image from newswire.com

We are having summer like weather now.  But the breeze does help with making it a little more comfortable being outside.  We got .2 inches of rain last night.  Some got one inch and some didn’t get any.  Let us hope we all get more this week.  Stay safe….stay cool as temperatures will be summer like. 
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Which Plants Deer Won't Eat (Unless Desperate!)  by Catherine Boeckmann
Oh, dear! Do you have problems with deer eating your garden plants? Think salvia, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, poppies, globe amaranth, lantana, and cleome. Choose the right plants, and you can have color despite the darn deer!
Let’s be frank: there are no absolutely 100% deer-proof plants. If food is scarce enough, hungry deer have been known to eat almost anything. The heaviest browsing by deer will occur from October through February, especially during the difficult winter months.
That said, there are many plants that are much less palatable to deer. Would you eat your least-favorite food if your favorite sweets were around the corner? Well, don’t grow deer’s favorites (like tender hosta)! Instead, get to know which plants are NOT deer’s top choice on the menu, so the hungry herds walk by to choose more appetizing choices. They will only choose your plants if they’re desperate.
Which Plants Deer Like to Eat
Some plants qualify as “deer candy.” We certainly don’t want to be laying out a deer buffet with our hard-earned dollars.
Avoid planting narrow-leafed evergreens, especially arborvitae and fir. 
Deer also show a particular preference for hostas, daylilies, and English ivy, according to researchers from the University of Rhode Island, who have studied white-tailed deer damage to nurseries.
Interestingly, several participants in the study noted that deer seem to prefer plants that have been fertilized to those that haven’t.
 
Which Plants Deer Don’t Want to Eat
Not surprisingly, deer tend to stay away from poisonous plants. daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers that deer avoid.
Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky” to deer.
Would you want to eat something prickly? Neither do deer (unless they’re desperate). Plants such as lamb’s ear are not on their preferred menu.
Deer-Resistant Plants for Shade
One of our favorite deer-resistant perennials are bleeding hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, aka Dicentra spectabilis).
Astilbe are also deer-resistant plants that grow well in the shade. Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’, ‘Visions’, and ‘Fanal’ make a nice mix.
coreopsis and echinacea
Coreopsis and Echinacea purpurea
 
Deer-Resistant Plants for Sun
Coreopsis verticillata ’Zagreb’ attracts butterflies but not deer and offers a long season of bloom from May through September.
Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ or Blazing Star is also a sun-loving perennial that isn’t a popular choice on the deer buffet.
Echinacea purpurea is one of our favorite native flowers and a magnet for pollinators!
Another sun-lover is Salvia x sylvestris or Wood Sage.
Finally, the popular Leucanthemum x superbum ’Becky’ is a popular variety of Shasta Daisy that deer do not favor.
List of Top Deer-Resistant Plants, Flowers, and Shrubs
Research has shown which plants are less likely to be eaten by deer and can be labeled “deer-resistant.” Here’s a list popular plants that deer rarely or seldom severely damage. Again, keep in mind that the first rule in deer-proofing is that there are no completely deer-proof plants.
            Common name
Yarrow
Monkshood
Ageratum
Allium sp.     Onion
Allegheny Serviceberry
Snapdragon
Horseradish
Tarragon
Silver Mound
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Wild Ginger
Asparagus
Aster
Astilbe
Barberry
Borage
Butterfly Bush
Common Boxwood
Lenten or Christmas Rose
Cactus
Pot Marigold
Blue Mist Shrub
Dusty Miller
Bachelor’s Buttons
Cleome
Autumn Crocus
larkspur
Lily of the Valley
Threadleaf Coreopsis
Corydalis
Cytisus sp.    Broom
Daphne
Bleeding Heart
Common Foxglove
Wood Fern
Purple Coneflower
Small Globe Thistle
Bluebell
Winer Aconite
Snow-on-the-Mountain
Spurge
Blue Fescue
Crown Imperial, Fritilia
Snowdrops
Baby’s Breath
Strawflower
Heliotrope
Hyssop
American Holly
Winterberry Holly
Iris
Juniper
Lantana
Lavender
Statice
Sweet Alyssum
Horehound
Lemon Balm
Mint
Bee Balm
Forget-Me-Not
Bayberry
Daffodil
Catmint
Basil
Fern
Pachysandra
Peony
Poppy
Russian Sage
Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Anise
Pine
Cinquefoil
Buttercup
Fragrant Sumac
Rosemary
Black-Eyed Susan
Rue
Willows
Garden Sage
Lamb’s Ear
Common Lilac
Common Tansy
Germander
Thyme
Yucca
Arrowwood Viburnum
Zinnia
 
