​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.
​

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. 
​
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

image from 1rjewelers.com 

      Good morning, another clear blue sky.  We have frost on the vehicles, and the ground is white with frost.  High today is 57F. Stay warm, stay blessed, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Oct 25, Saturday will have a high of 69F(20C) partly cloudy skies and wind gusts only up to 5 mph Should be a nice spring day for them.   Stay cool, stay blessed, stay safe.
​
I told you I would find out what causes fairy rings in your lawn, and most of you probably thought decaying organic matter. I heard from Australia friends that they used to have them there, but she hasn’t seen them for a long time.  Same problem worldwide for sure. 
Understanding fairy rings in your lawn
Fairy rings are circular areas of abnormal turf growth, commonly found in lawns with elevated organic matter or after tree removal. Their mysterious, circular appearance has fascinated people since ancient times, with medieval lore linking them to dancing fairies.
What do fairy rings look like? They're grass rings up to 15 feet in diameter with a distinctly different color or texture compared to the surrounding grass. Partial ring patterns can also occur, and in wet weather, rings of mushrooms may form at the edge of the discolored grass.
Where do fairy rings come from? Certain fungi feed on decaying organic matter buried in the soil, growing outward in a circular pattern. Three types exist, depending on soil type, the specific fungus, and environmental conditions:
Type 1: Common on golf course putting greens, these rings cause grass to brown and die due to reduced water absorption.
Type 2: Efficiently decays organic matter, releasing nitrogen that promotes lush grass growth.
Type 3: Features rings of mushrooms, especially during wet periods like fall.
What should you do with fairy rings in your lawn? The good news is that fairy rings do not kill lawns and are mainly cosmetic. They often disappear naturally. Waiting is usually the simplest management option. For preemptive measures, consider routine core aeration to reduce thatch buildup. For Type 2 rings, apply nitrogen fertilizer to match grass colors. For Type 3, carefully remove mushrooms (wearing gloves) and dispose of them; DO NOT EATTHEM as they may be poisonous. Avoid using fungicides as they're typically ineffective against fairy rings.
Taken from https://extension.umn.edu/news/understanding-fairy-rings-your-lawnmol    `
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 growingsmallfarms.cesncsu.edu 

     ​Good morning at 8:00 AM we have that clear blue sky, but there is frost on the wind shields and on the ground.  Another sign of fall and the end of the garden season.  High today is 54F(12C) with another night in the 20’s but a warmup is happening after that thru the weekend.  Time to work outside.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends’ looks like a great day for Friday October 24. High at 65F(18C) and wind gusts at  8mph.  Evelyn wrote that they had rain earlier in the week 6 MLS (1/4 “ rain) of rain followed by 80 KLM(49MPH)  of wind.  Now for the ones of you that know Evelyn’s husband Tom, you would not be surprised that he still played golf. He told Ev not many people turned up for a game during the weather event. He loves golf.  Enjoy your day, stay safe. 
 
With working on fall cleanup this weekend, here is some thoughts about it with the idea of pollinators. 
Fall Garden Cleanup with Pollinators In Mind Written By: Catherine Boeckmann
There are good reasons to cut back or slow up your fall cleanup. Spare a thought for the beneficial bugs and birds who need shelter over winter and are our garden allies. Here are seven ways to strike a better balance—and make our fall cleanup a bit easier on our backs as well!
1. Leave Some Leaves
We rake, mow, and leaf blow away every leaf and bit of nature. Do we really need to rake every leaf? The answer to this question is NO. Here are tips:
Leave a few out-of-the-way leaf piles in the corners of your yard and allow leaves to remain under shrubs as a natural insulator. You may not realize it, but you provide safe harbors for overwintering pollinators. Butterflies will overwinter in a chrysalis hanging from a dead plant, native bees will “hibernate” in the hollow stem of a bee balm plant, birds will flit around spent sunflowers, and caterpillars will roll into the seedpod of a milkweed plant. Frogs and other wildlife also need fall leaves for insulation, the way we need a winter coat.
The only area of leaf cleanup that matters is turfgrass. Tree leaves can fall but should not cover a significant portion of turfgrass. Don’t cover more than 20% of your lawn, nor allow leaves to mat in layers. This inhibits growth, invites mold disease, and encourages turf damage from rodents.
What to do with leaves? Mulch with a mower. This has many benefits, from adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil to reducing weed seed germination. This requires more frequent mowing in the fall and possibly several passes with the mower to mulch the leaves into small pieces.
Or, if you have a lot of leaves on your lawn, why not rake them up and make leaf mold with them?  Add some of the shredded or whole leaves to your garden beds or other areas of your property where they can serve as a mulch and break down over time.
Definitely do take the time to fish out leaves that have landed in ponds. If they sink to the bottom and rot, they will reduce water quality and impact wildlife.
Of course, you can compost the leaves. Fall is the perfect time to start a compost pile in the corner of your yard to make free, nutrient-rich fertilizer for the spring. Layer your “brown” leaves with “green” materials to mix high-carbon and high-nitrogen materials for faster composting. Keep the pile slightly moist and turn it occasionally to aerate and mix the material. See how to build a compost heap to keep it cooking.
3. Clean Up Perennial Flowers
In general, consider leaving most perennials uncut through the winter. Native bee species like small carpenter, mason, and leaf-cutter bees nest in hollow stems. Many butterflies pupate and spend the winter on these plants as well. We can preserve these pollinating insects by leaving this plant material in the landscape for next year. There’s no real need to cut back until early spring, when new growth begins to push through. If you crave tidiness, you can always leave just one area uncut.
Many perennials, such as coneflowers, sedums, black-eyed Susan, Joe-Pye weed, and marigolds, can be an important food source for seed-eating birds, like finches, during the winter. Allow their seed heads to ripen until they turn brown and split open. These seed capsules are like salt shakers full of tiny seeds. They’ll self-sow to create more native flowers! Discover 20 self-sowing flowers.
 On the other hand, some plants should be cut back to avoid issues. Such plants as peonies, bearded irises, and lilies can be cut back to a height of 3 to 5 inches. Iris borers overwinter in/on the foliage, so removing it in the fall is a good idea. Of course, remove any diseased plants at once. This removes overwintering fungi and insects that can attack plants in the spring.
4. Clear Away Vegetable Crops
It’s important to clear away diseased plants and any dead or rotting plant material. Pest insects, like squash bugs, and diseases will overwinter, bridging the gap between this year’s crops and the next. Cover the ground with an organic mulch to protect it from winter weather, or plant a cover crop.
For fruit trees and berry bushes, we prefer to delay mulching until the end of winter. This means that once all of the leftover leaves are raked up, frost will have a clear run, penetrating down into the top layers of soil and cleansing it of overwintering pests lurking there.
Take this opportunity to remove canes and other plant supports. Wipe or wash off any soil, leave them to dry off, and then store inside or somewhere at least sheltered from the worst of the weather.
Also, weed! You may have thought that the weeding was over, but experienced gardeners know that fall is the most important time for weeding—even if frost has killed your flowers and veggies. Winter annual weeds like henbit, common chickweed, and shepherd’s purse will germinate in the fall and resume growth in spring. Managing them in the fall prevents weed problems in the spring!
5. Leave Grass Long
Just as we leave some perennials longer, you’re best leaving the grass to grow a little longer over the winter. Soil-enriching caterpillars and other bugs bury right down into the thatch; a close-cropped lawn doesn’t do them any favors.
For this reason, set your mower blades fairly high for the season’s final cut. This will help protect the soil and make your turf healthier. You can also take the opportunity to give your lawn a neat, crisp finish. Also, if you mow your lawn, use a shredding mower, as it’s actually healthier to return that leaf litter to the soil.
6. Support Wildlife
One of the fall tasks we enjoy is gathering shrub clippings and creating brush piles in the yard’s corners. Think of this as creating little safe houses for birds and little mammals (as well as frogs and reptiles). Place tree and shrub branches on the top of the pile for warmth and protection.
Be proactive and do all you can to help garden wildlife. Keep bird feeders topped up. Birds particularly appreciate fatty, high-energy foods during the cold months. Establish a feeding routine, offer water, and regularly clean feeders and bird baths to maintain good hygiene. See more about feeding garden birds in winter.
Fall is also a good time to plant new wildlife-friendly hedges. Include berry-producing species like hawthorn or shrubs like pussy willow that will support butterflies. See the best shrubs for the birds.
7. Plant Bulbs for Pollinators
Remember that those spring-flowering bulbs provide early nectar for pollinators like bees. Daffodils, crocuses, grape hyacinths, and the stunning snake’s-head fritillary are a few good choices. See our list of fall-planting bulbs for spring flowers.
Plant by late October into early November. Larger bulbs are best planted 8 inches deep; smaller bulbs, 4 inches deep. Bulbs are best planted in groups or beds of the same color, but you can also scatter bulbs across your perennial beds for pops of color in early spring. If deer are a problem in your area, avoid tulips. Stick to daffodils, alliums, and crocuses.
Speaking of bulbs, be sure to dig up tropicals such as cannas, dahlias, elephant ears, caladium, and gladiolus before a hard freeze arrives!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/10-fall-cleanup-tips-better-spring-garden
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 omahaorganicslawncare.com 

​Good morning, let me see it is Tuesday morning, October 22, 2025.  We have clear, blue sky with wind but nothing like yesterday as it was gusts up to 40 MPH. High today is 51F(11C)   cold tonight at 31F(-1C) .  We had frost on the windshield of the vehicles.  How about you?  Stay warm. Stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Oct 23, Wed. will have a high of 65F(18C) but partly cloudy conditions. One of the friends wrote that in around Melbourne which is 2 hours from Sale, they were having lots of wind, and further north they were predicted high winds and fire warnings.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
I have seen these mushrooms in a circle and never thought anything about them.  What they were called or how they formed.  But here is this author talking about Fairy Rings. Again interesting.
folklore and Legends: The Myths and Meanings Behind Fairy Rings  written By: Lauren Landers
Have you ever found a ring of mushrooms in your yard and wondered how they got there? Although science has its explanations, these “fairy rings” have lots of folklore behind them, and if you step inside one, you may just find yourself tran-spore-ted to another world where fairies dance in the moonlight and dragons are afoot. Here’s a look at some of the fascinating lore around fairy rings, and some fun facts about mushroom circles, too!
Quick Facts About Fairy Rings
Fairy rings are also known as fairy circles or elven rings.
Over 60 species of mushrooms can grow in ring formations.
The oldest known fairy ring—in France—measures about 2,000 feet in diameter and is estimated to be 700 years old!
A mushroom circle in a backyard on a sunny day with green grass and white mushroom caps. Organic fungus growth means a healthy lawn for yard care.
What are Fairy Rings?
There’s a bit of real magic behind these mysterious circles—even if science offers a logical explanation.
From a scientific perspective, fairy rings occur when mushrooms grow in a circle, arch, or other pattern that looks almost deliberately planted. These circles often seem to pop up overnight, but they actually emerge only when conditions are just right for mushrooms. That usually means lots of rain and cool weather!
Like fruit on an apple tree, the mushrooms that sprout above ground are the “fruiting bodies” of a much larger mycelial network in the soil that feeds on organic matter. However, as the organic matter is depleted by hungry mushrooms, the mycelial network spreads outward in search of more nutrients. This creates the circle-like formation, which we know as fairy rings.
It’s a natural process—but one that feels almost enchanted when it appears overnight on your lawn.
Folklore and Legends: The Myths and Meanings Behind Fairy Rings
While science has an explanation for fairy circles today, cultures across the globe have been creating interesting folklore about fairy rings for generations. From the British Isles to the Americas, here’s some of the supernatural and spooky lore associated with fairy rings, and why the peoples of the past often did their very best to avoid stepping in one!
British Isles and Scandinavia
According the lore of these regions, fairy rings were created by elves or fairies dancing beneath the full moon. When the merry dancers grew weary, they used the toadstools as seats to rest on or as tables for feasting.
Because these rings were associated with magic, it was widely believed that entering or disturbing one could only bring ill fortune. Some tales held that entering a fairy circle would allow you to see supernatural beings. However, darker legends claimed that fairies could also entice unsuspecting victims into the rings for dancing and merriment. But once inside, the hapless visitors would be forced to dance until madness set in… or they perished!
France
Known as ronds de sorcières or witches’ circles in France, lore says that fairy rings were created by witches at work and were guarded by toads that cursed anyone who entered one.
Germany
Fairy rings are also known as witches’ rings or Hexenringe in traditional German lore, and marked the locations where witches did their dancing on Walpurgis Night (April 30th).
Austria
In Austria, it was believed that fairy rings were created by a slumbering dragon who burned the earth with his fiery tail. For the next 7 years, only toadstools could grow on the dragon-scorched earth.
The Netherlands
According to Dutch lore, fairy rings occurred where the devil churned his milk, and grazing cattle near one would turn milk sour.
The Americas
Some indigenous tribes held that fairy rings were created by dancing bison!
Fairy Ring Folklore
Here are just a few more bits of folklore associated with fairy rings from other parts of globe:
Entering a fairy ring wasn’t just associated with bad luck. Some legends claimed it could also cause you to lose an eye or turn invisible!
Fairy rings were believed to be particularly dangerous on the nights of Beltane or Walpurgis Night (April 30) and Samhain or Halloween (October 31).
Throwing wild marjoram or thyme inside a fairy ring could free anyone trapped by fae magic. Victims could also be “saved” by the touch of a rowan twig or piece of iron.
Running exactly 9 times clockwise around a fairy ring on a full moon could allow you to see the supernatural beings within. But running a tenth time around the circle would only bring ill fortune.
Wearing a hat backwards near a fairy ring could keep fairies from luring you in.
More modern lore holds that fairy rings form in spots where UFOs have landed!
taken from https://www.almanac.com/magic-fairy-rings-what-they-are-and-how-they-form?
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

ok, this is how the author of the article wants your garden to look like.

How about your tool shed?  Hope it looks like this.  Good luck with that.  

       It is a windy, chilly fall day here in Dougherty, Iowa.  Afternoon temperature is only 47F( 8C) which is our high for the day. It feels like 38F with the wind blowing.  Another way of having fall.  Tonight, the temperature is to be at a low of 32F(0C) so we will have frost.  Almost have everything under cover two more trips to the greenhouse will take care of what I want to save.  Oct. 21st, is a late date for frost, and not a killing frost yet, but that will be coming I am sure.  Stay warm, Stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends will have a high of72F( 22C) for their Wed. Oct 22.  But will have rainy conditions expected around 10AM.  Their wind gusts will be only 5 mph.  Stay dry, stay safe. 
 
You have read lots of articles about how to clean up your gardens in the fall.  Here we go with another read about that. 

Don’t leave your garden a mess before winter! Follow these 11 essential fall cleanup tasks to keep your soil healthy and make spring gardening easier.  Written By:  Robin Sweetser
​
Here’s a fall vegetable garden cleanup checklist with 11 tasks to do before the weather gets uncomfortably cold. If you’ve ever forgotten to clean up in the fall, you’ll know it makes life much easier in the spring—and it’s also better to clean up for the health of your garden.
When to Start Fall Cleanup
Whenever you see summer plants dying or diseased, remove them to avoid disease. But generally, fall cleanup begins after the first killing frost. Even then, we only remove dead crops or debris because it invites disease and pests. If you do not have frost in your region, a good time to start fall cleanup is when you notice annual plants fading or dying.
Diseased plants must be removed and disposed of in the trash, never added to the compost. Also, remove any dead plants, which will invite disease and insects. Chop off beans and peas at ground level, leaving their nitrogen-fixing roots in the soil to feed next year’s crops.
Break up material into smaller pieces and start (or add to) a compost pile. Imagine the rich organic matter you can add back to the garden! See how to make a compost bin and how to get your compost heap cooking! Compost everything unless it’s already diseased. If your plants had bugs or were diseased, bag them up or get those plants off your property. You don’t want to add anything to your compost pile that could harbor diseases or insects.
3) Weed Your Garden One Last Time
Many new gardeners don’t know that weeding is more important in late summer and autumn than at any other time! Just one weed left to mature can produce hundreds, if not thousands, of seeds that will grow into weeds to plague you next year, so weed the garden one last time before you call it quits. I have been digging perennial weeds such as dock—whose roots are vastly deep—out of the flower beds. The holes left behind are perfect spots to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Weeds such as crabgrass and thistle all develop seed heads in the late summer and fall. Never let any weeds remain in your garden beds. If your soil is hard and dry, water your garden a few hours before you weed. This will help loosen the soil and make weeding a lot easier.
4) Create New Garden Beds in Fall
Fall is a great time to create new planting beds. No digging necessary! Just set your mower as low as it will go and scalp the grass, then cover the area with a thick layer of newspapers. Cover the papers with a layer of compost and top it all off with lots of chopped leaves. In the spring, you’ll have a lovely new planting bed full of earthworms.
5) Use Fall Leaves for Mulch and Compost
Don’t throw out those leaves! They’re a natural mulch for your garden and a great source of soil nutrition. Rake them onto your lawn, run over them multiple times with the lawn mower, and then rake them back into the perennial and shrub beds. This provides great fall and winter mulch. Also, leaving a few piles of leaves in out-of-the-way places provides shelter for overwintering pollinators, beneficial insects, and wildlife. These piles can also create leaf compost for the following spring. See the best ways to use your fall leaves.
6) Protect Fruit Trees From Rodents
While the mower is out, mow around the fruit trees one last time to discourage mice or voles from nesting there. Install rodent guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth around the base of your fruit trees to keep mice and voles from eating the bark and killing the trees over the winter. Tree wrap material can also be useful. Find out more about keeping mice and voles out of the garden.
7) Replenish and Protect Your Garden Soil
Soil must be replenished with compost, rotted manure, or organic matter in the fall because the microorganisms will break it down throughout the winter. After your garden has gone dormant, lightly mix organic matter into the top 4 to 6 inches of your beds so that when spring arrives, you can plant immediately without worrying about working the soil during wet weather. You can plant directly in this material next spring or turn it over into the top 6 inches. Another option is to plant “cover” crops to enrich the soil over winter.
8) Plan Crop Rotation for Next Season
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to make a note of what plants were grown where in your vegetable garden. Don’t rely on your memory! This will help in planning next year’s planting. It is never good to grow plants in the same family in the same place year after year. Not only does it allow pests and diseases specific to that family to become entrenched, but it also depletes the soil of the same nutrients each year. Learn more about crop rotation.
9) Test and Improve Your Soil in Fall
While we are talking nutrients, fall is a great time to get your soil tested to see if it’s been lacking in nutrients or has a pH that isn’t ideal for growing the plants that you have. