image from NorthfortoyNews.com 

What does deadheading mean?

​What happened to June 8th.  I thought I had posted but I must have dreamed that.  Today is going to be a rough day.  This morning it is humid, hot and sun Is out.  One thing I will get done today is watering outside.  I ran the tank of water all ready and only did 5 wagons. Now it is 5:00 PM and I am finishing the last wagon.  I changed the filter on the pump this morning and that made more water come out, so that is why the tank got emptied.  Had to wait for the tank to fill up to prime the pump again. 
A gardener asked today how I get all to bloom and all the color.  I said water, water and more water is what I am doing.  I will get over here early tomorrow and start it all over again.  Inside greenhouse it was 98F, and outside today the high was88F(31C) but feels like 94F.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Wed June 10 will have a high of 66F(14C)  with a 90% chance of rain.  Damp, cold winter day for them.  Stay warm, stay safe.  Evelyn wrote about her gardening this time of year.  “I have planted beet seeds in the garden and onion seeds in some punnets. My garlic is growing nicely too. My blueberry bushes are blossoming and firming fruit  Stay warm, stay safe
 
Deadheading is the practice of removing spent or faded flowers to encourage more blooms, improve plant health, and maintain a tidy garden appearance.  What is Deadheading?
My note is that I tell the kids.  Rule of thumb you deadhead down to the nearest leaves.  That means geraniums would have a long stem. Where are snapdragons the leaves are close to the top. 
Deadheading involves removing flowers that have finished blooming before they produce seeds. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to new growth and additional blooms, prolonging the flowering season and enhancing overall plant vitality.  It can be done by pinching with fingers for soft-stemmed plants or using pruning shears or scissors for larger or woody stems
Benefits of Deadheading Encourages More Flowers: By preventing seed formation, the plant channels energy into producing new blooms, often resulting in a second or extended flowering period
Improves Plant Health: Removing spent flowers reduces the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases that thrive on decaying plant matter   Maintains Garden Aesthetics: Deadheading keeps plants looking fresh and prevents petals from dropping and creating debris Controls Unwanted Spread: For self-seeding plants, deadheading prevents excessive spreading and helps manage garden layout
How to Deadhead  Pinching: Use fingers to remove flowers on thin-stemmed plants, cutting just above the first set of healthy leaves Pruning: Use sharp garden shears for larger flowers or woody perennials, cutting back to the nearest leaf node or lateral bud Shearing: For plants with clustered blooms, removing up to one-third of the plant can be effective, ensuring no new buds are accidentally cut
Timing and Frequency Start early in the season, around late spring, and continue regularly throughout the growing season.
During peak summer, deadhead every 3–7 days to prevent seed formation and maintain continuous blooms
Stop deadheading 4–6 weeks before the first frost to allow plants to harden and provide seeds for wildlife
Plants That Benefit Most
Annuals and repeat-blooming perennials respond best to deadheading. Common examples include: Roses, Petunias, Geraniums, Marigolds, Zinnias, Dahlias, Cosmos, Coneflowers, Lavender, Salvia, Snapdragons, Coreopsis, Shasta Daisies, Black-Eyed Susans, Pansies, Yarrow
Plants That Don’t Require Deadheading Some plants are self-cleaning or produce ornamental seeds and fruits. Examples include: Impatiens, Petunias (self-cleaning varieties), Begonias, Vinca, Lobelia, Sweet Alyssum, certain shrubs and trees
Tips for Effective Deadheading
Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease spread  Cut just above a leaf node or lateral bud to encourage branching and new blooms Dispose of spent flowers properly, composting healthy material and discarding diseased blooms Observe plant-specific needs, as some perennials benefit from leaving the last blooms for seed or winter protection
Deadheading is a simple yet highly effective gardening practice that can dramatically improve the health, appearance, and flower longevity of your garden. Regular attention ensures vibrant, continuous blooms and a tidy, thriving landscape
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

What is tickling the roots when we are planting?

