm bees. Remove honey super (the box placed above the hive) with a fume board or bee brush.Uncap wax with a hot knife.Extract using a honey extractor or crush-and-strain method.Let honey settle before bottling.
Collecting Your Own Honey
Having a seemingly endless source of honey right in your backyard may sound luxurious, but many new beekeepers have unrealistic expectations regarding honey production.
 For example, bees do not make honey year-round in most regions, and for many of us, it won’t be until the second year that the bees have any excess honey to spare. Plus, the honey your colony produces depends on where they’re located. If you live in an area without access to abundant flowers throughout the spring, summer, and fall, honey production may not be great enough for you to take a share.
That being said, once the colony does get going, the honey is well worth the wait!
How Much Honey Do Bees Make?
Through a rather industrious process, honeybees make honey from plant nectar. The resulting honey is stored in the hive and used during cold weather or drought as a food source for the hive. Thankfully, bees work very hard and often make more honey than they need, which allows beekeepers to harvest the excess. On average, a beekeeper can expect to yield about 50 pounds (4.2 gallons) of honey yearly from a healthy colony in a fertile area. However, the amount can vary quite a bit from year to year and from location to location.
Preparing to Harvest Honey Safely
Before paying a visit to your beehive to harvest honey, be prepared by having the proper clothing and equipment. If possible, go out with an experienced beekeeper a few times first to get the hang of collecting honey. The bees know that their winter survival depends on having a source of food, and they will not be particularly eager to give up the harvest!
Remember: Never handle bees if there is the potential of you having an allergic reaction. It’s always a good idea to have an EpiPen on hand too, just in case.
When is honey ready to harvest?
Honey is ready when at least 80% of the honeycomb cells are capped with wax. The wax capping signals that the moisture content is low enough to prevent fermentation. Harvesting too early can result in watery honey that may spoil.
Can you harvest honey in the first year?
Sometimes—but not always. Many new colonies spend their first season building comb and storing enough food for winter. In most climates, significant honey harvests begin in the second year once the colony is fully established.
How much honey should you leave for the bees?
It depends on your climate, but in colder regions, a colony may need 60–90 pounds of honey to survive winter. Always leave enough stores for your bees before taking any surplus.
Does harvesting honey hurt the bees?
When done properly, harvesting honey does not harm the colony. Using calm movements, minimal smoke, and removing only surplus honey helps reduce stress on the bees.
What happens if you harvest honey too early?
Unripe honey has a higher moisture content and can ferment in storage. It also removes food the bees may still need, especially if nectar flow slows unexpectedly.
What is a honey super?
A honey super is an additional hive box placed above the brood chamber. It contains frames where bees store excess honey, making it easier for beekeepers to harvest without disturbing the brood nest.
What is the easiest way to extract honey?
For larger harvests, a honey extractor uses centrifugal force to spin honey out of the comb while preserving the frames. For small batches, the crush-and-strain method works well but destroys the comb.
How long does fresh honey last?
Pure, properly stored honey can last indefinitely. Store it in a sealed container at room temperature. If it crystallizes, gently warm the jar in a bowl of warm water to return it to liquid form.
If you want your colony to keep producing honey, you need to keep the bees healthy.
 
 
Details about harvesting honey if you want to read:
How to Remove a Honey Super from the Hive
Be prepared, and do not try to rush the honey harvesting process. Gentle, calm movements—and not big, exaggerated ones—will help keep the bees calm. Be sure that you are not wearing any perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, etc., as this will entice curious bees to fly toward you, making it harder to work.
For honey production, beekeepers give extra hive boxes called “honey supers” to strong colonies. These boxes contain frames of pre-formed honeycomb. After the bees have filled the honey super and sealed the comb with wax, it is ready to be harvested.
Remember not to take all of the honey from the hive—you don’t want your bees to starve over winter! Take only the excess or what’s in the extra honey super.
Using a Fume Board v. a Smoker
The easiest way to harvest honey from a beehive is through the use of a fume board. A fume board looks much like a regular telescoping top/outer hive cover, but the inside contains an absorbent material that is sprayed with a non-toxic solution that the bees do not enjoy. Place the fume board on top of the full honey super you wish to harvest. After a few minutes, the bees will move away from the smell and vacate the honey super, which lets you remove the box of honey with minimal disturbance.
Beekeepers often use a smoker to pacify the bee colony, but using too much during harvesting can affect the honey’s flavor.
How to Extract Honey from Honeycomb
After removing the honey super from the hive and bringing it to a location protected from bees, you can begin the extraction process:
A hot knife is used to cut the wax cappings off the cells of the honeycomb. These wax cappings can be used to make candles, so don’t throw them away! Once the cappings have been removed, you can begin to separate the liquid honey from the comb.
Honey Extractor v. Crush and Strain Method
A honey extractor—either electric or manual—uses centrifugal force to separate the liquid honey from the comb without destroying the comb. This allows the beekeeper to reuse the frame of an empty comb in the honey super.
Alternatively, the honey-filled comb can be cut out of the frame, crushed, and strained through cheesecloth. The resulting beeswax can be used for candles or other projects.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/beekeeping-101-collecting-honey
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse  image from ar.inspriedpencil.com