Note: Even “resistant” varieties can be vulnerable in the first few weeks after planting, when their leaf tissue is especially nitrogen-rich. If you have major deer problems, we recommend spraying new plants with a deer repellent for 3 to 4 weeks after planting to prevent them from being nibbled on and damaged. Even if they are feasted on, as long as the root systems of the plants are not damaged, the plants should survive.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/deer-resistant-plants
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from Becky's Greenhouse

      Wow we are having a spring day…not like we have had yesterday.  Cloudy, windy, and cooler.  61 degrees at 11:25 AM, high today of 77.  We will see??? Tonight low of 44.  Looks like a great Memorial Day weekend…stay safe you all.
Larry and I want to thank all that have stopped in this season.  Great seeing the gardeners.  I love growing the plants, but love seeing and chatting with the gardeners. 
I told you I would remind you in the spring, to plant perennial chrysanthemums.  We have several flats of them here that are perennial and will come back.  Different colors, and shape of blooms. 

Although most flowers fade as summer ends, chrysanthemums, aka “mums,” are the quintessential autumn flower. This hardy perennial is best planted in spring, blooming throughout the fall. Learn how to plant and care for mums so that they come back year after year—including how to overwinter mums.

Chrysanthemum x morifolium is the Queen of the Fall Flowers, celebrating the season in jewel colors: yellow, lavender, pink, purple, red, bronze, orange, and white. Each bloom consists of tiny flowers called florets. Bloom forms range in size from pincushion petite to giant spiders, and there are hundreds from which to choose.

Mums generally grow to a width and height of 3 feet tall if they are pinched regularly during the growing season. Bloom time is determined by day length (12 hours or less!), and buds start forming then. Mums spread quickly if properly planted and spaced.

Are Mums Perennial or Annual?
Mums are hardy perennials best planted in early spring. However, those pretty mums sold in garden centers as fall decorations as often best treated as annuals; do not try to overwinter them as they weren’t bred to be hardy.

Do Mums Come Back Every Year?
Yes, if you plant a cold-hardy perennial that’s marked to withstand low temperatures, it will come back every year. Early spring is the best time to order ( or get at Becky’s Greenhouse) and plant mums to give them time to grow strong roots, become well-established before winter, and grow into a more robust, full plant.
Southerners can enjoy the colorful displays of blooming mums twice yearly because the equal days and nights of temperature weather that cause mums to bloom happen in both the spring and the fall. Northerners must be satisfied with one show, in autumn.

Perennial Mums: How to Overwinter Mums
PLANTING
Select a planting site in full sun, away from trees and big shrubs. Mums require rich, well-draining soil. They do not like standing water and will quickly rot if left too wet. Prepare by adding aged manure or compost to the soil (mums are heavy feeders).
Container Tip: Many folks will set their potted mums on or near their porch. Plants that receive light at night from security lights or street lights will be slow to bud! If you’re wondering why your mum isn’t blooming, it’s often due to this reason (as well as lack of sun or water).

When to Plant Mums  Mums are hardy perennials best planted in early spring.
Start mums indoors from seed 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date.
How to Plant Mums Set mums 18 to 36 inches apart, depending on their expected size at maturity.
Mums need good air circulation. Plant mums in the ground at the same depth that it was grown at in the pot. If planted too low, water can gather around the base and rot the stems.
Water and keep it evenly moist.

GROWING  Watering mums is important to success; too little water slows or stops their growth! Keep mums moist. Soak the soil deeply when watering. Avoid watering the leaves.  Mums are heavy feeders. A monthly application of a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) is good practice. Spread mulch around the mum to conserve soil moisture and to keep weeds out. Pinch back stems to create a bushier plant: When new shoots are 3 to 4 inches tall, pinch off the top, leaving 2 to 3 leaves on the shoot. Continue pinching every 2 to 3 weeks until mid July, when buds develop. On the West Coast, stop pinching in early July. In the South, stop in early August. 
Stop fertilizing when flower buds emerge.

