image from lovethispic.com

        ALL I am going to say is COLD OUT.  Tomorrow morning is even colder.  Stay warm and stay safe.  For all of you that have animals it must be a challenge.  Here are the temperatures -9F ( -22C) at 8:00 AM High today is only -4F(-20C) with a low tonight of accurate temperature of -20F(-30C) with wind chill -40F.  Can’t realize how cold that is. 

What are you doing if you are home during this cold weather?  I know many of you are going to work, so please be safe.  For others that are home, here are some ideas of what things to do.  Soon it will warm up and we can be outside in our gardens.  

11 Productive Things to Do Inside When It’s Extremely Cold Outside by Kaitlyn Wylde
When the weather outside is frightful, the vibe is...mindful? Studies show that people are generally way more productive spending their day inside when the weather is crappy outside than they are when the weather is nice outside. So to help guide you in the right direction on this frigid day, I've put together a list of productive things to do inside when it's extremely cold outside. Just because the outside world might be cancelled, doesn't mean the inside world is, too.
Research reveals that people are much better at getting work done when they're not tempted by the outside world, as reported by Forbes in 2013. And as someone who just cleaned her entire house, organized all of her bags and drawers and make a giant pile of things to get rid of, I concur. Just because you can't be outside, in the world, doing things, doesn't mean that you can't be inside doing things instead.
When you don't have anywhere to be, it's easy to slip into couch mode. And while a little rest and relaxation is totally necessary and important, you can still get things done on a snow day. And in my personal experience, getting things done before you sink into the couch in a streaming hole, makes relaxing a lot more enjoyable. So get some things done around the house to make your life easier and healthier and then light up the screen. Here are a few ways that you can be seriously productive without ever leaving the house.
Gather Donation Items
If you don't have any pressing house chores, take some time to go through your belongings and put together bags to bring to the local donation center. Canned goods gently used bedding, warm clothing, clean shoes, books and home furnishings are all valuable donations that you can offer. Spending the day looking for donation items is a great excuse to give back and clean up at the same time.
Do A Deep Clean
When the weather is really miserable and you know you're going to be inside for a long time, consider doing a proper deep clean. I don't mean fold your laundry, I mean, take everything out of every drawer, every shelf and every closet, and organize it, clean it, and put it back. This might sound exhausting, but you will feel so much peace once you do. Plus, it will literally make your life easier.
Read Or Listen To A Book
Instead of sitting on the couch and scrolling through your phone for hours, read a book, or at least listen to an audio book while you scroll through your phone! If you focus, you can tear through a book in a day or two, which is a much better use of your time than mindlessly scrolling through content that you're only half engaged with.
Take An Online Class
If you have a half an hour to kill, you can learn a trade online. Whether you follow a YouTube make up tutorial, brush up on a second language, or learn some knife skills for the kitchen, you can make your free time way more educational and useful.
Redecorate A Room
If there's a room in your home that you don't love, turn it upside-down. Take the bad weather as an excuse to stay inside and figure out a way to rework the room. Try reorganizing your furniture, paint a wall, get rid of a rug, move things around until you're happier with the room.
Do An Art Project
Is there something that you were going to spend money on, that you can make yourself? Be it nail art, a painting for the living room wall, or a decoration piece for the kitchen table, you might be able to make it yourself at home with materials you have lying around the house.
Learn To Cook Something New
Pick a recipe online and play chef for the day. Teach yourself how to make something that look complicated but delicious. When you have a full day to mess around with recipes, you have room for trial and error.
Organize Your Professional Life
Even if you don't have any work to do, you can always do preparation work that will make your professional life more organized. Whether you spend the day updating your agenda, cleaning out your work bag, researching topics that might apply to your job in the upcoming weeks, or catch up on old emails, there's plenty you can do out of the office that will help things run smoothly in the office.
Hang Out In The Bathroom
Yes, seriously, when it's cold outside, you should hang out in the bathroom. One of my favorite things to do on a snow day is take a long, hot bath, and then hang out in the bathroom while it's still steamy doing beauty treatments, meditating and absorbing the warmth.
Organize Your Kitchen
Having neat and organized drawers and cabinets in the kitchen leads to easier meal prep and way less stress. Trying to cook in a kitchen when you have to constantly scrounge for ingredients, or trying to make a meal when you can only see ten percent of what's in your fridge is impossible. Organize your spices, your refrigerated items and your pantry items so that you can see everything. Throw away what's no longer good, and bring forward what you haven't eaten yet. Set yourself up for some easy meal prep in the days to come.

Taken from https://www.bustle.com/p/11-productive-things-to-do-inside-when-its-extremely-cold-outside-
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365 Facebook Becky’s Greenhouse or Becky Kerndt Litterer  

image from clipart library

Good morning, Happy Valentine’s Day to you all.  The temperature is warming up.  14F( -10C) But it is cloudy and there is a wind out of the southeast.  Southern winds make for damp feeling air.   We are having snow today, and tonight.  Up to 5 inches.  Again, we will see.  Stay safe, stay warm.

