GOOD morning and what a lovely morning it is.  Clear, blue sky very little wind and temperature is already at 64F(17C) Enjoy. 

I am open today, Sunday, from 1:00 till 6:00.  Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers about our niece Dorothy Winke from Waukon.  Funeral service was very nice, family was there for Mary Kay and Rick, so that was good to be with her.  It is going to be hard. Prayers for both her Mary Kay and Rick, her son, The Lord will be holding them in his arms. 

What can I say we have lots of plants, they look good, and they are ready to go into your gardens.  Open Monday through Saturday 9-6, Sunday 1-6. Stop in and let us help you with your gardening needs.  The weather this week looks awesome.   Be safe. 
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 

      Good morning, now the sun was out at 8:00 at 9:00 it is becoming cloudy again.  Looking at the forecast partly cloudy, mostly cloudy high today of 58F(15C) stay warm, enjoy, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Saturday May 3 will be having also partly cloudy skies with a high of 67F(19C).  Enjoy and stay safe. 
 
We have had our April rains, now it is time for the May flowers.  I have some sad news to tell you.  My niece, my sister’s daughter, passed away this week.  The funeral is tomorrow in Waukon, so Larry and I decided to just close the greenhouse so we can attend the funeral.  Dorothy Winke was 61 years old, and we are really concerned about my sister who is 87.  As Mary Kay said parents aren’t to bury their children.  Prayers for the family for today and the days to come.  The Lord is holding them now.  Closed on Saturday May 3, 2025
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I will be here today Friday May 2, and then I will be open on Sunday May 4th from 1-6 and every day from now on.  Hope this works out for you and your gardening plans. 
We are open Monday – Saturday 9-6, Sunday 1-6.  Stop in and see what we have for you. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook, Becky’s Greenhouse or Becky Kerndt Litterer

Do you see the water spraying out of the sprinkler?  Wagon of packs of annuals 

color popping out 

more popping 

look at that size of hen and chick 

Do you know what this is?  

It is cool this morning at 39(3C) high in the 60’s(15C) today. Clouds moving in, slight wind, and rain showers for tonight and tomorrow.  I didn’t see a map if we were to get any.  See what happens. ENJOY, stay safe

Australia family and friends, from last post they wrote that their rain wasn’t to come in till the afternoon, so they were out in their gardens working.  Today May 1st for them, they will have 64F(17C) with a partly cloudy sky.  Like us today.   Enjoy, stay safe.
 
Things are happening at Becky’s Greenhouse.  I have been moving plants out of the greenhouse on to another wagon.  Colors are popping.  We are still planting, so making room for them.  Because of the way I grow the plants, we start the plants on tables, then when established and really when we need room, we move them to the tall carts.  Then the newest plantings will go on the tables for a good growing time.  I will go through the tall carts and get two flats of each variety, move the trays from the bottom to the top of the rack so they can grow.  It is a little extra work, but this way we keep all the plants in one greenhouse for heating reasons, watering reasons and main reasons so I can keep my eyes on them.
I think that is enough information.  One gardener told me sometimes; I tell too much technical stuff so today that is why the pictures of what is popping at Becky’s Greenhouse.  We are open Monday – Saturday 9-6, Sunday 1-6.  Stop in and see what we have for you. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Facebook, Becky’s Greenhouse or Becky Kerndt Litterer 

clipartmag.com 

      Again, I haven’t posted for a while.  We got open, so that is good.  Always so much to do, and would you believe we are still doing the work.  Now the question and the timing are moving all out to the wagons so you can shop outside.  It will not happen today with the threat of severe weather. 
The potential is here but one meteorologist said everything in place for a high-level storm, but you need that ignition point.  If it continues to stay cloudy, the temperature will not rise to the high 70’s for the ignition point.  We might still have a chance of it so we will be putting on the plants inside for late afternoon and evening.  Right now, that is 4 wagons.  Yes, Larry got the east greenhouse cleaned out of his stuff so we can use it for a short time to keep the plants safe.  Thank you, Larry. 
High today 76F(24C) which I will look but wondering if we are close to what Australia family and friends are having for their fall day.  If the clouds break up and the sun warms up more of the atmosphere, then that is when the storms are more likely will happen.  The ignition point. Stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for April 29, Tuesday weather temperature is only high of 64F(17C) and they have 89% rain.  We are warmer than they are.  Spring vs Fall.  Stay safe.