For big flowers, pinch off all buds except the largest and strongest on each stem. Remove secondary buds farther down the stem as they develop, too.
Switch to a high-nitrogen fertilizer after buds have set. If flower size does not matter, stop fertilizing in mid-August.

After the ground has frozen, spread 4 to 6 inches of mulch around the plant.
Do not cut back mums in fall. The dead growth insulates the roots. Cut off the dead stems and leaves when you see the first green shoots in spring.

Overwintering Mums
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and warmer, perennial chrysanthemums can be kept outdoors (in the ground) through the winter. But in extremely cold areas, overwinter plants in a basement or dark, cold closet. Pot up plants after the first frost in the fall, capturing as many of the roots as possible. Leave the foliage on the plants until spring.
Water well and keep the roots damp. Check pots weekly. In spring, gradually introduce the plants to light. Set them out after the last killing frost.
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Dividing Mums
Every 2 to 3 years, divide  mum when new growth appears in the spring. Use a knife cut out the old central portion of the plant. Discard it. Cut the remaining portion into sections. Each section should have several shoots and good roots. Replant these sections.
Stop and see what we have here for perennial mums. 
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/chrysanthemums
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty, Iowa  beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from Becky's Greenhouse, the first wagon table by the building is all perennials.  

    I know I am here but you haven’t heard from me for a few days.  You know what I have been doing.  Plants look awesome.  We are busy bringing plants out of the greenhouse.  You know, what I tell you.  All has been grown here except the perennials and the herbs. Yes, we have been busy since Feb.  I have 3 others planting as it takes lots of labor to do the planting of all we have.  We still have the full line of vegetables from peppers to tomatoes to cabbage and all in between.  We have some okra, kale, kohlrabi, eggplant.  Yes cucumbers, pumpkin, squash, watermelon are ready to be picked up.  The English cucumbers are a little slower germinating, but they are coming ok.  We have a variety of cucumbers just for containers.

Hope all of you are enjoying this spring like weather.  Not much wind, warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine.  Your garden is growing, and also know so are the weeds.  Keep working on them and you will get ahold of them.

Thanks to all of you that have come.  We grow many annuals ( bedding plants in 4 packs, and not all single plants.  Don’t get me wrong we do have single plants for the more premium annuals.  Buy a flat of 12 small 4 packs and it is like getting 2 free.  Mix and match the 4pack with annuals and vegetables.  48 plants for 25.90. 

​Do you have perennials?  Yes a full wagon table of them.  Some have several varieties of them.  Stop in and have a look. 
Columbines,
butterfly flower,
asters,
chrysanthemum,
dianthus( perennial ones),
bleeding heart,
several varieties of echinacea( coneflowers),
holly hocks,
Siberian Iris,
Shasta daisy,
hostas,
dwarf lilies,
miniature roses, along with Knock out roses.
Yarrow,
Agastache,
New variety of artemisia SunFarm Olympia,
Coreopsis,
Gaillardia,
Coral Bells,
Liathris,
Lobelia,
Monarda,
Phlox,
Salvia,
Veronica
To name just a few.
Many herbs.  Annuals, bedding plants are many.  Color is awesome. Hanging baskets, lettuce pots. Houseplants, and succulents are being planted each day.  If you have stopped up, new stuff is here again. I have started tomorrow’s post so should be that out daily again.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

images from Becky's Greenhouse

​Good morning, or almost good afternoon.  Weather is perfect.  I haven’t had time to post anything because the gardeners have been coming. That is the best part of what I do here is the gardeners.  I love hearing about their winter, or their kids or grandkids or their gardens.  I love growing the plants and take a pride in what we do,,, but also love the gardeners.  Glad I can help.
I need to tell  you we have lots of annual plants or bedding plants in the small 4 packs, then we have ones in a large 4 pack.  Tomatoes and peppers are in large 4 packs.  They are looking awesome if I say so myself.  We do have what a premium annual would be called in single pots too.  The single potted annuals are bigger and will give color right away. 
Another perennial order coming on Friday, so that makes number 3.  Nice selection of perennials and herbs.  As I told the gardeners, that is the only thing we order in.  All the rest that you see inside and out have been grown here at Becky’s Greenhouse.  I am a grower and can offer more variety for your gardens.
I am here from 9-6 Monday thru Saturday, 1-6 on Sunday.  Thank you for the ones that have stopped, and thanks to you that are planning on coming.  Always a treat for me.  Stay safe….and ENJOY this lovely spring weather.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net 641-794-3337   cell 641-903-9365

image from classroomclipart.com

      It is Saturday, and a good day at the greenhouse.  Many gardeners in, and I had fun with them sharing what I know, what we have grown and giving them a gift with some information. 
We had pouring down rain this morning, but sun and a surprise for me “wind.”  South of us have tornado watch, and the bad weather that they said this morning for us isn’t going to happen with hail and wind.  Looks like we will get more rain. See how long it lasts tomorrow for Mother’s Day.  We will be open and I get
Many herbs are are low-maintenance plants that will grow well in containers. They can really transform your cooking, so they’re well worth growing.
Herbs will look fantastic growing in any style of container, from terracotta pots and urns to galvanized tubs and wicker-framed planters. Just ensure you have drainage holes. Growing them in pots means they’re also easy to move around the garden or place nearer the house.
Grow a single herb or type of herbs in a container, or grow several together in a large planter. When growing herbs together, make sure they are suited to the same growing conditions. 
​
Herbs for Sun, Dry Soil
For instance, these drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs need plenty of sun and fairly dry, well-draining soil so they’ll go well together in the same container.
Borage (Borago)
Coneflower (Echinacea)
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Lavender (Lavandula)
Oregano (Origanum)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus)
Sage (Salvia)
Savory (Satureja)
Thyme (Thymus)

Herbs for Semi-Shade, Moist Soil
Some herbs below are happy in sun but also tolerant of shade. And a few herbs (especially parsley) are happier in a shadier spot. All herbs below enjoy more moisture than the drought-tolerant herbs above.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Sorrel (Rumex)
 
Herbs For Sun, Moist Soil
Most herbs are sun lovers, but some are not native to the dry, rocky Mediterranean region and need moderate moisture.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Mint (Mentha)
A Word About Mint
Mint is especially suited to its own pot because of its vigorous habit and tendency to spread and overwhelm neighboring plants.
This includes any plant in the mint (Mentha) family, including peppermint, spearmint, and even pennyroyal, which is a type of mint. Learn more about growing mint.
How to Plant an Herb Container
All containers need drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, so if your chosen pot or planter doesn’t already have them, you’ll need to drill some into the base.
Start by placing some broken pieces of pot over the drainage holes to prevent the potting soil from washing out. For a free-draining potting soil, mix in a few generous handfuls of grit, adding and mixing together in stages as you fill the container.
Before planting your herbs, arrange them on top of the potting soil to see how they’ll look. Consider each plant’s growing habit. Set creeping or trailing herbs to the front and taller herbs to the back or in the middle, with bushier plants in between.
Once you’re happy with the arrangement, remove the herbs from their pots and place them back onto the potting soil. Fill in around the rootballs with more potting soil, firming it in as you fill.
Thoroughly water the herbs to settle them into position. The level of the potting soil will sink once you’ve done this, so you may need to add a little more potting soil. Leave the planted tub as it is, or finish the display off with a mulch of gravel, pebbles or shells. To ensure good drainage, raise the container off the ground by placing it onto some large stones, bricks, or purpose-made pot feet.
Caring for Your Potted Herbs
Herbs are pretty low maintenance, but a few simple tips will keep them in the best condition and provide you with plenty of pickings.
First, water according to the needs of each herb – more for fleshy-leaved herbs like parsley and basil, less often for more aromatic herbs with smaller leaves such as rosemary or thyme. During the growing season, water your herbs with an organic liquid fertilizer every few weeks to help them produce plenty of leaves.
If winters are harsh where you live, protect the pots from severe cold by wrapping them in bubblewrap, hessian or burlap, stuffed with scrunched-up newspaper or straw. This will help prevent the roots from freezing solid. You could also move containers under cover, for example into a greenhouse.
Above all remember to pick and enjoy your herbs regularly. Herbs actually benefit from regular picking and will produce lots more shoots in response. It’s a win-win situation!
Having herbs on hand is just brilliant – and they look fantastic too! Please share your tips for growing herbs below. Perhaps you’ve a favorite combination or a particular variety you’d recommend. If so, let us know about it!
Did You Know: Herbs pair well in the vegetable garden, too, especially to help ward off pests.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/video/how-plant-herbs-pots-which-herbs-go-together
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa  beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from Becky's Greenhouse

       ​Hi…we have been busy which is what we want.  But seeing the kitten taking a nap, I have to show you that is how I feel at the end of the day.  I am having fun working with the gardeners. I do enjoy growing the plants, and take pride in what we do.  BUT my biggest joy is working with the gardeners.  Experience gardeners to the ones that are doing it for the first time.  I love questions, and if I don’t know the answer then I will try to find out. 
I must tell you more perennials came in today.  I gave the Swift greenhouse list to Nancy Johnson who has been helping all spring, and told her to work on the order.   The perennials that came in is what I am going to call Nancy’s choice.  IF she is here when you are, you ask her about them.  It would make her very pleased.  In the picture you see them on our tall carts, but I am working on moving them to wagon table 1 where the perennials always are. 
We had a small rain shower, but I heard that Mitchell Co.  had lots of rain.  That isn’t always a favorable thing.  We have the table wagons out.  The greenhouse is still full, so when you come you need to take an over all look.  Color, blooms, green all at a nice size for planting. 
I have so much fun with the gift I am giving to all the gardeners.  I will not tell you what it is, but for the ones that have been here you know.  Thanks to all that have stopped, and looking forward to you that need to come yet.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from Becky's Greenhouse 

       ​Good morning, we got .8 inch of rain last night so that is good.  NOW green will be popping all over.  Spring is here.  Looking at the forecast, the nights are not near 32 at all, so safe to plant your garden, and flowers, and etc.  Weeds are starting so the ground must be warm.  I will post pictures later today.  We are open, plants are blooming, vegetables look awesome, perennials are here more coming at the end of the week. 
Mother’s Day is Sunday.  Hanging baskets starting at 13.29.  We have rose bushes, miniature roses which are really fun, patio tree roses.  Peonies that will be blooming yet this season.  Gift certificates are available so mom can do here own shopping of plants.  Hope to get succulents planted in cute little containers, see how my week goes.
We are open 9-6 Monday thru Saturday, Sunday 1-6.  More coming later in pictures.  Stay safe all.  Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from Becky's Greenhouse

Good morning, lovely out with the sun shining and then you walk out and you feel that NW strong wind.  No fun for sure but today should be the end and then cold tonight possible frost and freeze.  Warming up the rest of the week.  I know we are all ready for that- warmer weather.  I am fortunate to have the greenhouse as the plastic with the sunshine does warm up in here.  Plants need the sunshine and that is one reason they are doing so well.  Miracle house is what I call it, we plant, we water and the plants grow. 

I have pictures of plants one is the black petunia and the other yellow begonia.  I know you are thinking of a great combination for a certain school.  BUT one lesson with planting is where the plants will grow with the sun.  Petunias need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.  Begonias need shade, classified as a shade plant will not tolerate lots of sun.  You can’t plant these together.  I am sure you have the color and the texture but not the growing they need to be together. 
 
The last picture is from a friend that honor me with a May Basket.  Very touching and many of us did the May Basket with our kids.  Stories I hear are those big bowls of popcorn to make the May Basket with candy in it.  Our family did all in Dougherty, not just the kids. 
We are here from 9-6 but tonight the temperature is supposed to go down to 32 or lower.  Frost predicted and maybe a freeze.  The wagon trailers will go into the east greenhouse, and we will move the roses, peonies, butterfly bushes and the fruit trees which are blossoming into the greenhouse.  It is only May 2, and we could have these cold temperatures till May 15.  KEEP that in mind with planting. 

Nancy and I started another wagon trailer for outside with moving plants out.  Comment was I suppose you are getting plants all the time.  “Whoops, we are moving out the plants we have started from the greenhouse.  All you see outside and in have been grown here.”  Once the perennials come, those we buy in.  and of course, the trees, shrubs.  But we do grow a lot here as we are a grower.
​
When you get ready to work in the gardens, or work on those flowerpots, we have plants here for you.  We are glad to help you with your gardening needs.
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell  641-903-9365