Australia family and friends on their Feb 15th it has cooled down Evelyn said, it will be 63F(17C).  and having 75% rain.   They have a severe weather alert; I thought you would like to read about it.  Something we don’t have.

Sheep Grazier warning.  Moderate severity is a possible threat to life or property.
Sheep graziers are warned that cold temperatures, showers and strong southwesterly winds are expected during Saturday.  Areas likely to be affected include parts of the West and South Gippsland forecast district.  There is risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.   Stay cool, stay safe

Larry and I want to wish all of you Happy Valentine’s Day.  Here is a short devotional that I found so appropriate. 
Love on Valentine’s Day  by Mary Lou Carney,
“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
Last night I helped my grandsons get valentines ready for their preschool party. The cards, which featured a variety of bright characters, had to be pulled apart at perforated seams. Small heart stickers were included to hold the folded cards together.
We were pushing the bedtime limit, sitting at the kitchen table in a circle of overhead light. Drake, five, laboriously printed his name over and over. His brother, three, attached heart stickers, while his daddy wrote BROCK on all of his cards. My job was licking all 68 envelopes.
Brock finished his stack first, and as he was leaving to go up to bed, he came over to Drake and stuck a red heart sticker on his brother’s shirt. Drake stopped his printing and looked at the small bright spot of color on his sleeve. “Look, Nina,” he said, “Brock gave me this. He must love me.”
Sometimes we grown-ups make love way more complicated than it needs to be. A simple gesture, a kind touch, an unexpected card can all say, “I care about you.” And, of course, so can a bright red heart sticker.
Let’s pray.
Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally. Help me pass that love along today to someone who needs it.  Amen
Taken from Love on Valentine’s Day  Mary Lou Carney, Daily Guideposts
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]        641-794-3337  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse

image from nestwatch.org

BRR it is cold out.  -8( -22C) I don’t think the Australia family and friends know how cold this is.  Here is Dougherty we got some snow, but further south they got 6-8 inches.  Cold today, warming up tomorrow and another snowstorm moving in.  I haven’t heard if we will get this or not.  But the wind is going to be 35 MPH, so that will make it blizzard. I will let you know how we are doing.  Larry is pushing snow, cleaning up a little bit he said.         He has all the equipment ready to go and I am so thankful for that.   He is moving in waste oil to put in the tank for it takes a lot during this cold weather.  Because he has worked the two stoves together the outdoor wood burner and the waste oil outdoor burner, he can fill the one with wood and both stoves will keep the shop and greenhouse warm during the night.  The greenhouse doesn’t have any insulation so what the temperature is then that is what it would be inside.   All stay safe and stay warm.    
 
Australia family and friends is having 73F(22C)  with 95% rain.  Evelyn loves that rain, just like us she doesn’t have to spend time watering her gardens. There is a severe weather alert in effect from the Australian Govt of Meteorology.  Be safe, be cool.

I found this article about one of my favorite songbirds.  When I hear the song, I know it is spring.  It is the wren. 
Few birds pack as much personality and melody into such a small package as the house wren. This pint-sized powerhouse, measuring a mere 5 inches, is a common sight and sound in backyards across North America. But don’t underestimate this energetic songbird—beyond its charming chirp lies a fascinating story of resilience, resourcefulness, and audacious song.
The house wren may be small and plain, but it makes up for it with a loud bird song! You’ve probably seen this plain brown bird around your garage or backyard. Take a listen!
The House Wren
Unmatched Songbird: Prepare to be serenaded! House wrens hold the title of North America’s most prolific singer, capable of delivering over 2,000 songs per day. Their repertoire includes mimicry of other birds, creating a delightful mash-up of chirps and whistles.
The Early Bird Gets the Song: Hear their sweet melodies first thing in the morning! House wrens are among the first birds to start singing at dawn, filling the air with their joyful tunes.
 Beyond the Backyard Bird Songs
A Champion of Bug Control: These natural pest controllers are a gardener’s delight. House wrens diligently hunt insects like spiders, beetles, and caterpillars, providing free pest control for your garden.
Tiny Architects, Big Nests: Don’t let their size fool you! House wrens are skilled nest builders, creating cozy abodes in unexpected places like mailboxes or even discarded shoes. Their nests are often lined with feathers and soft materials, offering a sanctuary for their young.
Fierce Guardians: Despite their diminutive size, house wrens fiercely defend their territories and nests. They’ll boldly chase away much larger birds, reminding us that size isn’t everything!
How to Attract Wren to Your Backyard
Offer Up a Cozy Home: Provide nest boxes specifically designed for house wrens. Use natural materials like gourds or recycled birdhouses and place them in sheltered locations at least 5 feet above the ground.
Food for Thought: Plant insect-attracting flowers and shrubs like elderberry or viburnum to entice their favorite snacks. Keep bird feeders stocked with sunflower seeds and crushed peanuts.
A Water Retreat: A clean water source, like a birdbath or shallow pond, will be a welcome addition where wrens can bathe and keep themselves hydrated.
More Than Just a Song
The house wren, with its tireless singing, clever nesting, and fierce spirit, is a captivating presence in any backyard. By understanding their habits and providing them with a suitable habitat, we can invite these delightful songsters to share our spaces and celebrate their natural wonders. So, listen closely to their charming chirps, observe their nest-building skills, and appreciate the vital role they play in our ecosystem. You might just find yourself falling in love with the tiny bird with the big voice!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/bird-sounds-house-wren
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook  Becky Kerndt Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse
 