Tomorrow I will take pictures of what is blooming at Becky’s Greenhouse.  Hope all stay safe. 
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Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook, Becky’s Greenhouse or Becky Kerndt Litterer

      Good morning, it looks like I forgot to write yesterday.  Can you believe I am busy?  Anyway, we are open but still getting ready for the gardeners.  Perennials, trees and shrubs will be ready by Friday.  They are what we delivered.  We didn’t plant these.  BUT the greenhouse is full, and I spent the last 2 days getting plants on the tall carts, to make room for the new planting.  Yes, we are still planting.  We have lots of color in the greenhouse.
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We had rain last night, and that is good.  This one was nice and gentle and warm.  WATCH out plants will be popping.  Enjoy, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their fall weather on Wed. April 24 wow they are to have 67F(19C) awesome fall day for the ENJOY, stay safe.
Seed potatoes and onion sets are here.  Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, new this year collars Flash, Celery, and Brussel sprouts Asparagus crowns and strawberries will be here next week.  The list will go on and on for annual flowers.  I will share with you different ones more to come. 
Hours:
Monday -Saturday 9-6
Sunday 1-6 
I am so glad to be at this point, to show you what we have done in our planting.  Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected] 641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365 Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse 

image from lovethegarden.com 

Good morning….hope all had a great Easter weekend.  We did with church, family, fellowship, food and a couple of Easter Egg Hunts.  I have to say I am a little weary this morning, but I’m up and going to the greenhouse soon.  The temperature is at 45F(7C) still cloudy out but the clouds are to move out and we are to see the sun this afternoon.  See what happens.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends, April 22, Tuesday for them high of 65F(18C) but it looks they will have rain 80% with wind for them.  So, it will be a fall day, but they enjoy the rain. Everything will be greening up. Stay warm, stay safe.   

We are getting our trees and shrubs this afternoon.  Here is the list of fruit trees, and you will see cherry trees among them.

1. Braeburn apple
2. Corland apple
3. Fruit snacks Gold treat apple  I will explain about these in a later writing
4. Fruit snacks Tangy Green apple
5. Gala apple
6. Granny Smith apple
7. Norland apple
8. Winesap apple
9. Black Tartarian cherry
10. Northstar cherry
11. Elberta peach
12. Superior Plum

We have three of each Hope you find one you would like to plant. 
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Here is how to grow cherries, and the homework assignment for you do you need two cherry trees for them to produce? 
How to Grow Cherries:  by Catherine Boeckmann
Cherry trees are gorgeous all year long, from their spring blossoms to their luscious fruit in midsummer. Learn how to grow and harvest both sweet and tart cherries. Also, be sure to protect your cherries from bird damage!
About Cherries
Sweet cherries are the variety most often found in markets. They have a thick, rich, and almost plum-like texture. Sweet cherries grow in hardiness Zones 5 to 7; they are self-sterile and best for an orchard or a large garden. You’ll need at least two or three trees, as they’ll need to pollinate each other. If space is limited, consider the dwarf self-pollinating cultivar ‘Stella’.
Sour cherries are not usually eaten raw, but are widely used for preserves and other cooking uses. Sour cherries are much smaller than sweet cherries and all varieties are self-fertile. They grow in Zones 4 to 6.
Cherry trees generally start bearing fruit in their fourth year; dwarf trees bear fruit a year earlier. One mature, standard-size tart or sweet cherry tree will produce 30 to 50 quarts of cherries each year; a dwarf tree, about 10 to 15 quarts.
Plant cherry trees in early spring or late fall (when the ground is soft and has a higher moisture content) in a sunny site with good air circulation and deep, well-drained soil. Apply mulch and water well. After flowering in a fruiting year, you’ll need to drape trees with wildlife-safe netting to protect the fruit from birds.
Plant cherry trees in a sunny site with good air circulation; avoid planting near larger trees or buildings that will shade the cherries. Ideally, cherry trees should get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
Cherry trees do best in deep, well-draining soil that has a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Space sweet cherries 35 to 40 feet apart; dwarfs, 5 to 10 feet apart. Space tart cherries 20 to 25 feet apart; dwarfs, 8 to 10 feet apart.
How to Plant Cherry Trees
Trees on standard rootstock should be planted with the graft union a few inches below the soil level. Trees on dwarf rootstock should be planted with the graft union several inches above the soil level, which will prevent the graft from growing its own roots and bypassing the rootstock.
When planting fan-trained trees, construct the necessary supports before planting. Plant fans only 12 to 15 feet apart.
For bareroot trees, place the rootstock on a small mound of soil in the center of the planting hole, and spread the roots down and away, trying not to bend the roots. Backfill with soil.
For container-grown trees, first remove the rootball and set the tree on its side; cut through any pot-bound or encircled roots with shears. Don’t cover the top of the root-ball.
Growing
There is no difference in care between sour and sweet cherries.
Apply mulch around the tree to retain moisture, but leave several inches of bare earth around the trunk.
Drape netting over trees to protect the fruit from birds.
Water routinely in dry areas.
Thinning the fruit is not necessary for cherry trees, as they typically thin naturally in early summer.
Prune trees every year in late winter to encourage the growth of new fruiting wood. Don’t prune in the fall.
Fertilize early in spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 5-10-10) a few weeks before trees start to flower, then fertilize as necessary (check soil fertility by testing the soil) until cherries are harvested. Do not fertilize after mid-summer, as new growth needs time to harden off before fall and winter.
Remember that cherry trees do not typically bear fruit until their fourth year. Thereafter, they should produce about 30 to 50 quarts of cherries each year.
Birds are common pests, especially with sweet cherries (versus tarts). To avoid bird damage, you can drap nylon mesh netting over dwarf trees, but it’s difficult to cover the larger standard-size sweet cherry tree. Distracting objects such as pie pans can help, but birds can get used to them.
Another solution is to grow a fruit tree nearby that will ripen before and during the cherry season, such as mulberry trees. (Avoid planting ‘Illinois Everbearing’ mulberry which ripens too late.)
Other pests that attack cherries include fruit flies, apple maggots, peach tree borers, and caterpillars (specifically the larvae of the plum curculio
Brown rot and cherry leaf spot affect both tart and sweet cherries. Black knot and powdery mildew are potential problems for some areas.
Wit and Wisdom
There is a famous myth that President George Washington cut down a cherry tree and then admitted his wrongdoing to his father. This myth was invented by a biographer of President Washington, who hoped to display his honesty. We still think it’s a great idea to commemorate President’s Day with a delicious cherry pie recipe!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/cherries
cherry Trees To Pollinate?
STEP 1
If you plant a lone sour cherry tree, expect fruits to develop after bees pollinate the blossoms. However, sweet cherry trees must not be planted by themselves, as another compatible sweet cherry tree must bloom at the same time to ensure cross-pollination. You cannot plant two of the same sweet cherry tree cultivar and expect good cross-pollination. Another cultivar is needed.
Sour Cherry Types
STEP 1
Because sour cherry trees are self-fertile, you may grow any number and array of cultivars in a garden. Sour cherry trees make poor pollinators for nearby sweet cherry trees. About eight cultivars of sour cherries grow well across a wide geographical range across the United States, in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3b through 8. Montmorency, North Star, Balaton, English Morello, Early Richmond, Surefire, Kansas Sweet/Hansen and Meteor are names of cultivars.
STEP 2
If you plant a lone sour cherry tree, expect fruits to develop after bees pollinate the blossoms.
Because sour cherry trees are self-fertile, you may grow any number and array of cultivars in a garden.
Sweet Cherry Types
STEP 1
In comparison to sour cherries, many more cultivars of sweet cherries exist. Grow them in USDA zones 5 through 8. The issue of cross-pollination among sweet cherries is confounded since some cultivars aren't compatible with each other, while some are universally good for cross-pollination. Cultivars Index, Lapins, Skeena, Sweetheart, WhiteGold, Sonata, Stella, Symphony, Sunburst and BlackGold make reliably good pollinators for all other sweet cherry tree cultivars. Match universal trees' blooming time with that of the other sweet cherry variety — you want trees to bloom simultaneously so bees transfer pollen among both trees' blossoms. Names of other sweet cherry cultivars that need a companion pollinating tree are Bing, Rainer, Lambert, and Napolean/Royal Ann, Black Tartarian, Van, Angela, Sam and Sweet Ann, among numerous others
Taken from https://www.gardenguides.com/info_8205276_do-two-cherry-trees-pollinate/
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337   cell 641-903-9365  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from cherryblossomlife.com 

       Good morning, wow we had wind, hail and rain at 4:00 AM this morning.  We just had pea-size hail, so no damage Larry looked around.  Some places had those golf size hail or larger.  We lost electricity for a few hours yesterday afternoon.  Critter was blamed for that.  I was watering and Larry did hook up the generators so I could finish that job.  The lights came back on at around 6:30. That is a sign of spring.  One we don’t like but it happens.  High today will be 51F(11C) with cloudy and overcast sky.  Colder air is moving in, and more rain over Easter Sunday.  But we do need the rain.  Being it is warmer out; green is starting to pop all over the place.  Stay warm and stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends Saturday April 19 they will have 76F(24C) partly cloudy conditions expected.  It looks like they will have rainy weather over the Easter weekend.  Enjoy your fall weather. Stay safe.
 
I was asked this weekend; can I grow carrots in containers.  I didn’t know but this is what I found out.  Yes, you can.

How to Grow Carrots in Containers by Nan Schiller
Growing carrots, Daucus carota subsp. sativus, in containers is a convenient way to produce your own fresh root vegetables, even if you don’t have the acreage for a full-fledged vegetable garden.
One large round planter can yield up to 30-40 carrots per harvest, depending on the weather, variety, and how many you’ve planted.
My favorite thing about growing them in containers is that there are no wild critter issues, since my planter is close to the house where I can keep an eye on it. What’s more, now I can easily harvest two or more crops per season, and picking and storage is incredibly simple.
Getting Started
Any container shape will work; the main concern is making sure it is deep enough to accommodate your chosen cultivar. Ideally, you’ll choose a variety that develops a short, more rounded root rather than a long thin one.
Your container should be at least 12-inches deep, to accommodate the developing roots. Select one with adequate drainage, or make several holes in the bottom of the vessel of your choice.
Use traditional pots of any shape, or create your own from repurposed containers. If you are repurposing, you will need to make sure that there are drainage holes. Drilling a few holes in the bottom should be enough to take care of this.
I like to choose planters that are at least a foot square, and keep in mind that bigger is better if you want a bumper crop.
Place the vessel in a location that receives the amount of sunlight that’s best for the specific variety you are growing. Most carrots do best in full sun, but double check the seed packet for yours before deciding on the perfect spot.
It is best to place the pot in your selected location before filling it, because a large planter becomes heavy once it’s full of soil and water and difficult to move around.
Container Grown Carrot Care
Fill the container with organically rich potting soil. A purchased product specifically for vegetables will have a good combination of ingredients such as peat moss, sand, and vermiculite.
You want to be sure that the potting medium is smooth, light, and airy, for adequate drainage and optimal root growth.
Carrots do best in soil with a high potassium content which encourages root growth. Be cautious about the nitrogen level in your soil, as this will promote foliage growth, which is not our goal.
You can use soil from your garden, but it’s recommended that you conduct a soil test and amend as necessary.
Potted carrots require regular watering. Be sure to water at the soil level, and not over the leafy tops, to avoid problems with rot.
Keep the soil  moist, but not soggy – and never allow it to completely dry out.
How to Grow
Carrots seedlings do not transplant well, so you’ll need to start with a packet of seeds or seeds that have been harvested from a previous crop.
You can sow seeds in your containers outdoors as early as 2 to 3 weeks before the last expected frost date for your area.
To jump-start the process, you can start seeds indoors in biodegradable pots a few weeks ahead of time.
Water the pot or pots of soil thoroughly and let all the water drain through. Gently sprinkle carrot seeds over the moist soil. Cover them with a 1/4  inch of additional soil, and tamp down gently.
Germination takes up to three weeks, so be patient while nature works its magic.
As seedlings grow, they generally begin to crowd one other. When they have their first set of true leaves, trim away the weaker ones with a pair of scissors or pull them gently up by their roots.
In another couple of weeks, thin again, maintaining a space of about three to four inches between plants.
At this time, you may want to feed your developing crops. You can use a general purpose vegetable fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. Excess nitrogen can promote too much foliage, and too few carrots.
Remember to keep the soil moist as the vegetables mature. Containers dry out much faster than ground soil, so check them daily.
Weeds and pests should not be an issue with closely tended containers, but keep an eye out for any problems.
If the tops of the carrots start to grow above the soil line and are exposed to sunlight for extended periods, they will turn green and become bitter.
In addition, exceptionally hot temperatures may take a toll on root development. Drying out soil and inhibiting nutrient uptake which will impair flavor and texture.
If you have an unusually hot spell, move your plants to a shaded location during the mid-afternoon hours.
This is important to do:  Thinning and spacing are essential when growing carrots. The correct amount of space between carrot plants allows each plant to grow without overcrowding, which can result in stunted growth.  The ideal spacing is two to three inches apart when sowing seed. When the seedlings have grown to a height of two to three inches, they should be thinned to three to four inches apart. This ensures that the carrots have enough room to grow and develop normally.
 To thin the carrots, grab the seedlings at the base and pull gently. If the soil is dry, water the area before thinning. Make sure to leave the strongest seedlings and discard the weaker ones.
Growing Tips
Use well-draining, loose soil without clods to avoid misshapen roots.
Water frequently, particularly in hot weather, as container-grown plants dry out quicker.
Fertilize regularly as nutrients are leeched from the soil more quickly in containers.
If you don’t have outdoor space, they can also be grown indoors.
Carrot Cultivars to Select
Many types of carrot will grow well in containers, and nurseries and seed companies will often note which varieties are best for planting in small spaces.
As a general rule of thumb, 8-inch carrots will fit just fine in a pot that is 12 inches deep. But smaller options or cultivars with roots that are short and rounded (such as Danvers and Chantenay varieties) rather than long and tapered are a good option.
Managing Pests and Disease
Provided you have used fresh soil and thinned your plants adequately, you shouldn’t have any major problems with pests or disease.
Sometimes aphids, leafhoppers, and flea beetles can munch on the leaves. These can usually be dealt with efficiently by spraying a strong jet of water from your garden hose. In the case of a major infestation you might want to use an insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
It’s crucial that you thin your seedlings. If you don’t, the proximity can create a humid environment that can encourage fungal growth.
The common diseases that plague garden-grown carrots are not as much of a problem when you grow them in containers. Fungal and bacterial diseases such as Alternaria leaf blight, bacterial leaf blight, and carrot black rot are ones to look out for.
Harvesting Container Grown Carrots
It is best to keep your seed packets around through harvest. But don’t just rely on the days to maturity noted, which is an average.
You’ll know your carrots are ready for harvest when the tops of the root are just visible above the soil line.
Depending on the cultivar, you can harvest when the diameter of the exposed crown is at least 1/2 inch across.
To harvest, carefully loosen the soil around the root, and pull gently to prevent them from breaking.
If you are growing a spring crop for a summer harvest, keep an eye on your plants as the high temperatures can cause them to bolt. If you have a fall harvest planned, a few light frosts can sweeten the taste.
Depending upon where you live, you may be able to grow outdoors year-round, or perhaps inside a warm sunporch.
If you have a garden, you could mix the spent potting medium into the ground in one of your plots or beds and let the soil’s beneficial microbes refresh it.
A Smaller Scale with Big Results
Growing in pots opens a whole new world of vegetable gardening to those with small outdoor spaces. And it can be fun for the whole family because it’s easy to let the kids take part.
Unlike a big garden plot with major digging and weeding, the tools and scale of operations for container gardening are the perfect fit for smaller hands. Why not let them take responsibility for a single pot or type of vegetable?
Whether you are in an urban setting with a balcony, or a suburban locale with a front porch, you can enjoy healthy produce and the satisfaction of having nurtured it yourself.
With quality seed, good soil, adequate drainage, and dedicated watering, you are sure to enjoy success with your homegrown carrots.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/carrots
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