Is it going to rain?  Are we going to get any?  I am writing this at noon on Sunday.  It is humid out, but it is also cloudy so not too bad.  When I came out this morning it was hard to breathe as it as that humid.  Rain this afternoon, and during the night.  Then the humidity, sun will come out.  I don’t like what Tuesday and Wed will bring.  With those high temperatures and humidity, I will be watering all day and everything twice.  But after Wednesday cooling down.  If you need flowers and vegetables, we have them here for you.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Monday June 8th will high of 62F(17C) but a low of 37F(3C).  Nights are getting colder for them.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
What do I mean by tickling the roots?  I have told this to every 4-H group and garden group for years.  “Tickle the roots. “One adult man came to be at the fair, and reminded me that I told him that at one of the 4-H bucket workshops years ago.

Tickling Roots Before Planting: When and How to Do It
Gently loosening or “teasing” roots before planting can improve establishment, but it should only be done when roots are circling, compacted, or root‑bound.
Why Loosening Helps
When plants are grown in containers, roots often follow the pot’s shape, forming dense, circular loops. This “root circling” can lead to girdling roots—roots that wrap around the plant’s base and restrict water and nutrient flow biologyinsights.com+1. Loosening the root ball breaks this pattern, encouraging new roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil, which improves anchorage, water uptake, and long‑term health Research shows that up to 85% of landscape failures in nursery stock are linked to undisturbed, circling root systems lifetips.alibaba.com. Loosening also exposes more root surface to soil contact, aiding mycorrhizal fungi colonization and nutrient absorption.
When to Avoid Loosening
Seedlings or very fine‑rooted plants (e.g., some native trees, beeches, ericaceous plants) can be stressed by excessive root disturbance If roots are healthy and not circling, loosening offers no benefit and may cause unnecessary stress.
How to Loosen Roots Safely
Inspect the root ball before planting. Signs of root‑binding include:Roots protruding through drainage holes Dense, rope‑like roots encircling the pot Solid, unyielding root mass with little soil visible.
Gentle “teasing” (for mild circling): Use fingers to pull outer roots down and outward, breaking the circular pattern without damaging them   Scoring (for moderately dense roots):  Make shallow vertical cuts (¼ inch deep) around the root ball and a cut across the bottom to stimulate new outward growth Aggressive cutting (for severe root‑binding):  Remove the densest bottom third of the root ball, then break apart and splay the remaining roots Soak if needed:  If roots are too compacted to separate, soak the root ball in water until roots float apart
Best Practices
Loosen roots just before planting to avoid drying out the root system Avoid over‑disturbing fine‑rooted or mycorrhiza‑dependent species For large plants, consider professional root‑ball preparation to minimize stress.  Bottom line: Tickling roots before planting is beneficial only when roots are circling or compacted. Use gentle teasing or scoring to redirect growth outward, which boosts survival and long‑term health.
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

images from Becky's Greenhouse

This is what I come to work and see.  Becky's Greenhouse

Afternoon.  We had .6 inches of rain which is great.  Only 2nd time I haven’t had to water since plants went out in April.  I will be watering tomorrow with this heat, humidity and sunshine coming out.  Stay cool, stay dry.
 
Australia family and friends for their June 6, Saturday  will have 62F(16C). It should be warmer for them but wind gusts up to 14MPH might make for a cooler day.   Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Here are pictures of what I walk over every morning to see.  Pretty proud of it.  You remember, I am a grower.  We plant, we water, and in this miracle house they grow.  I buy in the perennials, some annuals and vegetables, all the trees and shrubs.  All of that you see other than the previous items comes out of this greenhouse. 
We plant for you.  I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story.  Open Monday through Saturday 9-6, Sunday 1-6.  Plenty of time to still plant. 
 
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 template.net 

It just rained a little.  First time this growing season we have had rain during the day.  All the rain we have gotten has been at night.  Now the sun is out.   That was 15 minutes ago.  Now it is raining again.  Stay dry and stay safe. 

t just rained a little. First time this growing season we have had rain during the day.  All the rain we have gotten has been at night. now the sun is out.  More is coming.  

Austalia family and friends for their Friday June 5th will have 58F(15C) the lowest feels like temperature were 39F(3C) around 3AM.  That will be cold for them.  Also, they are having 60% chance of rain.  Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe. 
​
​Good afternoon, we have thunder, we had a few rain drops but looks like more coming around 4:00. It is cloudy out, so it is nice inside the greenhouse.  When the sun was out it was very warm in here.  So I can work inside this afternoon.  Yesterday I worked outside which was comfortable.  I am continuing to water to get them good and wet and when it does rain it will just add more to it.
How is your garden? I still have some very nice tomatoes, peppers and vegetables.  Not too late to plant at all.  We moved out the vine plants, soo they are hardening off ready to go into your garden.  The wagons are full of blooming plants, and they all looks so good.  I am very proud of how the plants are looking.  We have worked hard to get them at this stage and will continue to work hard to keep them watered and safe.
Hope we all get rain, and stay safe with the wind. 
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

We plant for you.  This is what we did today to get this done.  

​WOW 6:00 PM and I am starting this post.  I had help here today, so moved more outside to fill up the wagons.  I started to water at 8:30 AM, and now still watering 2 more wagons.  It sounds like rain for the next 2 days, but also more humidity so it will take more to water the plants.  Help was here and she planted day lilies.  Now they are growing inside the greenhouse miracle house.  See how they will do. 
Natalie moved the trees which we had in two places all together along the store wall.  It will be easier to water and for you the gardener to check them out.  I hope tomorrow to list what we have in trees and shrubs for your landscaping.  We will put large pots filled with dirt to hold them up as they have been falling for me on tomorrow’s list.   Next week the West Fork Winner’s 4-H club will plant them.  These will be taken to the Franklin Co Fair to decorate the fairgrounds.  It is a process isn’t it. 
 
We moved out the vine plants so they will be hardened off to go into your garden.  Squash, watermelon and cucumbers.  I guess that is it.  Continue to water, continue to plant.  We plant for you. 
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

Franklin and Cerro Gordo County 4-Hers came last night(june1) to plant their fair buckets. 

I will see if I get this posted  yet this morning.  Lovely morning out and we are watering, watering and watering.  No rain, so we have to do it with wands, and sprinklers.  Few wispy clouds, and a nice breeze from the east.  It must be low humidity when the wind is out of the east because we didn’t have any dew, and humidity is low.  High today is 80F(26C).  Enjoy and stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Wed June 3rd will have high of 59F(14C) and 90% of rain  I need to ask if this is how their winters are?  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Last night we hosted 4-Hers from Franklin Co and Cerro Gordo Co for a Fair bucket workshop.  We had 35 kids.  I think they all had fun, and took home lovely buckets of flowers.  Extensions pay for the dirt, and we donate the flowers they plant.  They learned about tickling the roots which is opening the roots at the base of the plant so it will start to grow in the new dirt.  They learned about planting it so I didn’t see much dirt and how to keep it looking good by deadheading the flower heads.  You can see how well it went last night in the pictures.  Again, how long have I been doing this?  I would say almost 30 years.  Hope it helps bring a love of gardening with them when they are young. Needless to say, I am a little tired today but back over to the greenhouse planting for you. 
 
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 Farmer's Almanac

Best plan was to get this sent out this morning, but I got busy.  That is probably what we want.  so good afternoon.  
Farmer's Almanac about our summer weather.  We are to have cool and wet.  We will see.  
What a lovely morning.  Cool, low humidity as there isn’t any dew, and a little breeze.  We have a clear, blue sky.  High today for us is 80F(26C)  Enjoy it all.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends just had their first day of winter June 1st, today is June 2nd The Australian government bureau of meteorology has severe weather for them.  High of 59F(16C) with 95% chance of rain, and wind gusts up to 11mph.  Stay warm, stay safe, stay dry.
 
As the U.S. map and regional chart reflect, much of the United States is trending hotter than normal, especially across the southern part and eastern portion of the country. However, some areas—including the Upper Midwest and Heartland—are expected to be cooler than normal or to feature more mixed patterns.
Rainfall predictions are less uniform but lean drier overall. Many regions, particularly across the East, High Plains, and interior West, are expected to see below-normal precipitation. In contrast, wetter conditions are forecast in the Heartland, along the Gulf Coast, and in portions of the Pacific Northwest, with several regions showing a mix of wet and dry patterns.
Overall, the forecast points to a summer defined by widespread warmth, with regional contrasts in both temperature and rainfall shaping local conditions.
With above-average temperatures expected across much of the country, plan for periods of extended heat, especially during peak summer months.
How Summer 2026 Weather Will Change
While some regions may begin summer closer to typical early-season conditions, above-normal heat is expected to build as the season progresses. In other words, temperatures are likely to run hotter than average for much of the summer.
The biggest temperature departures are most likely in July and August, when unusually warm conditions become more widespread across North America.
Summer 2026 Weather Predictions by Region (U.S.)
Here’s how temperature and rainfall are expected to vary across all 18 long-range regions this summer.
 