image from 1 million.women 

     Morning…we are having light snow, but nothing like they are having south of us.  Our schools are open, roads are partly covered with snow.  We do have white ground, so that makes things brighten up.  How about you?  It is going to stay cold and getting even colder tonight. Stay warm, stay safe. 

Australia family and friends, they are going to have it very hot for Feb. 13th 92F ( 33C) with 94% humidity.  Stay cool, stay safe. 
​
I found this interesting if you want to play around with growing this as a houseplant. One of those crazy plant ladies’ things to do.  I haven’t tried it but sounds easy.  Let me know if you tried it. 
How to Grow Ginger Indoors  by Robin Sweetser
Cold and flu season is here, and if you find yourself under the weather, a steaming hot cup of fresh ginger tea might be just the thing to make you feel better. If you love ginger, try growing your own!
Ginger is reputed to have antiviral properties, is good for settling an upset stomach, and improves circulation. Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) definitely has more zing than the pre-ground spice from the store.
We bought some fresh ginger root from the grocery store and broke it up into several pieces. (Actually, it is a rhizome, not a root!) Each piece had at least one eye—a bump or bud from which the plant will grow.
Our buds actually had some green showing, so I took that as a good sign. If your rhizomes look dry and puckery, you can soak them overnight in lukewarm water before planting, but ours was plump and looked ready to grow.
Sometimes ginger has been treated not to sprout, so it might be worth buying an organically grown rhizome.
We used a shallow, wide plastic pot to give the pieces room and planted them in a compost-based potting soil, eyes up, barely covering the rhizomes. We put the pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight and watered just often enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Since our buds were green and ready to grow, they sent out new shoots in about a week, but it can take up to 3-4 weeks for greenery to show, so don’t give up.
The stalks can get tall, about 2-4 feet if happy, and may even flower, but that is rare. Common ginger flowers are not as showy as ornamental ginger.
I put the plant outside in half-day sun for the summer and brought it back inside when the temps started to fall below 50°F degrees. Native to the tropics, it grows best when the soil is in the 70’s.
You can actually begin harvesting small amounts of ginger from your plants after about 4 months by cutting off pieces of the root from the outside edges of the pot. Cover the cut end with soil and leave the main portion of the plant to continue growing. For the best flavor, let your plants grow until they naturally begin to die down. Then, you can dig up the whole thing, take the pieces you want to use, and replant a few to begin growth all over again. Some people store the rhizomes they want to replant until spring, but I like to keep the whole thing going over the winter. The plants do have a natural dormant period when temps go below 50°F, but even though some stalks of mine have died down, other new green ones have sprung up. This is the easiest houseplant I own, giving me an edible root to enjoy.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/how-grow-ginger-indoors
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 640-903-9365  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse 

image from Old Farmer's Almanac 

image from Old Farmer's Almanac 

      Good morning.  Warming up to 5F ( -15C) but feels like -14F.  Just cold.  We do have a lovely blue clear sky and seeing the sun is awesome.  Enjoy today as we are on an alert day for major winter storm tonight and tomorrow. We could have up to 5” of snow during this time.  Stay safe, stay warm all. 

Now Australia family and friends it is going to be the opposite high for Feb 12th will be 81F(27C) with high humidity. Stay cool, stay safe. 

I found this interesting about cold temperatures for us in Feb.  You need to look at the pictures while you read this to make sense of it.  This is why we are having these cold temperatures now. 
​
Why Is February So Cold?  By Michael Steinberg
Our coldest month is February in North America. Someone recently asked me how it can be colder in winter even though Earth is closer to the Sun than it is in summer. You can see how this works by using a flashlight.
Although I was taught that Earth’s distance from the Sun averages about 93 million miles, in reality, this distance varies from 91.4 million miles in early January to 94.5 million miles in July—so Earth is indeed closer to the Sun during our winter.
But when you think about it, Earth’s distance from the Sun can not be seen to be the reason for the seasons, as when it is winter for me in Pennsylvania, it is summer for my friend in Australia. As we all know, seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere.
See How This Works With a Flashlight
 If you point a flashlight straight ahead, you will see a circle of light, with the brightest light in the center. Right?
flashlight straight ahead  first picture I have posted
If you tilt the flashlight, its light is more diffuse and weaker away from where it is shining directly.
diffused flashlight light  second picture I have posted
The weaker light in the case of the Sun and our solar system means that Earth is receiving less energy from the Sun, which is why the weather is colder and the daylight hours are shorter in winter.
Since the amount of sunlight is at its minimum at the winter solstice, which occurs around December 21 or 22, you might expect that day to be the coldest of the year, on average. But instead, the coldest time of year in the Northern Hemisphere occurs in February, nearly 2 months later.
This happens because while Earth receives energy from the Sun, it also emits energy into space. And Earth’s Northern Hemisphere emits more energy than it receives for nearly 2 months after the winter solstice, so temperatures continue to trend downward. Think about what happens when you turn off the burner on an electric stove—it does not cool down to room temperature instantly, but instead remains hot for a while, until it finally reaches room temperature.
Similarly, Earth retains warmth from the previous summer, and it takes more time to cool down after sunlight fully reaches its seasonal minimum.
Because land and water have different specific heat capacities, they warm and cool at different rates. Thus, oceans and other large bodies of water heat and cool more slowly than the land surrounding them. This is why a sea breeze from the ocean brings cooling in the summertime and why the Great Lakes can produce snow squalls in the winter.
So, the seasons are not produced because of changes in how far Earth is from the Sun, but instead because Earth is tilted in its orbit. There is a lag between when incoming solar energy reaches its high and low points and when we record the warmest and coldest temperatures because Earth receives energy from the Sun and emits energy into space.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/why-february-so-cold
Till  next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse 

image from littleprinceplants .com 

image from buffalo-nagara.gardening.com   This is a ​Streptocarpella Concord Blue

​Good morning, partly cloudy this morning with a temperature of 13F( -9C) at 8:00 AM, looks like a good day today.  Then tomorrow 60% of moisture either snow or rain which would be ice as the temperature is right at freezing 32F (0C) Enjoy today, stay warm, stay safe.

Australia family and friends starting their weekend  Saturday Feb.8.  It has cooled down for them having a high today of 68F(20C) which is 11 degrees below the average.  Enjoy your weekend. I am sure you all will be outside in the gardens, playing golf or at the sport arena.  Stay cool, stay safe.

I was to get our first plug plants next week.  But so thankful that the grower( Natural Beauty) out of Wisc. is watching the temperatures.  I just noticed that 3 mornings next week below zero.  This is what they wrote for next week.                                                  
                  2/6/25 held one week due to cold temps.
 So glad they are helping keep us in product and get to us safely.  They are brokered out of  Michelle’s Greenhouse out of Middleboro, MD.  I ordered the plug plants through a salesperson, and then they place the order, and make sure all correspondence is in place from Becky’s Greenhouse to Natural Beauty.  Natural Beauty is one of the top growers of plant plugs.  We have been working with Michelle’s and Natural Beauty since 2009. 
​
I bet all of you know someone that grew African Violets.  I had Aunt Lydia, Gladys Campbell as a neighbor in Dougherty, my mom, Larry’s Grandma Wagner and we could go on.  Time for you to think of those that could grow African Violets. To tell you the truth I am not one of them.  They always die for me. 
Here is some information about African Violets and plants that they are related to. 
About African Violets
Despite their common name, African violets are not a type of violet but produce vivid, violet-colored flowers. They are now categorized in the genus Streptocarpus. However, as their name suggests, African violets are native to East Africa, stemming from the tropical rainforests of Tanzania and Kenya. In 1892, German colonial officer Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire identified these plants and sent seeds back to Germany.
African violets do best and produce the most blooms in bright, indirect light with regular house temperatures (no lower than 55°F at night nor above 75°F during the day). Though they are generally easy to care for, they can go through fussy spells. Don’t be discouraged
General African Violet Care
According to Julie Weisenhorn, an Extension educator at the University of Minnesota, “If you are comfortable, your African violet is comfortable. Optimal room temperature for growing African violets is between 60°F and 80°F and ideally 70°F.” However, some are more tolerant of cooler conditions. In any case, keep them away from drafty windows in winter.
Plants should be shifted to larger pots as they grow, but keeping African violets slightly root-bound can encourage them to bloom. One sign that your violet needs repotting is wilted leaves.
The fuzzy leaves have a tendency to collect dust and dirt. Brush them off gently with a small, soft-bristled paintbrush.
Hundreds of varieties and hybrids exist, from miniature violets to trailing varieties! They differ mainly in the colors of their flowers, which range from white to purple, though some varieties also have variegation in their foliage and flowers.
African violets are typically classified by size, based on how wide they grow:
Miniature: less than 8 inches across
Standard: 8–16 inches across
Large: more than 16 inches across
Here is one of their relatives, which you might be growing in your gardens. 
Streptocarpella Concord Blue is a tender perennial plant that's easily kept as a container plant for the garden or as a houseplant—or both! This relative of the African violet can bloom year-round, with dainty purple blossoms rising on airy wands above its furry foliage. In the garden it fills a tricky niche as a shade-loving flowering plant. Indoors, it's fairly easy to please and free to flower in bright, indirect light.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/african-violets
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa  [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse 

image from Becky Litterer

Good morning.  It looks like we have ice on everything.  Streets look slick.  County has been out sanding so those roads are starting to break up.  Temperature at 8:00 AM is at 22F( -5C).  It is going to warm up a little today, but we are having sunshine so that should help I hope with the melting.  But the temperature below freezing we will see.  Be safe, be careful and stay warm.

Australia family and friends are having very warm Feb 7th.  Temperature will be 90F(32C) with 93% humidity.  Stay cool, stay safe

I picked this Lucky Bamboo, and I am thinking of dividing it up and sharing it.  I need to research to see how to do it.  I did learn that this isn’t Bamboo but really a type of succulent. 
Read more about it. 
How to Grow Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo's Many Meanings, Plus Care Tips  by Robin Sweetser
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a houseplant—not real bamboo! It’s popular because of its ability to grow in low light in the home or office. Learn more about how to care for Lucky Bamboo for years of good health and fortune!
What Is Lucky Bamboo?
The plant we commonly call lucky bamboo isn’t a type of bamboo at all. Despite its appearance, lucky bamboo (D. sanderiana or braunii) is more closely related to succulents than to bamboo, which is a type of grass. Lucky bamboo is native to Africa but is now cultivated around the world as a good-luck houseplant.
Why is the Plant Called Lucky Bamboo?
In Chinese lore, lucky bamboo symbolizes good fortune, and feng shui practitioners use it to attract positive energy. The number of stalks have different meanings:
2 stalks symbolize love or double luck
3 stalks bring three kinds of luck: happiness, long life, and wealth
4 stalks are bad luck; they bring negative energy and are thought to be a death wish!
5 stalks balance the five areas of health: emotional, spiritual, mental, intuitive, and physical
6 stalks attract prosperity and wealth
7 stalks promote good health
8 stalks are good for success, growth, and fertility
9 stalks bring great luck
10 stalks bestow a complete and perfect life
21 stalks are for great wealth and enduring health
How to Start Growing Lucky Bamboo
Most people who grow lucky bamboo indoors have the plant in water. Here’s how:
Use a layer of pebbles to stabilize the stems of the plant and hold it in place.
Add enough water to keep the roots covered. (If it hasn’t grown roots yet, the plant will need at least 3 inches of water.) Learn more about watering houseplants.
Distilled or filtered water is best, especially if you have fluoride or chlorine in your tap water. These chemicals can cause the green tips of the leaves to burn and turn brown.
The container must have drainage holes; while you water frequently, do not let the plant sit in water or become waterlogged.
A clear container makes it easy to see the roots and check the water level, but it can also cause algae to grow, so you may want to use a colored container.
You’ll need to keep raising the water level as the plants grow to keep it above the roots.
Lucky Bamboo Care Tips
Lucky bamboo is a very easy-going plant that doesn’t require much attention. Follow these tips for success with your plant:
Change the water every 7 to 10 days, cleaning the pebbles and container as well.
Normally, lucky bamboo will grow fine without any fertilizer, but if you wish, you can give it a small drop of houseplant fertilizer monthly.
Since this plant grows in the shade of taller trees in nature, keep it out of direct sunlight. Bright, indirect light is best. If it starts to fade to a pale green, it needs more light.
Lucky bamboo likes warm temperatures, in the 65° to 90°F range.
Caution—this plant is toxic to cats!
If you wish, you can transplant lucky bamboo in the soil.
If the stalks get too tall, cut them off and start a new plant by rooting the stalks in water. Keep them in a shady area until new roots form, then plant them in soil or pebbles. Tie a gold or red ribbon around the stalks to hold them together and to symbolize good fortune.
Young stalks can be trained to curl by using wire to hold them or you can try blocking light on three sides of the plant causing it to grow toward the light. Keep turning as it grows to form the curve. This takes time but makes for a fun project. Pliable stalks can also be braided or twisted together.
Many times, Lucky Bamboo plants are given as an auspicious gift. We hope these tips give you years of good fortune growing Lucky Bamboo! Do you have a lucky bamboo plant?
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/how-grow-lucky-bamboo
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty, Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from Kogt.com 

       Cloudy, cool morning in Dougherty Iowa this morning.  The temperature at 10:00 AM is 17F(-8 C).  We are in for a wintery icy prediction,  The storm is coming from the south so see how much we get.  Stay safe all. 

