image from Pinterest.es

      Good morning, cloudy and foggy at 8:00 AM, it is predicted to have the clouds leave and we will see the sun.  The temperature now is 29 degrees with a high of 53 degrees.   YES, I wrote 53 degrees with sunshine.  ENJOY and what an end of January.  Yes we will have more winter but this will make it a lot shorter.   I was asked this question this week about their amaryllis what to do with them after they bloom?  Here is the information. 
​
What to Do with Amaryllis After It Blooms  By NADIA HASSANI
Amaryllis with its beautiful, large, funnel-shaped cluster of flowers in stunning colors does not have to be a one-and-done flower. Once amaryllis have finished blooming, there is no need to throw them out. With proper care after the bloom, you can keep amaryllis blooming for years.
Usually amaryllis are sold as potted houseplants or bulbs around the holidays. Making amaryllis rebloom the next year, and even year after year, is not difficult, it just takes some planning and extra care, first and foremost an adjustment of the watering schedule and the right temperature. Because the bloom of this tropical plant is controlled by moisture, which is entirely in your hands, you can set the time for when you want your amaryllis to bloom next.
The Life Cycle of Amaryllis
Amaryllis, a plant native to Central and South America, does not undergo true dormancy. Instead, the bulbs go through a rest period after flowering which allows them to recover and bloom again.
In its natural habitat, after the plant is done blooming, it keeps growing. During this post-blooming period, the continued leaf growth ensures photosynthesis, which in turn helps the plant store energy in the bulb for future leaf growth and flowers.
Eventually the leaves turn yellow and drop and the plant stops growing for a few weeks, which naturally occurs around December. At the end of this rest period, amaryllis restarts growing, first leaves, then one or more flower stalks. Failure to send up flower stalks is an indicator that the plant has not collected enough energy during the post-bloom period.
Caring for Amaryllis After the Bloom
Amaryllis care after the bloom falls into three stages: during the leaf growth until late summer, the rest period in the fall, and regrowth and rebloom in the late fall/early to mid-winter. The care for your amaryllis also depends on whether you are timing the bloom, for example for a holiday, or let it rebloom naturally.
After the Bloom Until Late Summer
After your amaryllis is done blooming, keep it in a sunny indoor location. Remove the faded flowers promptly to prevent them from forming seeds, which will deplete the plant of energy. But only remove the flower stalk when it has turned yellow because as long as it’s green, it will promote photosynthesis. Cut the flower stalk between a half inch and one inch above the bulb with a sharp knife or pruners.
Keep the soil moist but not wet. Water the plant whenever the top two inches of soil feel dry. Fertilize it every two to three weeks with half the recommended strength of an all-purpose balanced houseplant fertilizer.
In the spring. when there is no longer any danger of frost and the nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), your amaryllis will be the happiest outdoors. Make sure to gradually adapt the plant to its outdoor location. Amaryllis should get at least six hours of sunlight daily, ideally a location with dappled sun or diffuse light.
Keep in mind that potted plants outdoors dry out much faster than indoors so water more frequently in the summer.
Around August, stop fertilizing the amaryllis to prepare it for its rest period.
When the temperatures drop again below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) at night in the late summer or early fall, bring the plant back inside.
The Rest Period
Once your amaryllis is back indoors with the onset of cool fall weather, there are two ways of getting it to rebloom: you can time its rebloom, or you can let its natural bloom cycle take its course.
To set the bloom time yourself, stop watering and fertilizing the plant 8 to 12 weeks before the desired bloom time, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. Count back from that date and move it to a cool, dark, dry place with temperatures around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 15 degrees Celsius), such as a cool basement or a garage.
Cut off the leaves after they have turned yellow and brown and trim the plant back one to two inches above the bulb.
Alternatively, you can also let the plant go through its natural life cycle. Place it in a cool indoor location around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit ((10 to 12 degrees Celsius) but keep it in indirect, bright light. Water it sparingly to keep it barely moist and do not fertilize it. The leaves will begin to yellow and drop around December.
The Regrowth Period
If you have stopped watering and fertilizing your amaryllis for a timed bloom, after 8 to 12 weeks move it to a sunny, bright location where the temperature remains consistently around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Resume watering and fertilizing. It is very possible that new growth already appears during the rest time, which is also a good indicator that the plant is getting ready to be moved again.
For amaryllis that has not undergone the forced rest period, it will take another month or two for new leaves and flower stalks to emerge. At that point, move the amaryllis to a warmer, sunnier spot and start fertilizing it again, as described above. Regardless of the growth method, put the amaryllis in the sunniest spot possible because the more sun, the better the bloom.
To encourage reblooming, use a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content.
Repotting amaryllis is only necessary after a few years, as the plant does best if there is very little extra soil around the bulb.
Taken from https://www.thespruce.com/amaryllis-care-after-blooming-
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from Hooksgreenherbs.com 

