image from frepik.com

Good morning, it is going to be a good week.  Franklin Co Fair week.  We have one trailer full of plants and moving down today.  Come home and load the 2nd trailer for tomorrow.  Here we go. 
The week sounds great for the fair.  Normal temperatures, humidity not too high and no rain predicted till Friday.  We will take it.  Better than last week for sure.

How was your 4th of July?  I just can’t believe that the 4th if over with and also now fair.  Summer is here and going quickly.  Stop and say hi at my booth at the Fair.  Stay safe.

Australia family and friends for their Tuesday July 8, with have a high of 58F(15C)  low of 38F((3C).  Stay warm, stay safe. 
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Are you getting fresh vegetables out of your garden?  If you don’t have a garden there are fresh vegetables at Farmer’s Market or the store.  They are lovely to eat and just taste darn good.  ENJOY
Do you eat your veggies? We certainly hope so! Here’s a quick list of the common vegetables that pack a punch of helpful nutrients and minerals.
Fresh vegetables provide a cornucopia of goodness, and variety adds excitement to your meals.
Green beans are a good source of vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and potassium.
Dried beans provide protein, B vitamins, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Cabbage is high in vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, potassium, and fiber.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A and K, and potassium.
Sweet corn is high in beta-carotene and lutein.* It also supplies B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and folic acid.
Eggplant is high in fiber, potassium, manganese, and vitamin B1.
Leeks are a good source of fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C, and they contain the cancer-fighting phytochemical diallyl sulfide.
Okra provides vitamin C and the B vitamins, magnesium, lutein, and potassium.
Peas pack plenty of protein, B vitamins, vitamins C and A, manganese, iron, potassium, and lutein.
Peppers have lots of beta-carotene as well as vitamins B6, C, and A and potassium.
Potatoes, with skins, are a good source of protein, iron, vitamin C, and potassium.
Shallots are a good source of potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, and folic acid.
Summer squash is high in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Both dark green and yellow squashes are excellent sources of lutein.
Sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, and C; iron; fiber; and potassium. Plus, just 1 cup of sweet potato contains 4 times the recommended daily allowance of beta-carotene!
AND the just taste good fresh from the garden…..enjoy. 
https://www.almanac.com/vegetable-nutrition-healthy-veggies-add-your-diet
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337   cell 641-903-9365

image from freepik.com 

      Good morning, it is going to be a good week.  Franklin Co Fair week.  We have one trailer full of plants and moving down today.  Come home and load the 2nd trailer for tomorrow.  Here we go. 
The week sounds great for the fair.  Normal temperatures, humidity not too high and no rain predicted till Friday.  We will take it.  Better than last week for sure.

How was your 4th of July?  I just can’t believe that the 4th if over with and also now fair.  Summer is here and going quickly.  Stop and say hi at my booth at the Fair.  Stay safe.

Australia family and friends for their Tuesday July 8, with have a high of 58F(15C)  low of 38F((3C).  Stay warm, stay safe. 
​
Are you getting fresh vegetables out of your garden?  If you don’t have a garden there are fresh vegetables at Farmer’s Market or the store.  They are lovely to eat and just taste darn good.  ENJOY
Do you eat your veggies? We certainly hope so! Here’s a quick list of the common vegetables that pack a punch of helpful nutrients and minerals.
Fresh vegetables provide a cornucopia of goodness, and variety adds excitement to your meals.
Green beans are a good source of vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and potassium.
Dried beans provide protein, B vitamins, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Cabbage is high in vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, potassium, and fiber.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A and K, and potassium.
Sweet corn is high in beta-carotene and lutein.* It also supplies B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and folic acid.
Eggplant is high in fiber, potassium, manganese, and vitamin B1.
Leeks are a good source of fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C, and they contain the cancer-fighting phytochemical diallyl sulfide.
Okra provides vitamin C and the B vitamins, magnesium, lutein, and potassium.
Peas pack plenty of protein, B vitamins, vitamins C and A, manganese, iron, potassium, and lutein.
Peppers have lots of beta-carotene as well as vitamins B6, C, and A and potassium.
Potatoes, with skins, are a good source of protein, iron, vitamin C, and potassium.
Shallots are a good source of potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, and folic acid.
Summer squash is high in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Both dark green and yellow squashes are excellent sources of lutein.
Sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, and C; iron; fiber; and potassium. Plus, just 1 cup of sweet potato contains 4 times the recommended daily allowance of beta-carotene!
AND the just taste good fresh from the garden…..enjoy. 
https://www.almanac.com/vegetable-nutrition-healthy-veggies-add-your-diet
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337   cell 641-903-9365

image from beckyyardboss.net    This isn't me.  

       WOW it is 2:00 PM on Thursday afternoon and it is not very enjoyable out.  The temperature is 88F(31C) and feels like 98F(37C) with the humidity.  Very little breeze, but it is partly cloudy so that helps not direct sunshine when you are outside.  BUT still, it is very hot.  We got the tall racks all onto the wagons, and down to 5 wagons, and not 7 at the beginning of the week. Now this weekend, I will start getting plants ready for the Franklin Co fair.  First load will go down Monday.  Then I will come home and organize the 2nd load.  Here we go.  I will have to water each day, but less plants will help.  I am closed now for the 4th of July and next week as we will be at the Franklin Co Fair.  Stay cool, stay safe. 

Australia family and friends for their day July 4th will be sunny with a low of 38F(3C) and a high of 59F(15C).   They are having a frost warning and flooding for east of them. Areas are relatively wet following recent rainfall. Stay dry, stay warm, stay safe.
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I had a gardener call me about her tomatoes losing their blossoms.  This is what I found out.
Gardening Aloft: Blossom Pollination
Tomato blossom drop can occur due to several factors, including poor pollination, extreme temperatures, inconsistent watering, and plant stress.
Key Causes of Blossom Drop
Poor Pollination:
Tomatoes are self-pollinating, but they still require some external agitation for effective pollination. Lack of wind or pollinators can lead to unpollinated flowers, which then drop off. To improve pollination, consider hand-pollinating with a soft brush or using a battery-powered toothbrush to induce vibrations that help release pollen. Additionally, planting flowers nearby can attract more pollinators.
Extreme Temperatures:
Tomato plants thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. High daytime temperatures above 85°F or nighttime temperatures below 55°F can stress the plants, causing them to drop blossoms. Sustained temperatures over 100°F can be particularly damaging. To mitigate this, provide shade during extreme heat and protect plants from cold snaps.
Inconsistent Watering:
Fluctuations in soil moisture can stress tomato plants. A feast-or-famine watering approach can lead to blossom drop. Aim for consistent moisture by watering deeply but less frequently, and consider using mulch to help retain soil moisture.
Plant Stress:
Stress from overcrowding, pests, or diseases can also lead to blossom drop. Ensure adequate spacing between plants to allow for airflow and pollinator access. Regularly check for pests and maintain overall plant health to minimize stress.
Nutrient Imbalance:
An imbalance in nutrients, particularly excessive nitrogen, can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Ensure a balanced fertilizer is used to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Solutions to Prevent Blossom Drop
Improve Pollination: Hand-pollinate or attract more pollinators by planting companion flowers.
Manage Temperature: Use shade cloths during heat waves and protect plants from cold nights.
Water Consistently: Maintain even soil moisture and use mulch to regulate temperature.
Monitor Plant Health: Regularly inspect for pests and diseases, and ensure proper spacing between plants.
By addressing these factors, you can reduce the likelihood of blossom drop and improve your chances of a fruitful tomato harvest.
GOOD LUCK with this, as it is hard to do because of the heat of July. 
Taken from https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=what+is+causing+the+tomatoes+to+lose+their+blossoms
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Becky’s Greenhouse.com, Facebook, Becky Kerndt Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse 

image from publicdomainpictures.net

Lots of color in these guys for all summer zinnias

wagon full of perennials 

color of annuals 

herbs are growing well 

     Here we go the last day of June, I am thinking I just wrote about the first of May.  Spring has gone quickly.  Don’t you think.  Here are pictures I took today of the blooming plants.  With all the rain we have had they look really good.  I am open this week.  Wed I have grandkids here and we are taking off at 3.  But today, Tuesday and Thursday, are here till 6.  If you need some color in that garden, come to Becky’s Greenhouse.  All are on sale. High today is below normal at 81F(27C)   normal high is 85F.  We will take this after the extreme heat of the weekend.  It sounds like it will be coming back around the 4th of July.  Stay cool, stay safe.

Australia family and friends for their Tuesday July 1, it is 100% rain with a high of 55F(13C).  Evelyn wrote that this week is the end of another school term, so they will have a 2-week break.  They have breaks after the end of each term, and at the end of the school year, which is at Christmas they have a 6-week break.  Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe
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Bring the Drama (and the Pollinators)—Salvia’s in Bloom!  By Catherine Boeckmann
Looking to add a splash of color and a whole lot of buzz to your garden? Meet Salvia—the show-stopping, pollinator-loving plant that’s as easy to grow as it is beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, growing salvia is a surefire way to impress the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds… and your neighbors. From planting tips to pruning tricks, we’ve got everything you need to grow your best salvias yet!
About Salvia
Part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), salvias provide colorful spikes of densely packed flowers with tubular blossoms atop square stems and velvety leaves. Their flowers come in a range of colors, including blue, pink, purple, red, and white.
“Salvia” and “sage” are often used interchangeably; we tend to use “salvia” for the ornamental plant and “sage” for the culinary herb. However, garden sage has a few attractive ornamental varieties itself.
Hummingbirds and butterflies love salvias’ tubular flowers, and they’re adored by bees, too, so plant them if you wish to attract these pretty pollinators!
Fortunately, salvia does not tend to attract deer or rabbits. Salvia leaves’ distinctive, pungent odor acts as a repellent to garden pests.
Salvias are heat- and drought-tolerant, making them survivors in the summer garden. They grow 18 inches to 5 feet tall, depending on the variety. Salvias of all types can be grown in containers, too.
Take care when choosing salvias because not all plants are hardy in all regions; some are best treated as annuals, but many perennial varieties are also available.
Planting
All salvias do best in full sun (6–8 hours of sunlight per day) and well-draining soil. Many varieties (typically those with light-colored flowers) will also do well in part-shade, but flowering will be reduced.
Types
Part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), the genus Salvia includes about 960 species; many of the tender perennials are grown as annuals in cold regions. Depending on the variety, plants can be 18 inches to 5 feet tall, but many are suitable for containers, too.
These common salvias are usually grown as annuals; they may be grown as perennials in warmer regions:
Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans): Mexico/Guatemala native; bright red, edible flowers in late summer; leaves emit a fruity fragrance when crushed; up to 4 feet tall; hardy in Zones 8 and up
Scarlet or Texas sage (S. coccinea): bright red flowers; hardy in Zones 9 and higher; 1 to 3 feet tall
Scarlet bedding sage (S. splendens): Brazilian native; flowers can be red, purple, orange, lavender, yellow, or white; heart-shaped leaves; up to 2 feet tall
These salvias are usually grown as perennials:
Autumn sage (S. greggii): blooms from spring to frost in a rainbow of colors; disease-free and drought-tolerant; 2- to 3-foot–tall mounding form
Hybrid sage (S. x superba): ideal for cold areas; rosy purple blooms in late spring to early summer; rebloom to fall if faded flowers are cut back; 1 to 2 feet tall; ‘Rose Queen’ bears pink flowers
Pitcher sage (S. azurea var. grandiflora), aka blue sage: aromatic foliage; large, sky-blue flowers in late fall; 3- to 5-foot clumping form
Peruvian sage (S. discolor): native to Peru; leaves are gray-green on the top, with white undersides; dark purple flowers; spreading, floppy form; 1 to 3 feet tall.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/salvia
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 

Good morning, what a change we are having.  I opened windows as the humidity is down. I even put on a shirt to cover my shoulders as it is a little drafty.  Cloudy this morning, then the sun will be out.  Perfect June day, I am thinking.  BUT it will not last long.  Saturday they are saying it is going to be hot and humid again.  So, enjoy today and be outside if you can.  Stay safe and enjoy the weather today.
 
Remember I am closed on Saturday, Sunday June 28, 29th for our 50th wedding anniversary.  The kids have our weekend planned as Jennifer is home from Wyoming.  It will be a family celebration.  I will be back open on Monday through Thursday.  Plants are on sale; plants look awesome for those spots you need to get some more color.  Come and get those for the 4th of July celebrations. 

Australia family and friends will have clear conditions for their Saturday June 28 with a high of 56F(14C)  It looks like their Sunday will have rain. Stay warm, stay safe.

I just learned something about bee balm.  It can be used as a cut flower.  It will last 7 days.  That is what I am looking for.  Cut flowers to enjoy and pass along.  Here is more about bee balm.  Also good for bees, and hummingbirds.  Yes, I have bee balm here for sale.  Imagine that.  

Bee balm is a native perennial that flowers in summertime. This plant is beloved by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies! a great addition to a pollinator garden.
About Bee Balm
Bee balm (Monarda spp.), also called wild bergamot, is known for its attractive scarlet flowers that bloom in the summertime and its fragrant foliage. In June and July, slender, tubular flowers are produced in 2- to 3-inch–wide flower heads. Flower colors include white, pink, red, lavender, and purple.
 In the garden, its most frequent visitors are hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies because they have the long tongues required to reach the tubular flowers’ nectar. Bumblebees and a few other insects are too big to get into some of the smaller tubular flowers of some bee balms, so the insects practice something called “nectar robbing.” The insects punch a tiny hole at the base of the flower to access the nectar, bypassing the flower’s pollen and “robbing” it of its nectar
The seed heads also attract birds in the fall and winter. Learn more about plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Given its height (2–4 feet), bee balm makes for an excellent background plant in a flower bed. Consider it as part of a pollinator garden!
Planting
Bee balm performs best in full sun (at least 6 hours). It will grow in partial shade but won’t flower as well and is more susceptible to powdery mildew. Provide moist, well-draining soil with a neutral pH. Amend soil with compost or aged manure, if necessary.
When to Plant Bee Balm
Bee balm can be planted in the spring or in the fall.
Spring is the best time to divide existing plants and transplant them.
How to Plant Bee Balm
Give careful thought to placement. Without good air circulation, the leaves can develop powdery mildew, a fungal disease. (Reduce watering if this appears.) Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Water thoroughly at the time of planting.
Growing
Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, watering every 7 to 10 days during dry periods. Soak to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Add mulch to preserve moisture and control weeds.
Avoid fertilizer in general; apply only a sprinkling of a balanced product in spring, if desired. An excess can promote rampant leaf growth and powdery mildew.
Deadhead faded blooms to encourage the plant to re-bloom in late summer. Deadheading the main stem allows the side shoots to develop and bloom. These, too, can be cut when flowers reach the size you want.
After the first frost in the fall, leave seed heads for the birds or cut stems back to about 2 inches above the soil. (See local frost dates.)
Divide every 2 to 3 years to ensure its vigor. (Clumps tend to die out from the center.)
Harvesting
Bee balm is a lovely cut flower. The leaves are aromatic, which adds interest to an indoor arrangement. Cut the main stem flower just as it begins to open up. The plant’s side shoots will continue to develop and bloom. The side shoots can be cut for indoor enjoyment, too. Its vase life is 7 days.
taken from  Bee Balm Flowers: Planting, Growing, and Caring for Bee Balm
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 fiskars.com 

      Good morning, the sun is out and a blue sky this morning.  We got rain last night but there were no storms here.  The storms were in southern Minnesota.  Interesting picture of the tornado that was full of rain, so hard to see it.  Another day predicted severe thunderstorms with wind, and heavy rains.  It is going to warm up with the sun shining so that it will add fuel to that formula.  Stay cool, stay safe. 

Australia family and friends are talking about it being cold, and nasty.  Golf didn’t happen to our family as it was too cold, but they enjoyed being in the club house. Friday June 26 will have a low of 44F(6C). high 57F(14C)  It is the start of their winter.  Stay warm, stay safe.

I noticed the last advice Robin gives us for summer garden work…weed, weed, weed.  I know that isn’t the favorite thing to do.  Here are some other things to do. 

Garden Tips and Tricks for the Early Summer Garden by Robin Sweetser
For many gardeners, the 4th of July is a seasonal deadline to complete a bunch of garden chores. From cutting back perennials to replacing early crops, see what to do in the garden this week!
Cut the garlic scapes! Mine started to twirl every year right at the time of the Solstice. By cutting them off as soon as possible, the plant will direct its energy into making bigger bulbs. Plus, the scapes are a delicious early summer treat in any recipe that calls for green onions or garlic. They make a great pesto, too, even without basil.
Prune spring-blooming shrubs such as forsythia, lilacs, weigela, viburnums, daphne, quince, and deutzia by mid-July at the latest. If you do it any later, you will cut off next spring’s blossoms.
Do the Chelsea Chop! To keep fall bloomers like asters, mums, and phlox shorter and more full and inspire them to produce double the number of flowers, cut the plants back by half. Doing it before the 4th of July will give the plants time to form new growth and extra blossoms.
Fertilize. By the 4th of July, give shrubs and perennials the last side-dressing of compost, rotten manure, or fertilizer. This will give any new growth time to harden off before frost.
Replace early crops. Most spring vegetables, such as bok choy, radishes, peas, lettuce, and spinach, have been harvested by early July. Pull them out and make room for some new plants. In most areas, there is still time to plant more beans, summer squashes, and cukes. Seeds should germinate fast in the warm soil. Check your first frost date and add an extra two weeks for fruits to mature since light and heat will start to wane as fall approaches.
Lettuce may be hard to germinate in hot soil so I start the plants inside in summer.
Start seeds of lettuce, chard, and brassicas, including broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, bok choy, and other Asian greens, to have plants ready to pop into beds as they empty. They love the cooler days of late summer and early fall and will be productive until a hard frost.
The following chores don’t have a time limit. They can be tackled whenever you can get to them, but the sooner, the better.
Thin the beets and carrots if you haven’t done so already. They need to have room to develop those big fat roots you are craving. If you have an open bed, plant more of these to mature in the fall.
This peony will look much better after the dead blossoms have been cut off.
Tidy up the spring bloomers. Cut back the iris stalks, pull out tulip and daffodil foliage once it has turned brown and died back, and deadhead the peonies by cutting back to the next set of 5 leaves on the stem.
Speaking of deadheading, remove spent blossoms from rhododendrons, azaleas, and lilacs to make way for new growth
Yank those invasives before they gain a foothold! Oriental bittersweet and black swallow-wort are two twining vines that will strangle any plant they decide to climb. Get rid of them before they have a chance to blossom and set seed. They are on just about every state’s list of invasive plants.
Pinch the tomato suckers. You can leave the bottom two suckers on the plant because they will produce fruit but remove the rest as they form in each leaf axil up the stem. This will keep the plant from becoming too bushy and blocking light from reaching developing fruit.
Add mulch and weed, weed, weed!
Summer is here! Make the most of it!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/12-early-summer-chores-what-do-garden-now
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Beckygreenhouse.com Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse 

image from thedailygarden.us

image from gardenerspath.com 

We are in a rainy situation that is for sure.  We only got a few rain drops yesterday, but it has rained already this morning.  Looks like more coming.  Already it is 70F(20C).  We are having very high humidity.  I can’t believe how the crops are growing with rain, humidity and warmth.  They are growing quickly for sure, and all look nice and green.  How is your garden growing?  Has there been a harvest yet?  I would think radishes, green onions, lettuce, peas.  Let me know. Stay cool, stay dry, and stay safe.   

Australia family and friends for June 26 Thursday will have low of 40F(4C) and high of 54F( 12C)).  They are predicted rain with wind gusts up to 20 MPH making the temperature feel like 34F(1C).  Cool, damp winter day for them.  Stay warm, stay safe. 

Like I have been saying, I am open this week Monday -Friday 9-6.  We are closed on Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th for our 50th wedding anniversary.  I will be open June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3. Closed on the 4th and the weekend.  THEN you know what is starting July 7 we will be loading up and taking things to the fair.  Franklin Fair Co will be starting July 9th.  Becky’s Greenhouse will be there.  Here we go. 

Do you know of any greenhouse grower that plants for just sales in June and July?  I guess I am one of those.   Here is another plant that we are growing for June, July sales eatable sweet potato vines.
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Ready to grow something sweet in your garden? Sweet potatoes aren’t just tasty and nutritious—they’re garden rockstars! With their tropical vibes, sprawling vines, and vibrant orange roots, these heat-loving plants thrive with minimal fuss. Whether you’re in the sunny South or giving them a go up North with raised beds and clever hacks, we’ll show you how to turn a humble root into a delicious harvest.  This nutritious, sweet-tasting root vegetable is heat-tolerant and pest-resistant.
Though commonly grown in the South because they require warm weather, sweet potatoes can be successfully grown in northern regions, too.
About Sweet Potatoes
The sweet potato is a tropical plant and is actually a member of the Morning Glory family. Compare a sweet potato vine’s foliage and flowers to those of morning glory, and you’ll see the family resemblance! Despite their name, they are not related to potatoes, which are in the nightshade family. Another difference between sweet potatoes and “standard” potatoes is that the edible portion of the sweet potato is a tuberous root, not a true tuber (which are technically modified plant stems).
This root vegetable has deep-orange flesh and a coppery skin jacket. Sweet potatoes are commonly served cooked in mashed form or roasted whole. They may also be used as pie filling.
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Sweet potatoes aren’t too picky, but they do prefer soil on the sandier side. They need plenty of air space for their roots to reach down. If your soil is clayey, rocky, or compacted, consider growing in raised beds.
Add compost, perlite, and/or coconut coir to the growing area to build fertile, loamy soil down to 8 to 10 inches. Avoid adding animal manure, including pelleted chicken manure; it can result in spindly and/or stained roots. Also, avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which produce lush leaf growth at the expense of the edible roots!
How to Plant Sweet Potatoes
Create raised mounds 6 to 8 inches tall and about 12 inches wide.
Plan 3 feet between mounds so there is enough space for vines to run.
Plant the slips on a warm, overcast day when the soil temperature has reached 60°F (15°C).
Break off the lower leaves, leaving only the top ones.
Set the slips deep enough to cover the roots and the stem up to the leaves. Sweet potatoes will form on the nodes.
Water with a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer, then water generously for 7 to 10 days to make sure that the plants root well.
Growing
Side-dress the sweet potato plants 3 to 4 weeks after transplanting with 5-10-10 fertilizer. If you have sandy soil, use more.
Weed the sweet potato beds regularly, starting 2 weeks after planting.
Avoid deep digging with a hoe or other tool that disturbs the delicate feeder roots.
Water regularly, especially during midsummer. Deep watering in hot, dry periods will help to increase yields.
Do not prune sweet potato vines; they should be vigorous.
Late in the season, reduce watering to avoid cracking of the sweet’s skin—a problem in storage.
sweet potatoes planted in the garden make a nice ground cover
We think sweet potatoes make a nice ground cover, too!
Growing Sweet Potatoes in Containers
Bush-type sweet potato plants are ideal for container growers. The vines that they produce are short and compact, not sprawling like typical sweets—but the roots are full size, not miniatures.
While slips mature, prepare a large container or tub. (A too-small container can result in small, curly sweets or fewer than hoped for.) A 10-gallon container can support two or three sweet potatoes; a 20-gallon, four to six. A half-barrel container (20 to 25 gallons) is ideal. Place the container where it will receive full sunlight every day. (It will be heavy to move once filled and planted.)
Sweet potato like moist but not wet soil; the medium must be well-draining and rich; sweet potato are also heavy feeders. Provide potting mix amended with compost, sand, bonemeal (for potassium), and wood ash (for potash). Minimize nitrogen or risk producing heavily leafy tops and spindly roots. If you purchase a bush variety, soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting.
Plant slips 3 to 4 weeks after the last spring frost, when the soil has warmed to 65°F and nighttime temperatures are at least 55°F. Mulch with black plastic before and during the season, if necessary, to capture or retain heat. Set slips 4 inches deep on a bed of compost, then cover up to their bottom leaves. Water with a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer (5-10-10) for 7 to 10 days to ensure that the plants root well.
I have three kinds here to plant
‘Beauregard’ (90 days) originally comes from Louisiana, but grows well in the North, too. It has dark red roots, dark orange flesh, and stores well.
‘Vardaman’ (110 days) is a bush type and good for small gardens; it has unique blue/purple foliage, golden skin, and reddish-orange flesh; stores well.
O’Henry  is white sweet potato variety that's a stabilized mutation of the Beauregard sweet potato variety. This variety was named after a Mississippi farmer, Henry Bailey, who was known for growing these. O'Henry sweet potato plants produce elongated sweet potatoes with pointed ends. The sweet potatoes have a tan-colored skin and a white flesh. O'Henry sweet potatoes have a lighter, more delicate flavor than their orange sweet potato counterparts. This is a great variety for making fries or chips. Many of our customers will mix this variety with Irish potatoes for a more nutritious mashed potato preparation.
O'Henry Sweet Potato Growing Tips:
Our O'Henry sweet potato plants will consistently produce mature sweet potatoes in 90 days. They can, however, be left in the ground closer to 100 days in northern states. It grows very similar to Beauregard and produces beautiful clusters of delicious sweet potatoes under the main plant vine. 
Sweet potato plants should not be planted in cool soils. Wait until your backyard garden soils have warmed in late spring or early summer. Sweet potato plants should be given 10-12" of space along the row and the ideal row spacing is 4'. Consistent watering without over saturation will provide the highest yields.
Taken from  https://www.almanac.com/plant/sweet-potatoes
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, beckygreenhouse.com
 

      What can I say?  More rain this week.  It was a small amount yesterday, not like last week, so hopefully the rest of the week will be that way.  HOW about you?

The temperature will be 76F(24C) which will be better that it is in the 90’s but high humidity. It will feel a little uncomfortable.   AND of course, rain showers off and on today.  Stay cool, stay safe, stay dry.

Australia family and friends Evelyn wrote and said it was nice but now it turned cold again.  They are having rain today June 25, Wednesday with a high of 58F(14C).  Stay warm, stay safe, stay dry. 

I am open this week Monday -Friday 9-6.  We are closed on Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th for our 50th wedding anniversary.  I will be open June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3. Closed on the 4th and the weekend.  THEN you know what is starting July 7 we will be loading up and taking things to the fair.  Franklin Fair Co will be starting July 9th.  Becky’s Greenhouse will be there.  Here we go. 

Do you know of any greenhouse grower that plants for just sales in June and July?  I guess I am one of those.   Here is another plant that we are growing for June, July sales.  Lilies, and day lilies

With stunning star-shaped flowers, lilies add elegance and fragrance to any garden. Enjoy their colorful blooms from spring through the first frost by blending early-blooming, mid-season, and late-blooming lilies into your garden.
Everyone loves lilies! Grown from bulbs, lilies are perennials that require minimal care if planted correctly. Most lilies do well in containers and look spectacular in a vase.
True lilies belong to the genus Lilium and grow from plump, scaly bulbs. Several popular lily species exist, including Orientals, Asiatics, Orienpets, and Species types.
We say “true” lilies because there are also plants, such as daylilies, peace lilies, and canna lilies, which have the term “lily” in their common name, but they’re not actually lilies at all. They do not grow from bulbs but are in a different plant genus. Water lilies aren’t lilies at all, and neither are lily-of-the-valley.
With 8,000 or so varieties, lilies parade an endless range of colors, shapes, heights, and bewitching scents. Lilies have six plain or strikingly marked tepals (“petals”) and are often trumpet-shaped, sitting atop a tall, erect stem with narrow, long, lance-shaped leaves. They come in many beautiful colors, including pink, gold, red, orange, and white.
Most lilies also take readily to containers at home in formal and naturalistic settings. Plus, they make excellent cut flowers!
To create a sequence of Lily blooms in your garden, remember that Asiatics generally flower first, followed by Orienpets and then Oriental varieties.
 Asiatic lilies (Lilium sp. - “Asiatic hybrids”) are the earliest to bloom (usually in May or June), right after peonies. They are also the easiest to grow, as long as they are planted in well-draining soil, not waterlogged. They are the shortest type of lily (about 2 to 3 feet tall) and come in many colors, from pastel to tropical. Hybrids come in pure white, pinks, vivid yellows, oranges, and reds; heights are from one to six feet. Intense breeding has erased much of the Asiatics’ fragrance, but despite their lack of perfume, they are a favorite with floral arrangers.
Oriental lilies (Lilium sp. - “Oriental hybrids”) have that famously intoxicating fragrance. They are tall and stately (4 feet), and tend to grow more slowly. Oriental hybrids bloom in mid- to late summer, just when Asiatic lilies are beginning to fade. Orientals are always a striking choice, producing masses of huge white, pink, red, or bi-color blooms. They make wonderful cut flowers that fill even the largest rooms with spicy scents.
Easter lilies (Lilium longifolium) are most commonly grown indoors as a holiday plant. As their name suggests, they are typically forced into bloom around Easter, in March or April. Outdoors, they are better suited for warmer regions of North America, where they can be planted in the garden after blooming has finished. These are generally hardy to Zone 5 (and to Zone 4 if given 1 to 2 feet of mulch in autumn for winter protection). Learn more about Easter Lilies.
Trumpet lilies (Lilium sp. - “Trumpet hybrids”) are similar to oriental lilies, producing many blooms with a nice scent. Their flowers tend to be smaller and more closed (like a trumpet) than those of the other lilies.
There are other lilies out there, of course, such as tiger lilies (Lilium henryi) and Turk’s cap lilies (Lilium superbum), as well as hybrids like “Orienpet” (Oriental + Trumpet) and “LA” lilies (Easter + Asiatic)
Lilies need lots of sun. For dependable blooms, lilies should get 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily (aka “full sun”). If it’s too shady, the stems will attempt to lean toward the sun or get spindly and fall over.
 Also, a well-drained site is critical. Water trapped beneath the scales may rot the bulb. How can you tell if your site drains well? After a good rain, find a spot that is the first to dry out. Enrich the soil with leaf mold, compost, or well-rotted manure to encourage good drainage.
Displaying Lilies in Vases
Lilies make wonderful cut flowers. However, avoid cutting off more than a third of the stem. Taking more than that can reduce the plant’s vigor and longevity since the plant needs its foliage to create energy.
If you are growing lilies strictly for cut flowers, consider planting them in a designated cutting garden, where you can plant fresh bulbs each year.
When cutting lilies, choose those with buds that are just about to open, with a bit of the flower color showing. The higher-up buds will open as the bottom ones fade.
Just one lily stem in a vase can be a show-stopper.
As soon as you get lilies inside, trim the stem ends an inch or so, making a diagonal cut with a sharp knife.
If you worry that the orange pollen of lilies might cause stains, simply snip off the stamens in the flower’s center.
Before arranging in a vase, remove the lower leaves on the stems so that no foliage will be underwater.
A good lily arrangement will last two or more weeks. Change the water every few days.  All I am going to say, easy to grow and so much enjoyment with the blooms. 
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook Beckys Greenhouse or Becky Kerndt Litterer

image from aquaportail.com 

      Good morning….we see the sun and a clear blue sky.  No rain this morning, but this afternoon and tonight we will get rain showers.  Tuesday looks like more rain for all of us.  It is going to stay humid, which makes working outside not much fun.  I spent the weekend watering twice a day to keep them plants with moisture with the wind, and heat they died out.  I will continue to water which is my main job during this. 

Now about last week we had 2 ½” of rain on Tuesday afternoon from 4-7.  All that rain caused it to flood the greenhouse.  We had 6” of water standing in the greenhouse.  When we are in a low spot of Dougherty, all that water goes downhill.  The water will pond around the south end of the grass around and when it is too much to go through then it backs up and goes into the greenhouse.  It was gone by Wed morning.  But I did save the baby kittens.  3 were on high ground, one was crying outside, and the others were floating in their box.  But they are all ok.  This happened again on Friday morning, another 6 inches of water through the greenhouse.  That took all day to pump down, but Larry got the water to move.   Another adventure at Becky’s Greenhouse.  Flooding water, and baby kittens. Hope we don’t have that amount of water quickly, so flooding happens.  See what happens.  Stay cool, stay safe. 

Australia family and friends are having the opposite of us.  They are having the end of fall, and their winter has started.   Tuesday June 24 will start out cold at 33F(1C) with rainy conditions and a high of 67F(19C) They too will have wind. Stay warm, stay safe. 

I am open this week Monday -Friday 9-6.  We are closed on Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th for our 50th wedding anniversary.  I will be open June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3. Closed on the 4th and the weekend.  THEN you know what is starting July 7 we will be loading up and taking things to the fair.  Franklin Fair Co will be starting July 9th.  Becky’s Greenhouse will be there.  Here we go. 

Do you know of any greenhouse grower that plants for just sales in June and July?  I guess I am one of those.   I have echinacea’s (coneflower)for summer color.  We have daylilies that are starting to bloom, and Asiatic and Oriental lilies planted that haven’t bloom yet but are looking great.  Sweet potato plants for the sweet potatoes we eat are looking good.  I would give them a try and plant in your garden yet. 

You are wondering about tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelons. I would give them a try if you wanted and have room in your gardens yet.  All the vegetables are on sale.   
I have onion sets that are still nice and firm.  They still can be planted to eat as green onions or grow for large onions. 
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Looking for a flower that’s tough, pretty, and pollinator-friendly? Coneflowers (aka Echinacea) are native wildflowers that bring color, charm, and goldfinches to your garden, with barely any fuss. Let’s get growing.  Of course, this plant is good for humans, too, with many medicinal properties; today, it’s especially popular as an herbal tea to strengthen the immune system.
Do Coneflowers Spread?  This is not an aggressive plant, but it will naturally self-seed and spread, which you can encourage if you wait to cut back until late winter (or prohibit self-seeding if you deadhead the flowers right after they fade). Hybrids will not self-sow; most are sterile (they do not produce viable seeds). Hybrids aren’t of much interest to birds, either.
Planting  Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil; they are drought-tolerant. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches and mix in compost or aged manure. (These plants will tolerate poor soil, but results may vary.)
When to Plant Coneflowers  If buying plants from a nursery (most common), plant coneflowers when small with blooms on the way, in spring or early summer.
Growing  Coneflowers are drought tolerant, but new plants need water occasionally and more often if the spring season is especially dry. Native in-ground coneflowers seldom need fertilizer. To delay blooming for fall enjoyment (and compact growth), cut back stems 1 foot when plants come into bloom. For staggered bloom heights and times, cut only a few stems.
Beneficial, wasplike soldier beetles may appear in August. They feed on insect eggs and larvae and pollinate plants. Do not harm them In late fall, lightly spread mulch in colder regions. Cut the stems back to the soil level when they wither or after frost. Divide or transplant coneflowers in spring or fall.
Stop in and see me at Becky’s Greenhouse.  Thanks for all that have stopped.
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 

zinnias in one pot for containerscaping

   take off the fruit when you plant

plant one tomato in large pot

planted lemon basil with the one tomato 

Love planting the same flowers in a pot

Pots were planted two weeks ago from plants in the packs like these

These are like the ones planted in the pots 2 weeks ago.  Ones in the pot are happy. 

        WOW, we are into summer like weather.  Only 74F(22C) but humidity is high, so it feels really uncomfortable.  This is just the start over the weekend, temperatures are to be in the 90’s.  I will be watering for sure.  I haven’t watered outside since Sunday, but if we don’t get rain this afternoon, I am going to water to keep up with it.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends, it is June 18th Wed for them, and fall.  Looks like nice day with a high of 57F(15C) partly cloudy.   Stay warm, stay safe.

Garden lesson #2 Planting tomatoes in a pot
Here I have one tomato plant. The Tomato is a Sun Dipper slender 2.5 fruit perfectly fitted for dipping.  You are tempted to put 2 or 3 in a pot because they are small when you get them.  DON’T you know how tomatoes grow in the ground; they need dirt and space.  But I did plant Lemon Basil around the base.  Tomato grows up and the basil will fill in the bottom.
Now this tomato had fruit on it, and you again are tempted to leave them on.  You need to take them off when you plant.  You want the plant to grow and not concentrate on the fruit.  That is why I took them off. 
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Garden lesson #3 Planting a container with just one kind of plant.  I love doing this and you can see how nice the zinnias look all planted in one pot.  The pot was planted 2 weeks ago by Natalie. June 3rd and look at it now.  You will see how the plants look in the large 4 packs, they are happy to get transplanted.  I had her fill in with as many plants as she could get in.
Garden Lesson #4 I will show you later that with the pots of all the same, I will put it with other pots of different colors, shapes and sizes to create a containerscape.  Interesting concept. 
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I have all these plants on sale for $2.00 so if you need color, you can do this simple planting all the same in a pot and you will have an awesome look or have some vegetables to harvest.  Give it a try. 
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 beckysgreenhouse.com