Australia family and friends are having a windy day Feb 6th high today of 84F(29 C) with 89% humidity. The weather service I looked at said it is 9 degrees above their daily high.  Stay cool stay safe

I found this article interesting.  I do hear some of these from gardeners.  All of us must be open-minded to what we have been told, and what is really happening.  All food for thought.
​
7 Common Gardening Myths a Pro Gardener Wants You to Kick This Year
By David Beaulieu
Raised Garden in Winter
 When a gardening myth dies hard, you can bet that it is either because people want to believe it (perhaps it makes their lives easier or it just "sounds right") or because there is a kernel of truth in it just big enough to make it convincing.
However, adhering to such myths may be ruining your gardening experience. Learn about seven common gardening myths to kick this year.
You Need a Lot of Space to Grow Vegetables
Container Vegetable Garden
 When you picture a vegetable garden in your mind's eye, you may see a large expanse with long rows of crops or huge squash vines sprawling carelessly in all directions.
Indeed, vegetables such as winter squash do take up a lot of space. But it is a myth that you even need a garden plot (in the conventional sense) to grow many types of vegetables. Urban gardeners with no yards to speak of often grow vegetables in containers.
You Can't Garden on Land With Inadequate Soil
Raised bed garden
 Soil can be inadequate for our gardening needs in many ways, including the following:
It can be low in fertility
It can be soggy
It can be compacted
Fortunately, it is a myth that any of these circumstances make it impossible to garden. In each case, one answer is to install a raised bed.
Compost Piles Attract Rats
It is a gardening myth that compost piles will necessarily attract rats or any other truly problematic pests. It is true that the vegetable kitchen scraps you put in your compost bin may draw, for example, opossums and birds. But these animals are unlikely to cause you problems.
If you do find too many rodents visiting your pile, you may want to use a repellent: Some gardeners, for example, apply peppermint essential oil to cotton balls and place the cotton balls in open glass containers adjacent to the compost bin.
Let experience guide you and make adjustments along the way. If you find that eggshells or large quantities of stale bread attract rats, stop putting those particular items in the compost; then you should be all right.
There is a place for landscape fabric, but it is a myth that you can totally eliminate weed-control chores with it. One problem with landscape fabric is that you need to protect it from UV rays by covering it with mulch.
But a bark mulch, for example, will eventually decompose. At that point, it essentially becomes a soil that weed seeds will sprout in.
If you neglect such an area for too long, you will find that the weeds' roots will have penetrated right into the landscape fabric. That makes for a real mess to deal with, should you ever decide to revitalize the area.
So don't just lay down landscape fabric and mulch and then forget the area: monitor it for weeds, and pull any weeds as soon as you see them.
The Best Time to Prune Shrubs Is During Dormancy
This is a case of a myth that has a kernel of truth to it. Indeed, depending on the circumstances, the dormant period can be an ideal time for pruning.
It is less likely that plant diseases will exploit the open wound left from pruning during the dormant period, for example.
But this falls into the "gardening myth" category because it is an over-generalization. Informed pruning requires you to proceed on a plant-by-plant basis.
If you prune early bloomers during the dormant period, for example, you will be removing flower buds and depriving yourself of spring flowers.
Struggling Plants Need More Fertilizer
Plants can struggle for many reasons. Your garden may have insufficient drainage or the wrong soil pH for them, etc. In such cases, applying fertilizer will not solve the problem.
A related gardening myth is that if some fertilizer is good, more is better. Excessive fertilizer can actually harm your plants.
Plants With Wilting Leaves Need More Water
Tomato spotted wilt virus is one of the many viruses that causes leaf curl
It is a gardening myth that the presence of wilted leaves on a plant necessarily signals insufficient irrigation. Other factors can cause leaves to wilt.
Fungal diseases are often the culprit when you see leaf wilt on your plants. Unless you address the disease problem, no amount of watering will revive your plants.
In fact, overwatering may have contributed to the problem in the first place. Fungi thrive in moist conditions, and improper watering techniques can offer an open invitation to fungal invasions.
Top Tips for Successful Gardening
Pay attention to USDA zones: When buying plants online, make sure they are suited to your USDA zone.
Think, "Location, location, location": You should think of your planting plots as being divided into sunny areas and shady areas. Some plants will be suited to the one, others to the other. Another factor in deciding where to plant is the soil's moisture content. Some areas have sharper drainage than others and will dry out faster; others have soil that remains moist for longer periods of time. There are suitable plants for each of these areas. Guided by factors such as sunlight and moisture levels, group together plants that like the same growing conditions.
Make use of organic matter: Start a compost pile. Add suitable organic matter to it regularly, such as kitchen scraps, grass clippings, and raked leaves. Get into the habit of working finished compost into your soil. Doing so will give you a crumbly soil that drains well yet holds water long enough for your plants' roots to make full use of it.
Taken from https://www.thespruce.com/common-gardening-myths-to-kick-this-year-
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337   cell 641-903-9365  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s greenhouse
 

image from libreshot.com 

Good morning, and welcome back winter weather.  5F ( -15C) at 8:45 AM this morning.  High today of 22F( -5 C) We had 50F(10 C) this weekend, so all got used to it being warmer.  Looks like this will be the next 10 days more seasonable.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
Australia family and friends:  Extreme heat is their alert. The temperature for Feb 5 is at 74F(22C) and rising all week for Friday to have 88F(31C).  nights are at 61F(16C). Stay cool, stay safe 

It has been brought to my attention that Goggle Maps has Larry’s Garage permanently closed. You all know that isn’t true.  Goggle tracks activity on social media to determine this.  I post about the greenhouse, but I don’t post about the shop.  I will talk about Larry on the radio show.  Now I will start adding things about Larry’s Garage.  He has just crossed his 50th year anniversary of opening the shop.  We plan to be here.  As long as we can work, we will both being doing this…the shop and the greenhouse.  WE both do enjoy helping people, and really what else would we do. It brings people to us, 7and we do enjoy that.