Awesome morning.  Can you believe this temperature at 7:30 AM  34 degrees.  Remember I said with the extreme cold, we will have some warmer weather to make the average temperature come out the same.  This is what we are having.  No scientific information about it, just observation. 

Now I am going to see if you can pronounce this plant?  Have you ever heard of it before?  Just wanted to share.  Let us know if you can pronounce this word.  Stay safe, and easy to stay warm. 
​
What is Ashwagandha?
What a mouthful! If you are not familiar with this herb, it’s pronounced, “Aash·wuh·gaan·duh.” Common names are “Winter cherry” and “Indian ginseng” or its scientific name, Withania somnifera.
Ashwagandha is a small herbal shrub and has been used in Eastern medicine (Ayurveda) for thousands of years; its roots and berries are used for their medical properties. If you don’t grow this herb in the garden, you will often find ashwagandha in powder, gummy, tincture, capsule, tablet, or tea form.
Meet the Ashwagandha Plant
The Ashwagandha plant is a small shrub in the nightshade family that is usually short and plump with velvet leaves. She has small bell flowers that contain orange/red berries, similar looking to tomatoes or tomatillos. The leaves have smooth edges, are shaped like teardrops, and are in an alternate arrangement. In my experience, she can grow up to 4 feet tall.
When the berries ripen, the pod becomes paper-like, almost looking like small lanterns. Ashwagandha (also known as Indian Ginseng) is an annual native to tropical climates, but you can grow this beautiful plant quite well in more temperate climates, harvesting her roots in the late fall. Unless you live where this plant grows wild, in India, the Middle East, or Africa, you will not find her while foraging. This is a plant you would purposely plant in your garden.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/grow-ashwagandha-calming-herb-proven-health-benefits
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell  641-903-9365

images from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty previous years, not there yet for 2024 but it will be. 

     Good morning…do you see it this morning?  THE SUN….with a clear blue sky.  I know some of you are having fog, but here in Dougherty the sky is clear, and we have the sun.  AWESOME…temperature at 8:30 AM is at 28 degrees high today of 35.  All I can say is enjoy…stay safe, stay warm.

I am trying something new today.  I have lots of pictures so will put out some slide shows for you to look at. These pictures are from previous years, the greenhouse isn't here yet for 2024 but it will be.   Hope you like all the color.  I promise you spring will come.  Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

only change in the picture 35 years of growing  

​Good morning, temperature is 34 degrees at 9:30 last week it was -11 but 2 weeks ago it was -30.  It is getting better.  We had rain thru the night.  How about you?  It wasn’t slippery as the temperature was 32 degrees.  Snow is disappearing.  Only thing we have cloudy weather and looks like that for the next 7 days.  But temperatures will be in the 30’s and maybe 40’s next week.  January thaw is what it is called.  I have got my article for tomorrow to write.   Stay warm, stay safe  
            News from Becky’s Greenhouse
            I was asked to let you know what I have been doing.  Dec, and Jan I have been ordering plants as in the plug form.  They will come in 40’s, 280’s or 512’s in a plug tray.   I must decide how many plants I am going to grow.  When to have them shipped for us to get the planting done.  What colors do I want?  What is new this year that the gardeners are going to ask for?  Sometime this winter I will need to decide what size container they will go in.  Then the ever-answering question “ What do I charge for them?”   We will transplant them into containers and start growing. First orders will come the week of Feb 19. 
I just started to clean up the greenhouse.  In the fall, I just put things to get them from outside, now I need to clean up and get ready to plant.  I need to order seeds for planting and for our bulk sales.  I had a nasty racoon get into the greenhouse, and even though the seeds were in glass jars with screwed on lids.  He got them open and ate the seeds.  They were treated so I hope he got sick. 
     Every day I try to post on my blog which goes on my Facebook page about gardening.  Beckysgreenhouse.com    I have a weekly radio show “ Gardening and You” that I need to write and call in. 
      I have been in the greenhouse full time for 6 months, so now that I have some time at home, I am cleaning up piles, bookwork for the greenhouse and for Larry’s Garage.
     This will be our 35th year of having the Greenhouse.  I love growing plants and seeing all the colors. I was asked “What my favorite part of the greenhouse was? “ I knew right away; it is the gardeners.  I love helping, seeing the gardeners every year, catching up with their lives, and what their gardens are doing.   I love helping young gardeners with their gardens, and especially love helping kids learn the art of gardening.   Here we go again, another year.  I was asked by a retired lady, so what are you doing this winter?  You know what I told her.  “I am planting.” “  I am getting ready for another garden season.”  My garden season just starts earlier than yours.  I know all of you are getting so ready to be back in the garden.  Stay well, stay safe.
Till next time this is  Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse  Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

Good morning, and it is foggy outside.  Warmer air meeting the cold ground.  It would be nice to have the sun out, but that will come.  Temperature at 9:00 AM is at 32 degrees.  High today at 35 degrees low of 32 degrees.  Rain is forecast for later today.  Stay safe, stay warm. 
I saw this on Facebook, so wanted to post what to do for your health in the winter months.  Some good advice…
Hope this helps to keep all of you safe, and healthy. 
 
Taken from Sanford Health   During the winter months, don’t let your health fall by the wayside.  Dr. Mathew Gerving, an internal medicine physician in Dickinson, North Dakota, shares these tips for taking care of yourself this winter.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from wallpapersafari.com  

      Good morning, and it is slippery out there. Evelyn McAdam, Larry’s sister from Australia posted an article about Englishman’s view of Australia.  Lots of fun things in there but the one that caught my attention was.
“Always carry a stick.”
That is what I am doing now with the ice, carrying, and using a stick to walk across the blacktop and the road.  Do what you must do, so you don’t fall.  Be safe. 
​
I found this article in one of my gardening books. The Old Farmer’s Almanac flower gardener’s handbook.
Getting started  Great ideas and now is the time to think about doing these things. 
     We all dream of a lush, lovely flower bed full of colorful blooms all season long.  What we end up with is often something else.  The color runs out when the heat hits, the plants clash instead of complement, the tall plants crowd out the shot ones.  But late summer or sooner, it all looks sad and shabby.
     Don’t despair!  With planning and preparation, the garden of your dreams in possible and it starts right here. 
     Let the sunshine.
        Give careful consideration to where you site your garden.  Before digging, evaluate your garden area:  Note microclimates( very small, localized weather conditions) created by trees and walls.  Watch the path of the Sun, noting the winds and soil conditions.  Soil types can greatly affect water penetration: soil near walls and fences and under overhanging trees tends to be too dry for good plant growth.
      Most flowering plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, although some will grow well in more shade.  In general, the more sunlight flowering plants receive, the more abundant and lusher their blooms.  Avoid planting flowers and shrubs near large trees.  These will cast shade and complete with your plants for nutrients and water.
    Be ready with water, have water readily available.  Consider installing a soaker or drip hose.  These use a fraction of the water used by a sprinkler and deliver it where it is needed.  Group plants according to their water needs.  See plants with high water needs in a hollow that collects rainwater.  Remember that warmer southern or weather exposure use the most water.
Encourage air travel.
     Good airflow will encourage sturdy plant growth and help to keep diseases at bay.  It also makes the garden less hospitable to insect pests.
Be wary of the winds.
     Solid walls or fences may provide shelter, but they can also cause the wind to form destructive turbulence on the leeward sides, and do not plant too close to them.
I will post the rest of the article another day.  I know all of you have had experience with some of these topics.  Hope you enjoyed it. 
Taken from The Old Farmer’s Almanac book Flower gardener’s handbook.  Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365
 

image from almanac.com 

     Good morning.  I can’t believe it is Jan 23.  I can’t believe the temperature is 29 at 7:30 AM.  It was nice yesterday with temperatures in the 30’s so it felt like a heat wave.  Customers that came in were in a better mood for sure.  Freezing rain is predicted but looks like it will be south of highway 20.  Not for us.  Another one is coming on Thursday so we will see what that is. Working outside is so much more enjoyable with the warmer temperatures.  ENJOY, stay warm, stay safe.

Here is an article on how Farmers’ Almanac future predicts our weather. 
Our Unique Formula to Forecasting Long-Range Weather
America’s oldest weather forecaster, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, specializes in predicting extended forecasts.
Why are we so interested in long-range weather? Originally a calendar for farmers and gardeners to plan for the year ahead, the Almanac is a tool revered by anyone who watches the weather—from outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and economists to truckers, shippers, and skywatchers—and everyone in between.
A Secret Weather Formula
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has predicted the weather since our founding in 1792—when George Washington was president and actively farming at Mount Vernon (Fun fact: One of Washington’s greatest preoccupations during his agricultural career was to eschew single crop farming; in 1785-86, his diaries mention planting barley, clover, corn, carrots, cabbage, flax, millet, oats, peas, potatoes, spelt, turnips, and wheat, among other crops.)
Our weather forecast methodology stems from a formula devised by our founder, Robert B. Thomas. Thomas believed the Earth’s weather was influenced by sunspots, which are magnetic storms on the surface of the Sun, and this factored heavily in his forecasts.
 Over the years, we have refined and enhanced Thomas’s formula with state-of-the-art technology and modern science.
We Use 3 Disciplines in Long-Range Predictions
We predict weather trends and events by comparing solar patterns and historical weather conditions with current solar activity. We employ three disciplines to make our long-range predictions:
solar science, the study of sunspots and other solar activity;
climatology, the study of prevailing weather patterns;
and meteorology, the study of the atmosphere.
Like all forecasters, we have not yet gained sufficient insight into the mysteries of the universe to predict the weather with total accuracy, though our results are often very close to our traditional claim of 80 percent.
What Is “Normal” Weather?
The weather predictions in our almanac (and any other forecast for that matter), compare temperature and precipitation levels to “normal.” Our forecasts consider normal to be the 30-year average.
Every 10 years, the National Center for Environmental Information calculates a new set of normal temperatures for the US based on updated 30-year averages. Starting with the 2023 edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the long-range predictions are based on the 30-year time frame from 1991 to 2020 (previously, data was drawn from 1981 to 2010).
Environment Canada is expected to release their new “normal” data in fall of 2023 which will provide more insight into North American trends.
The recalibrated data for the US shows that warming is widespread, but not uniform. Warmer temperatures are not occurring everywhere at the same time of year, either. An example of this is how the first half of the year has been cooler than normal on average in the north central U.S. over the past decade. As for precipitation, the eastern regions of the U.S. are now generally wetter than in the past, and intense rain events are more common.
How Does Climate Change Factor into Our Forecasts?
Climate change is factored into our long-range weather forecasting, especially when it comes to temperatures. We make predictions based partly on historical data, then adjust temperature predictions to be warmer, but not uniformly: polar regions are warming faster than lower latitudes over the past several decades.
Overall, there are fewer colder winters than there were 50 years ago, and it’s rarer to get prolonged cold; we still see extreme cold, and even very cold months, yet less and less are we seeing—and forecasting—multiple consecutive weeks of temperatures staying solidly 5 to 6 degrees below average.
In addition, there are geographic pockets where seasons, and temperatures, lag: the Canadian Prairies and Great Lakes are experiencing more winter “hangovers”—when winter weather is more pronounced later in the season, such as February and March, and into April.
Likewise, there’s a summer hangover effect in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, with summer weather extending into September and October.
We also use climate signals, called teleconnections, to help make our long-range weather forecasts. These links between weather phenomena at different locations on earth affect climate patterns spanning thousands of miles—think El Niño/La Niña. Due to climate change, teleconnections can change over time, and may not be as effective as they were in the past. We constantly monitor these teleconnections to determine their effectiveness, while also looking out for new teleconnections that can develop over time.
Tropical cyclone threats are also forecast using historical data, and these, too, have been adjusted because there are more storms than in the past. For example, in an El Niño year, we would expect less tropical activity in the Atlantic Ocean, but by September of 2023, there had already been a greater level of activity than normal, due in part to rising sea surface temperatures.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/how-old-farmers-almanac-predicts-weather
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell phone 641-903-9365

image from techexplorist.com 

      Good morning, and the temperature at 9:00 AM is all ready at 25 degrees.  I fed the cats, took out the garbage and the air was warmer.  That was nice.  High temperature today is clear sky, sun high of 33 degrees low tonight low of 25.  Unbelievable from what we had last week.  ENJOY…moisture is coming from the south with our southern wind, but looks like southern Iowa might get more.  If it is raining and freeze stay safe.  And still stay warm.