Temperature and rainfall outlook by U.S. region.
Region           Temp Rainfall          Pattern
1. Northeast Hotter            North wetter / South drier            Mixed
2. Atlantic Corridor            Hotter            Drier   Hot & Dry
3. Appalachians      North cooler / South hotter        Drier            Mixed
4. Southeast Hotter            North drier / South wetter            Mixed
5. Florida      Hotter            Drier   Hot & Dry
6. Lower Lakes        Hotter            Wetter           Hot & Wet
7. Ohio Valley          Hotter            Drier   Hot & Dry
8. Deep South         Hotter            North drier / South wetter            Mixed
9. Upper Midwest  Cooler            Drier   Cool & Dry
10. Heartland          Cooler            Wetter           Cool & Wet
11. Texas-Oklahoma          Hotter            Wetter           Hot & Wet
12. High Plains        Hotter            Drier   Hot & Dry
13. Intermountain  North cooler / South hotter        North drier / South wetter          Mixed
14. Desert Southwest       Hotter            East wetter / West drier   Mixed
15. Pacific Northwest        North cooler / South hotter            North wetter / South drier          Mixed
16. Pacific Southwest        Hotter            Drier   Hot & Dry
17. Alaska     Cooler            Wetter           Cool & Wet
18. Hawaii     Hotter            East drier / Central and West wetter           Mixed
Atlantic Corridor: Tropical storms in late June and mid-August
Appalachians: A tropical depression in late June
Southeast: A tropical storm in late June and a hurricane in mid-August
Florida: A tropical storm in late June and a hurricane in mid-August
Deep South: Tropical storms in early June and late August
Texas-Oklahoma: A tropical storm in late August
Summer 2026 Weather Predictions FAQs
Is summer 2026 going to be hot?
Yes. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a hotter-than-normal summer across much of the United States and southern Canada, with the most widespread heat expected in July and August.
We hope this summer forecast helps you make the most of the season—whether you’re tending a garden, planning trips, or just watching the skies.
Image from Please credit: Almanac.com/summer-forecast
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 thevegetablegardeningblogspot.com 

There is time yet to plant your garden.  

Afternoon is when I am posting this today. I was over here this morning at 9:00 AM so I could water.  We have had just a couple of sprinkles, but it is cloudy out and a little chilly. In the prediction there is rain for tonight, we could use rain.  See what happens, if not I will be watering again in the morning. 
 
Australia family and friends for their Monday June 1st will have 58F(15C0 with 85% of rain.  I think it would be a cool day for them I have to check and see if this is their first day of winter.  I checked and it seems different for us to think June is winter.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Sale for this week.  Buy one 4 pack cabbage get one free, buy one 4 pack cauliflower buy one free, buy one four pack collard get one free, buy one broccoli 4 pack and get one free.  2.89 for a four pack.
We have a selection of previous years’ bushes on sale for $25.00. 
I have lots of annual dianthus that were to go to flower beds, but they didn’t need them, so I am putting them on sale. Buy one four pack and get one free.  2.89 for a four pack.
Tomorrow June 1st, but there is plenty of time to still plant in your vegetable garden, and more time to plant flowers in the garden or containers.  We have a full selection of plants in annuals, and perennials.  Our vegetables are looking good.  Tres, and shrubs are very healthy.  Hours are Monday through Saturday 9-6, Sunday 1-6.  Love to see you. 
I have not raised the prices but have gone back to other years. I will let you know what you saved.   We plant for you.  We are trying to help you save. 
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

We have more than your peppers and tomatoes for your vegetable garden.  We plant for you. 

Good morning, I am out early this morning 6:30 to set up the waterers to keep the plants looking so colorful.  The birds are singing; it is cloudy out but still very mild.
I wanted to let you know that I am closing today, Saturday at 4:00.  We have a granddaughter’s dance recital in Osage at 5:30. Thank you for understanding and letting me take the time off. 
 
Australia family and friends for their Sunday May 31st will have only 58F(15C) with some wind, so it is going to be cooler for them.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
We plant for you.  We have more than tomatoes and peppers here.  We have asparagus purple passion growing in a round pot, we have Swiss chard, we have Victoria Rhubarb, we have dill as one of the many herbs we have for you.  We have Black Beauty eggplant. We have candy onions growing in a pot. We have celery which is a great flavor in the leaves or use as a great accent in your flowers.  We have Redarling Brussel sprouts.  We have potted up leeks, that will grow well from this stage.
In the vine plants which is now time to plant them as they don’t like cool nights but warmer ones.  Ambrosia Cantaloupe, new one called Sugar Cube cantaloupe, Bush cucumber, Diva Burpless cucumber, mini me cucumber, Howden pumpkin, Acorn squash, Butternut squash, Green Zucchini, Cal sweet bush watermelon, Crimson sweet watermelon
We have white, red, and yellow onion sets.  We have Kennebeck, Red Pontiac, Yukon Gold seed potatoes.  Not too late to plant these. 
We carry a line of bulk seeds you buy as a teaspoon or tablespoon.  More reasonable price.
 
We have Kohlrabi, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and collards on special buy one and get the second free. 
We have seed potatoes and onion sets, and it isn’t too late to plant these.  As you can see we plant for you. 
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

What can I plant for the bees?  How about Mountain mint?  New to the gardening market.  

Good morning, almost noon, so I better get this written.  Warm morning, partly cloudy skies with a little breeze.  I would like more of a breeze but not up to me.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends will have 62F(16C) compared to our 27C.  They are to have rain and wind.  So it will be a cool Saturday for them May 31st.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
In my weekly newsletter I hand out, I am doing about plants that bees like.  Here is one of them.  It is a new one in the market for bees, and you might not have heard of it.  Mountain Mint You can see we have it here at Becky’s Greenhouse.

Planting and Growing Mountain Mint: A Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant
If you think all mints are created equal, think again. While many mint plants are invasive growers, mountain mint is a less aggressive, native plant that’s irresistible to pollinators, pretty as a picture, and edible too. Here’s how to like to use mountain mint in our garden, plus growing and harvesting tips to help you get the very most out of this mint-teresting plant!
 For most of the growing season, mountain mint is enjoyed purely for its leaves and for the fresh, minty scent those leaves emit when crushed. But this late bloomer has more in store and gets even prettier when it produces clusters of white or purple flowers in late summer, which pollinators flock to.
 u can grow mountain mint from nursery starts or seeds, but nursery-started plants will bloom earlier. If you want to grow mountain mint varieties that are native to cold areas, you’ll get better germination results by cold stratifying the seeds before planting. However, this treatment is not necessary for mountain mint seeds that are native to warmer locations!
Full-sun locations are best for mountain mint and encourage these plants to bloom their best. You can grow these plants in partial shade as well, but they won’t flower as prolifically.
You can grow mountain mint in drifts your flower beds along with other native plants, such as boneset, buttonbush, and blue vervain. Mountain mint is edible, and it can be grown in herb or medicinal gardens if that suits your fancy. Both the leaves and flowers of these plants can be harvested and used like standard mints in savory or sweet dishes, cocktails, and hot or cold teas!
Mountain mint is right at home in native plant and pollinator beds, herb and cottage gardens, and larger wildflower meadows. However, because these plants can grow quickly and spread, some gardeners may want to keep them in containers or raised beds that limit their growth.
Mountain mint can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they’re well-draining and don’t stay soggy for long. These plants should be watered once a week immediately after planting, but established plants are drought tolerant and may not need any supplemental watering. If you do decide to water mountain mint, only water your plants when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry.
For the most part, mountain mint doesn’t need any pruning, but you can prune your plants’ roots with a spade if they’re spreading into areas where you don’t want them to be. If you do decide to prune the upper sections of mountain mint plants, avoid doing it when they are in bloom. These native plants have a long flowering season that stretches from mid-summer into fall, and they provide an important food source for bees and other pollinators while they’re blooming.
These plants are very cold-tolerant and should survive winters in Zones 3 and warmer without any cold protection. I still like to add mulch around the base of my mountain mint plants, though!
Mountain mint leaves and flowers are edible and can be used like standard mints in recipes or blended into homemade potpourri. For peak flavor, pick the leaves and flowers in late summer to early fall, and be sure to leave plenty of flowers in place for pollinators like bees.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/mountain-mint
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