I should have suggested to you to do this when it was warmer out.  But interesting idea give it a try when you are outside.  JUST LOOK AROUND>  

Landscaping in Winter by Robin Sweetser
It’s winter, the dormant season. Plant and tree growth has slowed to a crawl or stopped completely. This is the perfect time to try out a winter landscaping exercise we’ll call the “Four Directions” or “Four Winds.”
In Native American culture (Lakota), people would pray by calling on the spirits of the four cardinal directions—South, West, North, and East. Called the “Four Winds,” these four directions were honored as part of the circle of life.
This exercise seems especially fitting in the new year. If you have a yard or garden (or, even if you do not), go outside and face each direction in turn, concentrating on what is special about each aspect.
Why is the snow deeper in one area than in another? Each direction has its own qualities.
The North
The north is often associated with cold, harsh winds of the winter season. However, the winds are also cleansing, just as they clear the dead leaves from trees to start again.
This direction also speaks to ideas and seeds waiting to germinate. So, the north symbolizes patience, endurance, thankfulness, and trust.
The north side of your yard is a perfect place to plant a double row of sheltering evergreens to block the wind. Since the north is also the direction of contemplation, it would be a good spot for a meditative Zen garden or sculpture garden. Quiet colors like white, cream, and silver represent the north.
The East
East is the direction of springtime, awakening, and new life. It’s the direction from which the Sun comes as dawn breaks and light spreads over the earth.
It can be symbolic of rejuvenation, healing and communication. This is the beginning of a new day. Light helps us see things the way they really are. On a deeper level, east stands for the wisdom of helping people live good lives. Traditionally, people would rise in the morning and pray facing the dawn, asking God for wisdom.
Morning light is good for growth, so look for trees that block the morning sun from reaching your garden and prune or remove them altogether. Most perennials thrive where there is morning sun.
East-facing gates are welcoming, and the east side of the yard is also a good place to locate a bench or hammock to spark creative daydreams.
Plants with gold or yellow flowers and foliage represent the east.
The South
South reminds us of warmth, growth, fulfillment, and passion. The Sun is at its highest and drawing life from the Earth.
The southern direction also symbolizes faith, change, self-sufficiency, and strength. A south-facing slope is ideal for a vegetable garden, a large open field, or a flower garden.
Plant a border of hot colors in a south-facing garden or locate a fire pit or barbecue there. Triangular shapes can take the place of real fire, so you can use a triangular-shaped sculpture or even a three-sided stone to represent fire.
Plants with purple or blue flowers contrast with the hot-colored flowers and calm the heat.
The West
Weather most often moves west to east in North America. To Native Americans, the great Thunderbird lived in the west and sent thunder and rain from its direction.
As water is associated with the west, that makes it a good place for a small pond, fountain, or other water feature. Rich reds and oranges echo the colors of sunset in a west-facing garden.
The west also symbolizes the end of the day, where the Sun sets.  It symbolizes travel, the attaining of goals, and of compassion. It is also a social direction that encourages fellowship. A west-facing patio, shaded by deciduous trees, is a perfect spot for gathering with others at the end of the day.
To chart the progress of your garden throughout the year, snap a picture looking in each direction on the first of every month. You’ll be surprised at the transformation as the seasons change.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/winter-landscaping-tune-four-winds
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse
 

image for A Way to Garden.com 

Good morning, and another awesome day.  Temperatures are to be 50F(10C) today. Part clouds today, And that is what it is right now at 11:30 AM low tonight of 29F ( -1.6C) Unbelievable with last week below zero and zero were our high.  ENJOY, but realize this is Iowa in Feb it will change. 