image from Becky's Greenhouse 
​This is what we move the flats of plants that have been growing for awhile.  

      Good morning.  Overcast sky but it is warm out I had to do a double take 57F(14C), high today of 73F(22C) WOW this is a normal spring one day warm, and then they are talking over the weekend highs in the 30’sF(-1C) We are in a slight chance of severe weather tonight.  Stay safe, and I guess with these temperatures stay cool.
 
Australia family and friends, Friday April 18th looks like you are having a little warmer fall day.  80F(27C) you are to have clouds so that will help. Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Jennifer lives at Powell, Wyoming and I have to share what is happening to her. Snowy conditions expected around 12PM wind gusts up to 31 MPH and making the temperature feel like 10F(-14C) Actual temperature is going to be 35F(2C) stay warm, stay safe. 
 
I find that when I post what I am doing in the greenhouse, I am getting more interested.  I will try to do more of that.  I am a grower, and we plant little plant plugs.  The trays of plugs have 500, 400,240,180, 50, 40.  I like to use one greenhouse easier to heat, easier to water, and easier for me to keep track of how the plants are doing.  I want to keep them in the west greenhouse as much as I can.  I have double deck shelves and use all the planting space I can use.  We plant the plugs into containers using flat trays to hold them.  We put these just planted trays on the tables, and the double-deck tables.  We fill them up, the first ones planted are then moved to the tall racks to continue to grow.  They are established and they do continue to grow.  Once the table space is open, we will fill them up again with the newly planted trays. 

You ask what do you do when the tall racks are full, when the tables are full, then that is when you will see them outside on the long wagons that I am known for.  We will use that east greenhouse to put the long wagons inside if the temperature is close to freezing to keep them safe.  When the plants are outside, and this starts the process of hardening off.  The plants are ready to go into your gardens, and containers.  If you take them out of the greenhouse, you are in for what I call the greenhouse wilt.  They will be in a  little shock to be where the wind can be, cooler temperatures at night and just being outside.  I am suggesting that you keep them outside for a day or two to help with hardening off before you plant them.  If that doesn’t work for you, if they wilt then don’t panic as they will be getting out of the shock and then continue to grow. 
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I know when you come to shop, you see the plant trays on the racks, and that leads you to believe we bring them in, buy them from another greenhouse, because that is what you see other places.  But that is far from the truth, we plant these as from those little plug plants. Larry says that I will fill the one greenhouse 4 times with this way of planting. 
Now hope that gives you an understanding on how Becky at Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty grows her plants.  
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