Now this time of year, when you are shopping you see seed starting kits, soil, seeds and it gets you into the mood to start your own seeds.  There is nothing more exciting than that.  BUT I want to warn you DON’T START TOO EARLY.
“ Sow too early, and the plants may be ready to leave the pot before it’s warm enough. Sow seeds too late, and they won’t have enough time to reach maturity.”
​
A Guide to Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors  by Catherine Boeckmann
When do you start your seeds indoors? Sow too early, and the plants may be ready to leave the pot before it’s warm enough. Sow seeds too late, and they won’t have enough time to reach maturity. We’ll provide some tips as well as a chart on how many weeks to sow indoors before last spring frost.
The Hindi word for seed is bija, which translates literally to “containment of life.” This is an apt description of these tiny miracles that contain everything needed to make a new plant. This time of year, we are up to our elbows in dirt, starting more seeds indoors each week!
Why We Start Seeds Indoors
There are many benefits to sowing seeds indoors:
Obviously, it gives you a head start on the growing season, which can lead to more fruitful harvests.
It’s actually necessary for a number of plants. Warm-season vegetables—such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant—can’t be planted too early in the spring, as the soil is too cool. In many regions (including New England and the Midwest), there are not enough growing days for those plants to get to harvest if they’re started outside. Starting seeds indoors allows you to gain a few precious weeks of growing time, which can really make a difference. In warmer regions, starting seeds indoors can allow you to get in an extra round of crops (especially cool-season crops) before summer heat stifles growth.
If you don’t start seeds indoors, you will need to buy young plants called “transplants” or “starts” at the garden store or nursery. While some nursery starter plants are grown nicely, others may be of poor quality and don’t thrive once they’re home. When you plant your own seeds, you tend to have healthier starts, since you can care for them from day one.
A much wider range of varieties is available as seeds—things you would never find in a six-pack at the local garden center!
You will know how they have been raised—organically instead of bathed in a wash of chemicals. You can time the plants to be ready for when you want to plant them.
Finally, seeds are much less expensive than buying plants at the garden store.
When to Start Seeds Indoors
As a general rule, seeds are started indoors about six weeks prior to your first frost date.
During a cold spring, it’s better to delay sowing a little to ensure the soil temperature is warm enough than to jump the gun and get disappointing results. 
Here are three different tools to find out the best date to start your seeds where you live.
Read your seed packet. Most will list when the seeds should be started indoors (or outdoors). For example, it may say, ”Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.” You can simply count back from your frost-free date by checking the Almanac’s Frost Date Calculator.
Finally, if you plant your garden with the Almanac online Garden Planner also has all the planting dates and aligns with your entire garden plan for the season. The Garden Planner looks up climate data from your nearest weather station and then uses that to calculate the best range of planting dates for each crop in your plan. It’s nicely color-coded to show you dates for sowing indoors and outdoors, as well as growing and even the harvest period!
Which Seeds to Start Indoors?
Not ALL seeds should be started indoors. In fact, most vegetables grow perfectly well when started outdoors and even prefer not to be transplanted. Ultimately, it’s important to consider how each type of vegetable grows in addition to where you’re growing it.
Crops that are best started indoors include broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and tomatoes.
Those with slower root development, like cauliflower, celery, eggplant, and peppers, should also be started indoors.
Tender vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers are very susceptible to the cold temperatures of spring, so it’s best to start them indoors and keep them safe from unpredictable weather.
Plants that do not transplant well and are, therefore, best started in the garden (or in outdoor containers) include cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, and squash. These are all tender, however, so refrain from sowing them outdoors while frost is still a threat.
Some plants truly resist transplanting. Root vegetables, like carrots, turnips, and beets, don’t like having their roots disturbed, so it’s usually safer to just start their seeds outdoors in the ground rather than transplant them later on. Plants with long tap roots also dislike being transplanted; examples include dill and parsley.
Finally, plants like radishes and peas are so fast-growing and cold-tolerant that putting them right in the ground makes sense!
More Accurate Timing: Soil Temperature!
While it’s easiest for most people to count back the number of weeks for seed-starting, it’s all based on average or typical frost dates, and frost dates do shift from year to year.
So if you want to get down to the nitty-gritty and improve seed germination, it’s actually soil temperature (not air temperature) that really controls seed germination. Pick up a soil thermometer (available at garden centers) to get a reading.
Most vegetable crops have a minimum germination temperature between 36°F and 60°F (2°C and 16°C), but there is also an optimal range. This is where the difference between cool-season crops (spinach, lettuce, cabbage, etc.) and warm-season crops (eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers) comes into play. For example, parsnips will germinate best between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C), but eggplant will germinate best between 75°F and 90°F (24°C and 32°C), tomatoes between 61°F and 86°F (16°C and 30°C), and peppers between 64°F and 95°F (18°C and 35°C).
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/content/starting-seeds-indoors
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from Pinterest. 