Australia family and friends will have it cooler at 77F(25C) but gradually it will warm up again to that 101F(38C) next week.  For them, school has started so not surprising it is getting hot.  They had 6 weeks off before the new school year started.  Stay safe, stay cool
​
Are Your Garden Seeds Still Good? Here’s How To Tell
Don't waste time and effort! Before you get growing, check to see if your seeds will germinate with these helpful tips.  by Allison Vallin
Before you plant older seeds find out if they’ll still germinate with these helpful tips. If you’ve started planning your spring garden, you might be taking stock and seeing what materials you have to work with. Are you wondering if the seeds you intended to use last year are still good? Or, what about those heirloom seeds you got as a wedding favor a few years back?
Just like most things in nature, seeds have a shelf life and you need to determine your seeds’ ability to germinate before you start planting. You don’t want to waste your time and effort!
Seed Viability – In A “Nutshell”
Most brand new seeds have a 90% germination rate, meaning that 9 out of every 10 seeds you plant should grow. But if you’ve got seeds that have been hanging around for three years, the germination rate drops to around 60%. That means you’ll need to plant a higher number of these older seeds to increase your chances of growing something.
Seed Viability Test For Older Seeds
If you have older seeds, it’s wise to do a quick viability test prior to planting when using older seeds. Here’s what to do:
It’s a good idea to test viability on older seeds.
Fold a dampened paper towel in half.
Take 2-3 seeds and place them on the damp towel.
Fold the towel over the seeds and place them in a zippered plastic bag or airtight container in a warm location.
After a few days, open the bag and take a peek to see if any sprouted. This will give you a good gauge of how your seeds are germinating.
If the germination rate is low, but there is still some viability (for example, maybe only 2 of the seeds in your test sprouted), simply plant more of those seeds in the garden, knowing that not all may sprout. You’re just increasing the sprouting odds.
If none of them sprout, obviously, you’ll have to purchase fresh seeds.
Seed Storage Tips
Heirloom seeds are often given as wedding favors!
The key to keeping your seeds viable for a few seasons is proper storage. Be sure to do the following:
Keep your seeds in a cool spot that offers a consistent temperature. Your best bet is to put them in a moisture-proof sealed container (if they’re already in packets, you can keep them right in the packets while storing) and store in your freezer or refrigerator. It is extremely important the seeds are 100% dry or mold will develop. You can even add some rice to the container to wick away any possibly moisture.
Keep them out of direct sunlight.
Keep them away from any humidity or moisture.
How you store them won’t only be for the long-term, it will be your day-to-day access while you’re outside sowing.
Storage Life of Vegetable Seeds
Below is a list of the approximate lifespan of your favorite vegetable, herb, and flower seeds when stored properly. Keep in mind this is just an estimate—many seeds might be viable much longer, while others a bit shorter.
Vegetable     Storage Life
Asparagus    3 years
Beans             3 years
Beets             4 years
Broccoli         4 years
Brussels sprouts     4 years
Cabbage        4 years
Carrot            3 years
Cauliflower  4 years
Celery           3 years
Chard, Swiss   4 years
Chicory          4 years
Chinese Cabbage (Bok Choy)      3 years
Corn, Sweet 2 years
Cucumber    5 years
Eggplant        3 years
Endive           5 years
Kale                4 years
Leek              2 years
Lettuce          4 years
Melon            5 years
Mustard        4 years
Okra              2 years
Onion              1 year
Parsnip          1 year
Pea                3 years
Pepper          3 years
Pumpkin       4 years
Radish            4 years
Rutabaga      4 years
Spinach         2 years
Squash          4 years
Tomato         5 years
Turnip            4 years
Watermelon   4 years
Storage Life of Herb Seeds
    Herb          Storage Life
Anise  3 years
Basil             5-7 years
Catnip            5 years
Chives            1 year
Cilantro         5-7 years
Dill               3 years
Fennel           4 years
Lavender      5 years
Oregano       2 years
Parsley          1 year
Sage            3 years
Savory           3 years
Thyme           3 years
Storage Life of Flower Seeds
Seedlings in pot and seed packets, close up, isolated on white background
Flower           Storage Life
Ageratum     4 years
Alyssum        4 years
Amaranth     3 years
Aster               1 year
Baby’s Breath          2 years
Bachelor’s Button  3 years
Calendula     5 years
Celosia           4 years
Clarkia           2 years
Coleus            2 years
Columbine    2 years
Cosmos         3 years
Dahlia             2 years
Daisy             3 years
Delphinium  1 year
Dianthus       4 years
Foxglove       2 years
Geranium     1 year
Hibiscus         3 years
Hollyhock     3 years
Impatiens     2 years
Larkspur       1 year
Lobelia           3 years
Lupine           2 years
Marigold       2 years
Nasturtium   5 years
Nicotiana      3 years
Pansy            2 years
Petunia          3 years
Phlox              1 year
Poppy            4 years
Salvia             1 year
Snapdragon 3 years
Sweet Pea    3 years
Verbena        1 year
Zinnia            5 years
As a general rule, most annual flower seeds are viable for 1-3 years and perennial seeds for 2-4 years.
Other Seed Viability Considerations
While age, variety, and storage are key factors in how your seeds germinate, you should also consider the following:
Light — Some seeds need light to germinate, while others need dark.
Pre-soaking and Scarification—Some seeds have tough outer seed coats that can make it difficult for a seedling to break through. To soften that outer cover, you can presoak the seed overnight. You can also use sandpaper or a knife to gently scratch the seed coat to create an opening through which the seedling can emerge. Your seed packet will tell you if this is required.
Cold Treatment— Some seeds need to be exposed to a period of cold prior to being able to germinate. How cold and for how long, all depends on the plant. But most are easy enough to just be placed in the refrigerator for a few weeks prior to sowing. Your seed packet will instruct you if this is required.
Taken from https://www.farmersalmanac.com/seeds-garden-viable
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  641-903-9365  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse