Spring/summer 2025, so we went from this to....

to this.... This is what I have been working on.  Finally, it is done.  

       ​Looking outside at a clear blue sky and temperatures is mild at 39F(3C) We could set some record highs of high 69(20C).  All I am going to say is Enjoy.  Stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Saturday Nov 15 will have a high of 75F(24C) which will be more like summer weather for them.  On Sunday it looks like rain, but they want to get as much as they can to help with the very hot Jan and Feb weather.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
I have pictures of the blacktop this spring/summer.  Yesterday we got the blacktop emptied of pots, racks, and stuff.  That part of my greenhouse work is done.  I can’t believe that it is all done.  Thanks to grandsons, and Larry for helping with that work. Now I will work inside organizing and cleaning.  It seems like a long time I have been telling you I need to compost and clean up plants.  Larry thinks this weekend, he will have the north end all done, which will be awesome.
 
Just for your information.  Word has come out that the Farmers’ Almanac is done with publication.  I use a lot of the Old Farmer’s Almanac, and this is what the editor posted about them. They are going strong. 
The Old Farmer's Almanac, Founded in 1792
Dear Readers,
Last week, I learned that another longtime almanac has ceased operations. I wanted to let you know that The Old Farmer’s Almanac isn't shutting down. In fact, we’re thriving!.
We are 234 years strong and will endure as the oldest continuously published periodical in North America. As sure as the seasons change, we will continue to publish our annual edition—with our much-anticipated weather forecasts—in print and digital for generations to come.
 Just as with the first edition, we’re constantly in conversation with our readers and use your feedback to keep us relevant. And whether you’re a lifelong reader of The Old Farmer’s Almanac or new to our publications and online offerings, we want to thank you for being a part of our story.
 Your Friend at The Old Farmer’s Almanac,  Carol Connare  Editor, The Old Farmer's Almanac
 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

​ I adore an early morning walk through the gardens, especially when there’s a misty fog hovering.
These photos are featuring some of the plants in The Garden For Life where there’s a depthless water feature and seats for families to enjoy in the warmer weather.

​Friends of the Sale Botanic Gardens
Even though the Echiums, commonly known as Pride of Maderia are fading, the pollinators are still visiting. Pictured alongside the honey bee is the Yellow Admiral butterfly which is native to Australia, New Zealand, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.

Good morning, and another awesome Indian Summer Day.  Temperature will be close to 60F(16C) today.  More clouds than yesterday but the slight breeze is out of the south.  It is time to work outside again.  I hopefully will get all I need to clean up and move inside today. Larry is busy moving things around for the winter and out of the way of snow.  I usually do weekly letters to shut ins and youth, but I haven’t been doing that till I get the outside work picked up.  Hopefully I can finish that today.  And get back to my weekly mailings.  I give out about 20 each week.   How are you coming?  Looks like next week it will be cooler, so the time is now.  Stay safe and enjoy. 
 
Australia family and friends are enjoying their spring weather.  Today, Nov 14 Friday will be a little warmer than us. High of 66F(18C).  Evelyn wrote that she had picked her cherries from her cherry tree.  Larry helped her develop a netting system so the birds don’t enjoy them before she can pick them.   Stay safe, and enjoy.
 
I am posting pictures from the Friends of the Sale Botanic Garden to give us some enjoyment out of spring with them.  Larry and I got to meet this volunteer as one of Evelyn’s friends, so that makes it more special.  Enjoy spring from down under. 

​Friends of the Sale Botanic Gardens  November 5 at 12:24 AM
 I adore an early morning walk through the gardens, especially when there’s a misty fog hovering.
These photos are featuring some of the plants in The Garden For Life where there’s a depthless water feature and seats for families to enjoy in the warmer weather.
​
Friends of the Sale Botanic Gardens
Even though the Echiums, commonly known as Pride of Maderia are fading, the pollinators are still visiting. Pictured alongside the honey bee is the Yellow Admiral butterfly which is native to Australia, New Zealand, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.
​
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 youtube.com 

      I mean this when I say GOOD MORNING….clear, blue sky, not much wind and it is warmer out than the earlier part of the week.  High today 55F(13C) and only going to get warmer all the way through Saturday.  Yes, it is a second summer or Indian Summer by the definition.  Use this weather to finish up the outside work. That is what Larry, and I will be doing.   It will get done.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are having the opposite of Indian Summer they are having spring weather. Thursday Nov 13 will have a high of 76F(24C).  They are warming up to have their summer weather in December.  Doesn’t that sound different than our December weather.  Stay cool, enjoy, stay safe, 

This weather, this time of year is what Indian Summer is.  Have a read about it. 
​
Indian Summer Meaning: What is an Indian Summer or Second Summer?
The term “Indian Summer” has been around for centuries. What is an Indian Summer or Second Summer? Where did this term originate, and what is its meaning today? Learn more.
For over two centuries, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has gone by the adage:  “If All Saints’ (November 1) brings out winter, St. Martin’s brings out Indian summer.”
“Indian Summer” is not the best terminology, given the history of the term “Indian” in North America. The weather phenomenon is best described using the term that Europeans and British still use: St. Martin’s Summer. This references St. Martin’s Day—November 11—the official start of these unusually late warm spells. Another popular term used by the American Meteorological Society is “Second Summer,” which is indeed appropriately descriptive.
Definition of Indian Summer, Second Summer
Here are several criteria for this weather phenomenon, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
It’s a period of abnormally warm weather occurring in late autumn between St. Martin’s Day (November 11) and November 20, with generally clear skies, sunny but hazy days, and cool nights.
The timing is important: It occurs after at least one killing frost but also before the first snowfall; preferably a substantial period of normally cool weather must precede this warm spell.
As well as being warm, the atmosphere is hazy or smoky, there is no wind, the barometer is standing high, and the nights are clear and chilly.
A moving, cool, shallow, polar air mass is converting into a deep, warm, stagnant anticyclone (high pressure) system, which has the effect of causing haze and a large swing in temperature between day and night.
Given the above criteria, this weather phenomenon does not occur every year, and it occurs more than once some years. We rather enjoy this description written by Sandy Griswold for the Omaha Sunday World-Herald in November 1922:
I am enabled to say, however, that the characteristics of the season, when it appears in all its glory, are a mild and genial temperature, gentle southwestern breezes, unusual brightness of the sun, extreme brilliancy of the moon, a clear, blue sky; sometimes half hidden by a veil of gray haze; daybreaks redder than the splotch on the blackbird’s wing, and sunsets laden with golden fleeces, the wooded valleys aglow with the fires of richly tinted leaves, still clinging to the listless limbs, or lying where they have fallen….
What is the Origin of Indian Summer?
So, where did this term come from? The origin is not certain, but the term dates back as far back as 1778 in Letters From an American Farmer by the French-American soldier-turned–farmer Michel-Guillaume-Jean de Crèvecoeur:
“Then a severe frost succeeds which prepares it to receive the voluminous coat of snow which is soon to follow; though it is often preceded by a short interval of smoke and mildness, called the Indian Summer.”
There are many theories. Here are a few of the more plausible ones:
Some say it comes from the Narragansett people located in what is now the northeastern United States, who believed that the condition was caused by a warm wind sent from the court of their southwestern god, Cautantowwit (“great spirit”).
Another theory is that Native Americans would routinely use this brief period of warm fall weather as an opportunity to increase winter stores. November is the time to get one’s last harvest in before winter truly shows its head, so a short period of warm weather would be of note around this time.
A third theory suggests that early American settlers mistook the sight of sun rays through the hazy autumn air for Native American campfires, resulting in the name “Indian summer.”
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/indian-summer-meaning-what-indian-summer-or-second-summer
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

variety of arrowheads image from ar.inspriedpencil.com 

Good afternoon.  I am posting this at 1:30 PM on Monday the 10th.  We are having a clear, blue sky.  But the temperature is only 31F(-C) which is our high for today.  Low tonight of 23F(-4C) Our average temperature for this time of year is 53F( C). As I always say when below normal or above normal it will average out some place this month.  It will happen this week, as on Saturday we are to have 60F(15C).  See the 20+ degrees below normal will average out this weekend at 20+ above normal.  Hope that makes sense. 
So how did we do about getting the greenhouses ready for winter?  Larry has garage door panels at the north end.  He needs to get the plastic above the door, and the tarps on the sides.  It is coming. Grandsons were here on Friday, and we got lots done with their help.  I have a pallet of potting mixture inside the greenhouse so when I start transplanting in Feb.  I will have potting mixture there.  Boys moved the trees inside the east greenhouse, and the shrubs have been moved in also.  Boys and I  worked on the pots and containers on the blacktop.  Almost got them all in place.  I will have 3 days this week to finish that job.  I had the last of the wagons cleared off.  IT is coming.  I got my first order of plug plants and need to work this week on the rest of the orders.  How did you do with your garden cleanup?  With the rain and the cold temperatures, it gets us all to realize what is coming.  We didn’t have snow in Dougherty, But I heard that Clear Lake and Mason City did.  A car came from Parkersburg for church, and they had snow on it.  Looks like it went around us.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are having their weather warm up, and they are getting nice spring rains.  Now it is cooler for them.  “But the gardens have enjoyed the rain and they are blooming,” one of the friends wrote.  It is raining now as it is Nov 11, Tuesday at 6:30 AM.  Their weather app says it rain all day for them with a high temperature of 58F(15C).  Stay dry, Stay safe.
 
In doing these blogs I learn so much.  Here is information about house plant called arrowhead.  I looked at the plants that I have moved to the house as houseplants, and I have several of these.  Glad to hear that they are easy to grow.  Do you have them with your houseplants?  Very easy which I like to grow. 
​
Arrowhead Plant Care and Propagation (Syngonium)   Growing, Caring, and Propagating Your Syngonium Indoors  Written By:  Lauren Landers
With their arrow-shaped leaves and climbing growth habit, arrowhead plants bring a lush feel to your indoor space—and they’re ultra-easy to grow! From basic care tips to propagation advice, this simple guide has all you need to keep these “arrow-sistable” plants looking sharp for many years to come.
 About Arrowhead Plants
Also known as the arrowhead philodendron, arrowheads belong to the Araceae plant family, and they’re related to aroids and houseplant favorites like peace lilies and flamingo flowers. In their native rainforests of Central and South America, arrowheads flower and produce solid green leaves; however, indoor plants rarely bloom and are primarily grown for their foliage. Even without their flowers, arrowheads have lots of charm, and cultivated varieties come in various sizes, colors, and variegation patterns that can be a fun challenge to collect!
In their native rainforests, arrowhead vines clamber up trees and over rocks with their aerial roots, but these plants can grow invasively if planted outdoors in warm areas like Florida. Indoor arrowheads are much more mild-mannered and adapt well to indoor living; you can grow them as tabletop plants or display their trailing vines on trellises or in hanging baskets. When mature, arrowhead vines stretch between 3 and 6 feet in length, although they can be kept small and bushy with frequent pruning.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, arrowheads are prized for their simple care requirements and easy-going attitude. As long as you grow these plants in sun or part shade and water them regularly, they’ll grow like champs—and they’re easy to propagate too. Just remember that arrowheads are toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach of furry friends and small children!
Arrowhead plants are commonly cultivated as a houseplant.  If there’s one thing to know about arrowhead plants, it’s that they’ll fill up just about any pot you put them in. To avoid root-bound roots, arrowheads should be repotted as soon as you bring them home and repotted again at least every 2 years after that. However, these plants will grow faster and get even bigger if you repot them every year in spring!
 To start, remove your arrowhead plant from its old pot by grasping the plant’s stems with one hand and using your other hand to wriggle the old pot free. If the pot isn’t budging, use a butter knife to carefully loosen the soil around the pot’s edges.
Add several inches of potting mix to the base of the new pot, gently tease any encircling roots apart, and position your arrowhead in the new growing container so that it’s at the same depth that it was growing in its old pot. Any well-draining container is suitable for growing arrowheads. However, terra-cotta pots are recommended for these plants since they drain quickly and reduce the chances of root rot.
Fill in the empty space around your plant’s roots with more potting mix and firm it around the plant’s stems to keep them upright.  Water well and return your arrowhead to a sunny spot so it can keep growing!
Arrowheads are one of the few houseplants that can be grown in water, but they generally grow better in potting mix. With proper care, these plants can live for 10 or more years, and they should produce lots of offshoots that you can propagate and share with friends. However, if you want arrowheads to look their best, it’s important to provide your plants with the right care!
One of the best things about arrowhead plants is that they can grow in relatively low light. That said, bright, indirect light is best for these plants, while direct sun can scorch their leaves. Variegated arrowheads usually prefer a little more light, while solid green varieties are more tolerant of shade.
Like most other tropical houseplants, arrowheads should be watered about once a week in summer and a little less in winter. You’ll know it’s time to water your plants when the top few inches of their soil feel dry. And remember, arrowheads are prone to root rot, so be sure that you don’t overwater them!
For optimal growth and lots of lush leaves, fertilize arrowhead plants about once a month from spring through early fall with an organic liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Once their growth slows in autumn, withhold all fertilizer until your plants produce new growth in spring.
Arrowheads are tropical plants that love extra humidity. However, these plants aren’t as picky about humidity as many other houseplants, and they’ll grow just fine at standard indoor humidity levels. If desired, you can keep arrowhead plants in a well-lit, steamy bathroom or place them on top of a pebble tray for a humidity boost!
During winter, arrowhead plants should be watered a little less and don’t need fertilizer. Beyond that, arrowhead plant care doesn’t fluctuate much throughout the year, although these plants will need to be pruned from time to time if you don’t want them to get too large.
To prune arrowhead vines, simply trim long stems and vines back to a leaf node using sharp, sterilized scissors or shears. Don’t throw out those prunings, though. Arrowhead plants are some of the easiest plants to propagate from cuttings!
Arrowhead plants can be propagated in soil or water at any time of the year. However, cuttings usually root best when propagating in spring or summer using the water propagation method!
Using sterilized scissors or pruners, take 4- to 6-inch-long cuttings from healthy arrowhead stems at a leaf node. If the cuttings have a few aerial roots, they’ll root even faster!
Place the cuttings in a clear glass jar and add enough water to submerge the base of the cuttings. If any leaves are touching the water line, cut them away with scissors.
Move the cuttings into bright, indirect light and replace the water daily to keep everything fresh.
In a few weeks, you should start to see small roots forming at the base of the arrowhead cuttings. Once the roots are 1 to 2 inches long, repot the cuttings into individual pots filled with a rich potting mix, and care for your new arrowheads just like the parent plant!
Most arrowhead plants produce green leaves, which may be ornamented with splashes of yellow or white variegation. However, arrowhead plants come in a range of colors, and you can find cultivars with brown, pink, or even white leaves!
Arrowhead plants are quite hardy and they’re generally resistant to most pests and disease. However, if pests or other problems do occur, you can help your arrowheads bounce back quickly by taking action at the first signs of plant distress!
Pests, like aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects insects, sometimes prey on arrowhead vines. Keep these pests at bay by quarantining new plants before adding them to your houseplant collection, and treat pest-infested plants with weekly applications of organic soap spray.
Lighting issues can produce different symptoms depending on whether your plants receive too much or too little light. Pale or bleached out leaves usually indicate that arrowheads are getting too much sun, while low light can cause these plants to stretch and get leggy.
Watering issues are especially common with arrowheads and plants can develop wilted leaves, dark leaf spots, or smelly roots if they get too much water. Too little moisture, on the other hand, may cause arrowhead plants to sag and develop brown and crispy leaves.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/arrowhead-plant-care-and-propagation-syngonium
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

taken Nov 4, 2025 

​Planted around 1881, the famous huge Lemon Scented gumtree has commenced flowering. I’ve been watching the small flower buds swell, waiting patiently for them to burst into flower

Larry and I noticed when we were visiting last year, how the trees don't have bark on them. We thought they were dying.  But you can see this gum tree is very old and that is how the trees look.  

​Planted around 1881, the famous huge Lemon Scented gumtree has commenced flowering. I’ve been watching the small flower buds swell, waiting patiently for them to burst into flower.

      ​Good morning.  Clear, blue sky but it is windy out because of a cold front passing through.  At least the temperature isn’t too cold today.  Today’s highs of 55F(13C) not as warm as yesterday but with the sun shining it will be ok to work outside.  Yes, that will get done.  Larry is working on rebuilding the north side of the greenhouse after a tree fell on it this spring.  I am working on unplanting.  ONE more wagon to do.  This will get done.  Also work on organizing inside the greenhouse.  All this plastic that I have gotten from unplanting needs to be organized.  I need to move in large containers, so they are ready to go to plant early spring.  All of this takes up room.  We have just a limited amount of time till Saturday and then you know snow is predicted.  But next week warming up to 50’s so it will not last long.  Just a reminder for all of us what is coming.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Thursday Nov 6 will have a high of 75F(24C) partly cloudy skies.  They have told me they have had some rain, so the gardens and the grass are doing well.  Enjoy your spring weather.  Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
I am posting this picture of a viola that is blooming in the green grass.  Please look around at what is still happening to give us a smile on our face. Flowers still blooming, trees that have color, and even the green lawn.  
 
I am posting pictures from the Sale, Botanic Gardens, Sale, Victoria, Australia.
Planted around 1881, the famous huge Lemon Scented gumtree has commenced flowering. I’ve been watching the small flower buds swell, waiting patiently for them to burst into flower.
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 blogspot.com  

​Here I am working inside on this lovely fall day.  I am not going to post any information.  I am just going to wish you a lovely day and hope you can go outside and enjoy it.  I am going to be working on unplanting wagons( composting the plants), saving the plastic to get ready for what is coming this weekend.  It isn’t my favorite thing to do but needs to get done.  I am afraid cleaning up your gardens is the same feeling.  NOT fun, but when you have it done it is a sign of completion.  High temperature today will be 61F(16C)  sunshine and a breeze south wind today.  Big changes for the weekend.   Enjoy, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Nov 5, Wed will have high of 64F(17C) with partly cloudy conditions.  Sounds like a good spring day for them.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
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 careforplant.com 

What can I say…November 2025.  I am overwhelmed with what we have to get done before snow flies.  It will not be this week; in fact, we are to have above normal temperatures, and the sun will be shining.  Right now, there is a clear, blue sky so this can’t get much better. High today is 57F(14C) which is our normal temperature for this time  of year.  A cold front is moving in, and with that change we will have wind, but it will be out of the south.  Larry worked on the greenhouse north side Saturday and Sunday.  I was there to help him hold boards, hold the track for the garage door, get him tools when he was on the ladder.  It went well.  He told me he can do the rest by himself today so I will work on cleaning up the wagons.  With the morning, it seems like it’s long with standard time now.  I know this afternoon will go quickly. Stay warm, stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Tuesday Nov. 4th will have high today of 62F( 16C) but 95% chance of rain.  I will find out from them if it rains in Sale.  Some of the rain goes around them but I know they would love to have rain as it is a drier spring.  Stay dry, stay safe,
 
I am learning about new plants to me.  Have you seen the moon cactus?  It is a vibrant cactus, and I read you only have to transplant into a bigger pot every 3 to 5 years.  Here is more information about them,
 
If you love houseplants with big, bold color, you’ll be over the Moon for moon cactuses. These colorful characters are the product of a bit of playful plant experimentation, and while they don’t exist naturally, they may just become your new favorite indoor or outdoor addition. Here’s everything I’ve learned from years of growing and grafting them.
Caring for a moon cactus is a little different from tending their cacti cousins. The vibrant Hibotan tops of moon cactuses need a grafted base to thrive—but with the right tips on light, water, soil, and occasional grafting, you can keep your colorful plant healthy and growing. I have a soft spot for moon cactuses—they were the very first houseplants I ever grew!
Also known as the red ball or red cap cactus, moon cacti are created by grafting two separate types of cacti together to create a small hybrid plant that’s truly one-of-a-kind! The top section of moon cacti is actually a mutated version of the Hibotan cactus, which doesn’t have the chlorophyll it needs to photosynthesize. To keep it growing, this Hibotan cactus top is then grafted onto a tall cactus base, often from a dragon fruit cactus (Hylocereus spp.), which provides enough chlorophyll to keep the Hibotan cactus top healthy.
Wild Hibotan cacti grow native throughout the arid regions of South America, but they don’t have the bright colors houseplant lovers have come to expect from cultivated moon cactuses. While store-bought moon cacti come in showy shades of pink, yellow, red, orange, and purple, wild Hibotan cacti are a grayish-green color and can photosynthesize on their own. It’s only when Hibotan cacti are carefully bred for that extra special color that they lose their ability to support themselves and require grafting.
Like other cacti, moon cactuses sport small spines that can prick your fingers, and they grow best in warm locations with well-draining soil. However, because of their special coloring, moon cacti don’t tolerate as much sun as your standard cactus plant and prefer to grow in bright, indirect light. I keep my moon cacti in a small pot in a partially shaded window, where they seem quite happy. However, these plants can also be grown in dish gardens with other cacti and succulents that have similar care needs. Additionally, they can potentially be grown outdoors in light shade in Zones 11 and 12.
As with other houseplants, I like to repot moon cacti as soon as I bring them home as I find the store-bought pots they arrive in can increase the risk of root rot. I’ll often grow these plants in well-draining terra-cotta pots that wick moisture away from their delicate roots, but you can also grow them in shallow-dish garden containers with drainage holes in the base.
Choose a small pot: Moon cacti don’t mind being a little crowded in their pots and oversized pots can increase the risk of root rot. That’s why I grow these plants in small terra-cotta containers that are about the same size as the store-bought pots my cacti arrive in.
Use cactus soil: Using a well-draining potting mix is key for growing cactuses, including moon cacti. You can either use a store-bought cactus and succulent potting mix or make your own mix by blending together 3 parts potting soil, 3 parts sand, and 1 part perlite or pumice.
Wait to water: After repotting, wait 1 week to water your moon cactus to give its roots a bit of time to settle in.
Compared to other cacti, moon cacti are a bit harder to grow, and they usually live for only a few years, even with the best of care. The complexities are that the top and bottom sections of moon cactus plants grow at different rates and the graft union that forms between the Hibotan cactus top and dragon fruit base weakens as the plants outpace each other’s growth. That said, you can keep moon cacti around indefinitely by regrafting the plant tops onto new cactus bases every few years or by propagating your plants via offsets!
Like other cacti, moon cacti don’t need much water and can quickly develop root rot if they’re watered too much or grown in poorly draining pots. To avoid this, water these plants deeply only when their soil is completely dry, and make sure to dump any excess water out of the plant pot saucers when you're done. During winter, moon cacti may not need any water at all beyond a light misting!
Most cacti grow best in bright sun, but moon cacti favor bright, indirect light. South-facing windows shielded with sheer curtains or partially opened blinds can be the perfect spot for these plants.
Low humidity locations are best for moon cacti, but these plants should do just fine at standard indoor humidity levels.
If you move houseplants outdoors during the summer, make sure to bring moon cacti back inside before temperatures dip below 50°F. Moon cactus bases are more cold hardy than the Hibotan cacti tops, and cold temperatures can cause the colorful moon cactus tops to die.
Although moon cacti often don’t need fertilizer, they'll grow better if you feed them lightly with a cactus fertilizer during spring and summer.
As with most cacti, moon cactuses are nontoxic to pets—but their spines can prickle!
Moon cacti are all about color, and the “varieties” come mostly from the vibrant Hibotan tops grafted onto a standard cactus base. Each color is a little personality all its own!
Red Moon Cactus – The classic and most common, with a bright, bold red top that instantly catches the eye.
Yellow Moon Cactus – Cheerful and sunny, this yellow Hibotan top brings warmth to any windowsill or dish garden.
Pink Moon Cactus – From soft blush to bright pink, these moon cacti add a playful pop of color.
Orange Moon Cactus – Warm, energetic orange tops that make a striking contrast against green cactus bases.
Purple Moon Cactus – Deep purple or magenta tops, less common but dramatic and elegant.
Some growers also offer variegated or multicolored tops, like red-orange blends, for a truly one-of-a-kind moon cactus. No matter the color, each moon cactus is a cheerful, low-maintenance splash of living art for your indoor or outdoor garden.
The most common issues that occur with moon cacti are usually caused by lighting or watering issues. However, even indoor moon cactus plants can sometimes attract pests as well.
  Pests such as mealybugs and spider mites may feed on moon cacti, covering them with a sticky “honeydew” residue. Spot treating with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol or applying organic soap spray weekly should eliminate these pests.
Overwatering can cause the moon cactus bases to become mushy and collapse. If this occurs, you may be able to salvage your plant by grafting the top onto a new cactus base.
Too much light will result in moon cacti tops looking bleached out or scorched. If this occurs, move your plant into a lower light window or add a sheer curtain for some sun protection.
Slow-growing moon cacti don’t need big pots and should only be repotted about once every 3 to 4 years.  Spring or summer is the best time to repot moon cacti.
Let the soil dry: It’s much easier to repot moon cacti when the soil is dry.
Reuse pots: Feel free to reuse your old pot as long as your moon cactus hasn’t outgrown it. These plants grow slowly and don’t need a lot of space.
Repot right: Wearing gloves, carefully remove your plant from its pot and brush as much of the old potting mix from your plant’s root as you can. Then, fill a new pot or your old one with a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix, locate your cactus in the pot at the same depth the plant was previously growing, firm the soil around your plant’s roots, and wait 1 week to water.
Hibotan cactus can be grown from seed, but if you want a true moon cactus, you’ll need to graft those baby cacti onto a healthy rootstock. Grafting can also be used on moon cactus offsets or to salvage a damaged or aging moon cactus plant.
Grafting: To graft a new moon cactus to a base or regraft an existing moon cactus top, use a sharp, sterilized knife to trim off the  base of a Hibotan cactus. Then, cut the top off a similarly sized, rooted, column-shaped cactus, such as a dragon fruit plant. Position the two cactus pieces on top of each other so that the cut sections are overlapping as much as possible. Secure the pieces in place with a rubber band wrapped over the cactus top and pot bottom, and care for the cactus as normal until the cactus halves fuse.
Offsets: To grow a new moon cactus from offsets, wait for your plant to produce babies or offsets and then carefully cut these offsets from the parent plant with a sharp, sterilized knife. If the offsets are colorful (rather than green), graft them onto an appropriately sized cactus base using the tips above.
Like most other houseplants, moon cacti need less water in winter and they should only be fertilized during spring and summer. If the cactus base begins to produce side shoots, trim them off with a sharp, sterilized knife to ensure the shoots don’t draw energy away from the moon cactus top.
Wit and Wisdom
Wild Hibotan cacti typically grow in the shade of taller plants and grasses or beneath rocky outcrops that provide these sensitive plants with light shade.
The bright colors of moon cacti are the result of underlying plant pigments that only show in the absence of chlorophyll.
Hibotan cacti were first discovered in 1903 by the botanist Alberto Vojtěch Frič; however, moon cactus hybridization only began in the 1940’s.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/moon-cactus-care-tips-growing-vibrant-cactus-plants
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

​The Purple Swamphen, is a common sight around the garden, usually at ground level amongst the reeds or walking across the green lawns.
I was surprised to see them roosting on top of the weeping blue cypress and learnt that if they feel endangered they will fly out of the way. They certainly had a great view of the surrounding area.

​This stunning photo was taken by one of the Friends group, Vicki, who said ‘she was in the right place at the right time.’
Vicki’s photo shows a peacock near the pink flowering tree (crab apple I think) in the Garden  For Life.
Thanks for sharing it Vicki.

This plant is a species of Acanthus, commonly known as Bear's Breeches. My nana always called it an oyster plant which is one of its common names. It’s also known as sea dock, sea holly, gator plant or bear's foot. A striking plant with glossy green leaves which likes full sun or partial shade. It can be found in one of the Climate Matched garden beds.
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Foggy Thursday morning.  I had to check what day of the week it is.  Already Thursday.  Still foggy at 9:30 AM Temperature high today is 49F(9C) generally cloudy with clearing tonight to give us a low of 32F(0C).  It is going to be cool for the weekend but looks like warming up next week. 
You are wondering how it is going with the outside work.  SLOW…I have another wagon cleared off.  Now will work inside the greenhouse organizing plastic and moving trays so the plastic wall can go up.  The north side is completely open, but the plan is to work on it this weekend.  It is coming but that too SLOW as Larry has automotive work to do in the shop.  Greenhouse work is an all-year job, some of it more enjoyable than others.  Clean up and getting ready for winter isn’t the favorite job but needs to get done.  How is your outside work coming?  Glad that it is still mild out and the frost isn’t that hard freeze yet.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Friday Oct 31 will have a high of 73F(22C) but looks like 60% chance of rain with wind gusts up to 9 mph.  Stay dry, stay safe.
 
I am posting pictures and information from the Sale Botanic Gardens, Sale Australia.  I find it so interesting the pictures of the plants that are so different from what we grow.  Remember it is their spring, so lots of new things blooming for them before it gets so terrible hot. 
​
The Purple Swamphen, is a common sight around the garden, usually at ground level amongst the reeds or walking across the green lawns.
I was surprised to see them roosting on top of the weeping blue cypress and learnt that if they feel endangered they will fly out of the way. They certainly had a great view of the surrounding area. I remember seeing these birds when we were there visiting.  
 
This stunning photo was taken by one of the Friends group, Vicki, who said ‘she was in the right place at the right time.’
Vicki’s photo shows a peacock near the pink flowering tree (crab apple I think) in the Garden  For Life.
Thanks for sharing it Vicki.
​
This plant is a species of Acanthus, commonly known as Bear's Breeches. My nana always called it an oyster plant which is one of its common names. It’s also known as sea dock, sea holly, gator plant or bear's foot. A striking plant with glossy green leaves which likes full sun or partial shade. It can be found in one of the Climate Matched garden beds.
Taken from Sale Botanical Gardens, Sale, Victoria, Australia
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from Old Farmer's Almanac

      I did not get to post yesterday.  Time just slipped away.  I was helping Larry in the garage with stuff.  It was damp and rainy in the afternoon plus rain all night.  It looked like it was most of North Central Iowa.  Did you get rain? 
Today looks like the sun will be sunny so that will make it feel so much better.  High today of 53F(11C). A mix of clouds and sun.  Winds NNE at 10 MPH Will be ok if the sun is out.  Nothing like that sun for feeling warm.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Thursday Oct 30th will have 70F(21C) so it is warming up for them.  They will have cloudy conditions with winds only at 3 mph.  Enjoy the day and stay safe.  As I am posting this at 9:00 AM Wednesday, it is 1:00 AM Thursday Morning for them. 
 
I thought this article from the Old Farmer’s Almanac about Thanksgiving week is very interesting.  It looks like we might have a mild one which would be good for all that are traveling. It is for the whole United States so have a look at where you are.

Your region-by-region Thanksgiving week forecast—rain, snow, and sunshine across the U.S.
Written By:  Bob Smerbeck and Brian Thompson  Meteorlogists
Heading “over the river and through the woods” this Thanksgiving? The Old Farmer’s Almanac has you covered with our special Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Weather Map. See what’s in store—snow, rain, or sunshine—broken down by region to help you plan your holiday travel.
In 2025, Thanksgiving (U.S.) falls on Thursday, November 27. Many Americans extend the holiday into a full week of travel. AAA reports that most (89%) travel by car, while 7% fly. Whether you’re hitting the road, catching a flight, or hosting at home, here’s your Thanksgiving forecast.
Thanksgiving Week Weather Highlights
Thanksgiving week 2025 brings a patchwork of weather across the U.S., with sunshine in much of the East and rainy conditions in the West. Snow is limited to a few northern spots—northern New England, the Upper Midwest, the higher elevations in the Intermountain West, and Alaska—where flurries could affect travel.
Christmas Forecast 2024: Will There Be Snow on Christmas Day?
The West Coast will experience the wettest conditions, with heavier rainfall in the southern Pacific Northwest and steady showers across California and Nevada. Elsewhere, precipitation is scattered: the Desert Southwest and southern Texas may see isolated showers, while the Ohio Valley and Heartland face brief rain later in the week.
Temperatures vary widely. The warmest air lingers over Texas, the Desert Southwest, and the Deep South, while cooler-than-normal conditions are expected in New England, the High Plains, and much of the Western U.S.
Thanksgiving 2025 weather, based on long-range weather predictions in The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Regional Forecasts: Will It Rain or Snow?
1. Northeast Region
Bundle up—it’s colder than average. Northern New England may see some snowflakes, while southern areas enjoy a crisp, sunny Thanksgiving. Good news for morning parades and holiday walks, but drivers up north should be prepared!
2. Atlantic Corridor
Temperatures slip from mild early to chilly by the holiday, but skies stay bright and dry. Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s house or hosting in the backyard, expect smooth travel and pleasant conditions without rain or snow delays.
3. Appalachians
Sunshine leads the way across the mountains. Northern areas turn colder than average, while southern locations stay on the warm side. From hiking trails to hearthside gatherings, conditions look calm and clear.
4. Southeast
A chilly start early in the week gives way to milder air by Thanksgiving. With sunshine holding steady, it’s a fine setup for morning football games, backyard cookouts, or stress-free road trips.
5. Florida
A cooler-than-usual start turns mild and comfortable. Expect plenty of sun and no rain in sight—a Florida Thanksgiving perfect for outdoor meals, beach strolls, or travel along I-95.
6. Lower Lakes
The week trends warmer, with plenty of sunshine and no rain or snow to slow you down. Expect smooth travel across the region—whether you’re navigating highways or heading out for a post-feast walk.
7. Ohio Valley
The week starts off a little chilly, but warmth builds toward Thanksgiving. A few passing showers may show up midweek, though nothing strong enough to spoil road trips or holiday plans.
8. Deep South
Warmer than average with sunshine to spare. Whether you’re deep-frying the bird outdoors or hitting the road to visit family, travel looks easy and skies stay clear across the region.
9. Upper Midwest
Temperatures are on the mild side, but don’t be fooled—occasional snow flurries could slick up roads and cut visibility. Most of the week stays calm, but travelers should keep an eye out for quick wintry bursts.
10. Heartland
Unseasonably warm air dominates. Early sunshine makes for great travel windows, though late-week rain may arrive. Keep plans flexible, and you’ll likely find smooth stretches for driving and celebrating.
11. Texas-Oklahoma
A warm week overall, with a clear north–south split. Northern parts stay dry and sunny, while southern portions may see a shower or two. Most travelers will find conditions favorable for holiday getaways.
12. High Plains
Cold air rules the week, but skies remain dry and clear. Long-haul drivers and local travelers alike should find good visibility and easy conditions—just pack extra layers for the chill.
13. Intermountain
Temperatures drop across the region during Thanksgiving week, with a mix of rain and snow expected. While conditions vary by elevation, travelers should anticipate occasional disruptions—especially in mountain passes and higher terrain.
14. Desert Southwest
Warm and mostly dry, with a few isolated showers possible during the week. Most areas will enjoy comfortable conditions for travel and outdoor plans, though brief interruptions can’t be ruled out.
15. Pacific Northwest
Rain is on tap—heavier to the south, lighter to the north—with colder-than-normal temperatures. Expect slick roads and reduced visibility at times, so holiday travelers should plan for damp drives and pack patience.
16. Pacific Southwest
Turning colder with showers scattered through the week. Not a total washout, but wet roads may slow errands and commutes. Keep rain gear handy if you’re juggling holiday plans outdoors.
17. Alaska
Colder air settles in, with snow showers on and off all week. Wintry travel conditions are likely, so prepare for slick roads and reduced visibility—plan ahead and keep a close eye on local advisories.
18. Hawaii
Cooler than usual, with isolated showers. Most of the islands enjoy pleasant conditions, though brief rain could interrupt outdoor festivities or beach plans before clearing again.
Final Word
Remember, Almanac long-range forecasts are exactly that—long range. They’re perfect for planning, but not a substitute for daily local forecasts. As the holiday approaches, check your local 5-Day Forecast for updated details.
Wherever you’re headed, may your holiday be safe, smooth, and full of gratitude.
Holiday Recipes and Traditions
Thanksgiving is centered on the great American feast! From turkey to cranberry sauce to apple pie, traditional dishes abound—but there’s always room to add your own touch. Explore our favorite Thanksgiving recipes and tips for cooking a moist, flavorful turkey to impress family and friends.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/november-weather-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 chetu.com 

Good morning another sunny, clear morning.  Temperature at 10:00 Am is at 46F(7C) but predicted to be in 60F(15C).  Hopefully it will warm up that much.  Of course, I need to be outside working on getting plants unplanted, and pots inside the greenhouse.  More pleasant to do it when the weather is warmer.  It is coming…slowly.  Sounds like rain tomorrow which will be good to get some moisture into the soil for winter and next spring.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends had some rain over their weekend, today is Tuesday Oct 28th for them.  It looks like they too will have a great spring day.  Temperature is for them 62F(17C)  with partly cloudy conditions and wind gusts only at 4 MPH.  ENJOY, stay warm, stay safe.
 
Now for my technical gardeners, I found this article about Apps to help with your garden design and planning.  It might be something you would like to do when you aren’t finishing up cleaning up your gardens.  Good luck and give them a look online.  Happy PLANNING. 
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6 Vegetable Garden Planner Apps Compared
Vegetable garden planner apps can help you design planters, discover ideal plant times, and create a roadmap for spring, but which app is best?  By Amanda MacArthur
Why does it always seem like you spend all of the off-season waiting, wishing, and hoping for gardening season, then when it arrives, your brain goes into panic mode, and suddenly you have no idea what’s going to go where, or how many of what you’re going to plant? Just me? That’s fine, that’s fine.
A couple years ago, I did a garden renovation and went through that panic big time, realizing I would have a lot more room to plant, some new raised beds, and a whole feast of things to overcome, like new dirt and possible introduction of disease from the garden soil and compost. It was definitely a little overwhelming, because my garden soil has always been so, so good to me; I could probably grow a lemon tree from seed in New England.
All of this led me to look for vegetable garden planner apps that I could use now that I’m more or less starting from scratch. Usually I know where everything goes, and this year I’ll have more room, different planting conditions, two new trellises, and just a whole lot more veggies I’ve never tried to grow before.
The first one I found was a recent crowdfunding project, and I was able to get into the demo, called Seedtime. It’s not yet available to the public, but it allows you to input everything you want to plant, and it will tell you when to germinate, when to plant, when to harvest, etc. based on your zone, frost dates, etc. But they’re certainly not first to market, and they’re also not available yet to the masses, so I figured why not put together a list of all the great vegetable garden planner apps available so you can pick and choose which ones work best for you?
The truth is, garden planning apps are hard to come by, and interfaces on them are often clunky and feel a little bit like time warp back to Windows 95. However, I was able to dig up a few that are generally useful and a couple that appear to be the best in class.
1. Garden Manager
Garden Manager is a web app that allows you to visually create your beds, then say what you want to plant per square foot. Based on your information that you give it about the amount of sunlight the bed gets, and how deep your soil is, and your planting zone, it will help you choose the best vegetables to plant. The free version is very simple in its implementation. Paid versions offer professional help with planning your garden.
The most helpful feature in this vegetable garden planner app was a somewhat visual representation of my garden, and the chart it created to tell me when to plant everything.
2. Gardena
Gardena is another app, which I might have found particularly helpful when I was designing my new garden layout. In terms of organizing real plants you want to grow, the selection is very limited, so this isn’t a true vegetable garden planner app, but could be useful when renovating an existing garden or building out a new one. This is what I was able to do in about 15 minutes to try and mimic the drawing I came up with for our new garden. The interface was easy to use for the most part, but it’s only available on desktop.
3. Smart Gardener
Smart Gardener felt like a combination of the first two vegetable garden planning apps, and for a $10 quarterly cost. It starts off stronger than the first two by asking how many people are in your family that you plan to grow for, where you live, and your frost dates. From there you can just start adding everything you want to plant, which contains all the information that you can find on the back of your seed packets. Once you’re done, it’ll give you a weekly task list of what seeds to start, what to transplant, and what to start outdoors.
If you add something that’s not ideal for your growing climate, it will tell you but still allow you to add it to your garden. But a nice feature is that it will tell you how many seeds you should plant per square foot and when.
In the end, like magic, after you tell them how many of each you want, they put everything in place in your garden plots (virtually of course) based on the size of your plots, companion planting, and other strategies. You can move things around too, and lock items that you want to stay in a specific place. Overall, this app is totally useful and worth the $10. This is what my garden looked like when I was done. Looks like I’ll have lots more room to plant! My only gripe with this app is that when you’re adding your vegetables, there’s no search function so you need to manually scroll and select each variety you’re planting.
As for vegetable garden planner apps for your phone, there are a few of those too, though while I initially wanted a phone app, I appreciate the bigger interface of the web apps.
4. GrowVeg Garden Planner
The GrowVeg Garden Planner has similar features to Smart Gardener, though it’s more focused on the design of the garden. One niche feature I liked was the ability to make curves. All the other tools allow you to make squares and triangles, but if you want to represent a garden that isn’t square it’s difficult. While I don’t get any background information on the plants I am arranging as I plan the garden, I do get a checkbox that asks if I want to show companion plants, so for example if I arrange a box of tomatoes, I can then tell it to show me companion plants, and then choose ones that I’ll plant with my tomatoes, like basil, carrots, onions, or even asparagus. Out of all the apps, I found this implementation of companion planting suggestions the most useful.
Then, like the other apps, you get a useful calendar of when to start seeds indoors, when to plant, and when to harvest. A bonus feature is the garden journal, where you can log what you’re doing or planning for your garden. Compared to Smart Gardener, this is a close comparison, but I prefer their app more because this app is still only offering broad planting advice on plants, not specific varietals. Meaning, I can’t choose the exact type of tomato I am planting and get all the information for that specific tomato. That said, I like the guidance on companion planting much more than the text version and automated versions of companion planting suggestions you get from Smart Gardener, so it’s a close call. GrowVeg also comes with a free trial and no credit card required.
5. Planter
There are only a handful of vegetable garden planner apps similar to the ones above where you can use visual cues to plan your garden, and the Planter app is one of them. Overall, you get to build a garden, then drag vegetables onto the plot to visually see how things look.
There are some pointers offered, for example, tomatoes take up four squares, whereas shallots take up one, so you know they need four times the space. And when you click on the individual vegetable, you get planting information, but it’s general information, not specific to the exact type you’re planting like in the Smart Gardener App, and it doesn’t give you a schedule of planting like the other apps in this list do, once you choose your vegetables.
Still, comparable to Gardena, it’s good for visual design of your garden with the bonus of information about each plant such as spacing, depth to plant, how much sun, frost-tolerance, watering and harvesting.
6. Veggie Garden Planter
This is the best vegetable garden planner app I’ve come across, and while Smart Gardener is at the top of my list, for a handheld garden planner, Veggie Garden Planter makes a dent.
First, skip the free version which is more of a demo environment, and pay the $3.99 to get all the features. Next, you add all the veggies that you want to plant to your list of “My Veggies”. This is not specific, when you select tomato, you’re selecting all tomatoes, so the calendar you get in the end you can take with a probably-mostly accurate grain of salt. What’s useful in this app is that in each plant profile, they tell you the “good neighbors” and “bad neighbors” along with how to plant, though it may vary by varietal.
One feature that stands out is when you use their garden design tool, if you drag one crop near a “bad neighbor” or a “good neighbor” it will let you know, which is a feature none of the other apps offer. Generally once you start planning your garden in the other apps, you’re on your own, but the feedback while designing in this app is nice and offers active learning, though admittedly still hard to design on a smaller screen. Plus, you get that trusty calendar that says when you can start planting, and when it’s time to harvest.
There is a free version, but you need to cough up the $1.99 to get more than a handful of vegetables, and $3.99 if you want all the vegetables with their garden design tool. Still, for $3.99 it’s a decent vegetable garden planner app.
It’s time consuming to set up a new app to plan a garden, but so is going through the back of all your seed packets to decipher all the information you need to start planting. The app I will most likely use going forward is Smart Gardener, because I like that I can choose the exact seeds I am planting, and planting data is based off exactly what the seed packet I’m holding is telling me. The garden design feature where it will organize your garden so that plants are all near their companies, is also a nice feature. In my pocket, I’d definitely use Veggie Garden Planter. It’s more simple, and I’d recommend that they consider allowing users to scan the seed packet to easily add it to their garden.
Taken from https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/daily/garden-design/vegetable-garden-planner-apps
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