           Good MORNING…It is only -11 out this morning, when last Saturday it was -30.   Warming up.  Yes, I am a positive thinker and look on the bright side.  Another morning of cold, and then it is going to warm up.  But I will tell you, I am tired of this cold weather.  We live in Iowa, and it will change.  I found this article and looked interesting and something to grow now.  How many of you do this?  I am going to give it a try. 
​
The easiest way to grow sprouts!  By Su Reid-St. John
Sprouts are one veggie we think everyone should be growing at home. Not only do they add fresh flavor and crunch to salads, stir-fries, sandwiches, and wraps, but they’re also a great source of antioxidants. The easiest way to grow them is in a mason jar. Just follow seven steps to grow your own sprouts.
What Are Sprouts?
Before a plant “grows up,” it starts as a sprout. Eating 5- to 7-day-old seed sprouts of beans, broccoli, and other vegetables is incredibly good for you—even more nutritious than the full-grown plant.
Bean sprouts (also called mung bean and soybean sprouts) have long been popular in many Asian cuisines or as a filling. They are full of health-giving nutrients, protein, and fiber. Extra crunchy, they taste great stir-fried with finely chopped garlic, ginger, a little soy sauce, and a splash of sesame seed oil.
Broccoli, cauliflower, radish, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables are also great as sprouted vegetables; in fact, many people who don’t like to eat these vegetables when full-grown actually enjoy the sprouts, as they don’t have a bitter taste and are slightly sweet.
Microgreens are different than sprouts. They are also tiny, but they are the immature greens of arugula, radish, basil, and other plant seeds; their tiny leaves emerge within 10 to 20 days. Our colleague Robin did a test growing both microgreens and sprouts!
Sprouts grow much faster, making them the ultimate convenience food! Just follow these directions for the easiest way to grow sprouts at home.
How to Grow Sprouts in a Jar in 7 Simple Steps
Gather your materials. Aside from the seeds, there’s a good chance you’ve already got most of the materials somewhere in your home. Seeds can be ordered online or purchased at your favorite local garden shop.
Seeds (popular choices include alfalfa, broccoli, radish, soy, mung bean, and lentil)
Quart-size mason jar
Muslin, cheesecloth, or other fine mesh
Rubber band
Water
Soak your seeds. Add a tablespoon of seeds to the jar and cover with a couple of inches of cool water. Cover the jar with a piece of muslin or cheesecloth and secure it with the rubber band. Let the seeds soak overnight.
Drain and rinse. In the morning, turn the jar over to drain the water through the cloth. Remove the cloth, rinse the seeds with fresh, cool water, and drain one more time.
Pick a good place. Give the jar a little shake to spread the seeds out, then set it on its side in a cool, dark place. Tip the jar to allow excess water to drain out and air to flow in. (Try propping it up in a bowl or dish drainer on a folded towel to keep it in place.)
Keep the seeds moist. Each morning and evening, rinse and drain the seeds to keep them moist, then return the jar to its spot.
Add sunlight. In 2 to 3 days or so, you’ll notice tiny light yellow leaves beginning to sprout. Move the jar to a place that gets indirect sunlight (direct sunlight will heat up the jar too much), and continue to rinse the sprouting seeds a couple of times a day.
Harvest and enjoy. Your sprouts are ready to eat when the leaves turn green and grow to the size you want—this usually takes around a week, give or take a couple of days, depending on the kind you’re growing. Rinse them one final time and either pat them dry with a clean towel and store them in a container in the fridge…or go ahead and eat them!
If you are a true sprout-eating fan, consider gathering some additional jars and starting a new crop every few days. That way, you’ll always have fresh sprouts on hand.
And if growing sprouts has whet your appetite (literally!) for indoor gardening,
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/how-grow-sprouts-jar-7-steps-sprout-heaven
 

image from National Park Service 

Good morning, just got in from feeding the cats and it is cold out.  I know it has only been 10 days but this cold is getting old.  This cold makes for a lot of work for all.  Cars warming up, moving snow, traveling in poorer weather, feeding stoves if you have wood.  As I told the cats, this weekend is cold and then it will warm up.  Highs in the 30’s instead of our low this morning of -4.  High today 5 and low of -10 tonight.  Stay warm and stay safe. 
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The father of the modern almanac  by Catherine Boeckmann
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706. During his life, he was the most famous American in the world. Not only was Franklin a world-renowned statesman, inventor, and scientist, but also he was fascinated by agriculture and is considered the father of the modern almanac.
Who Was Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, a British colony at that time. His father came to the Colonies from England in 1682. He was a candle and soap maker in Boston.
Before becoming involved in politics, Franklin learned the printing trade in Boston and eventually set up his own printing shop in Philadelphia. Later, he served as postmaster of Philadelphia and became the first postmaster general of the United States in 1775.
The Enduring Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin
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Politically, Benjamin Franklin was an admired statesman and thinker. He was an excellent representative of the emerging United States, representing colonial interests in England from 1757 to 1775. After he returned, he was unanimously elected to represent Pennsylvania at the Second Continental Congress.
He is the only person who signed all four of the documents that helped to create the United States: the Declaration of Independence (1776); the Treaty of Alliance, Amity, and Commerce with France (1778); the Treaty of Peace between England, France, and the United States (1782); and the Constitution (1787). In fact, he helped to write parts of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Benjamin Franklin is considered the father of the modern American almanac.
Father of the Modern Almanac
Benjamin Franklin’s portrait is on the front of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, as we honor Ben as the father of the modern almanac. He was known for his sound moral teaching and unsurpassed wit and wisdom.
His best-known work is Poor Richard’s Almanack, a yearly publication published in the American colonies from 1732 to 1758 under the pseudonym Richard Saunders. Though there were many almanacs at the time, Franklin’s almanac was a best-seller.
In recognition of this, the portrait of Benjamin Franklin was added to the cover of The Old Farmer’s Almanac in 1851, appearing opposite the portrait of founder Robert B. Thomas. It has remained there ever since.
10 Fun Facts About Franklin
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Benjamin Franklin was a fascinating person. Did you know…
Benjamin Franklin was one of 17 children! He was the youngest son.
When he was a schoolboy, Ben wanted to be a sailor despite his father’s disapproval.
Yes, Benjamin Franklin did eventually marry! His wife, Deborah, is buried next to him in the cemetery of Christ Church, Philadelphia.
Ben had three children and eight grandchildren.
As a “natural philosopher” (which is what scientists were called in his day), Franklin also studied botany, chemistry, physics, and other sciences.
Yes, Ben Franklin DID fly an electric kite, showing lightning was a form of electricity. (And, no, he did not get electrocuted!)
While he didn’t invent electricity, Ben Franklin’s experiments on electricity became the foundation of many inventions, such as electricity, batteries, incandescent light bulbs, electromagnetic fields, generators, transformers, and much more!
He is celebrated for many more inventions, including the wood-burning stove, odometer, bifocal eyeglasses, and swim fins. Ben loved to swim!
Benjamin Franklin has been honored in 14 different halls of fame.
Benjamin Franklin’s face is on the front of the $100 bill.
Benjamin’s engraved face on the $100 bill was based on the Duplessis portrait above.
Quotes from Ben Franklin
Here are some words of wisdom by the great statesman and humorist.
“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”
“Make haste slowly.”
“The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.”
“He that teaches himself hath a fool for a master.”
“An egg today is better than a hen tomorrow.”
“Think of these things: whence you came, where you are going, and to whom you must account.”
“Idleness and pride tax with a heavier hand than kings and parliaments.”
“None but the well-bred man knows how to confess a fault or acknowledge himself in an error.”
“The discontented man finds no easy chair.”
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/happy-birthday-benjamin
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365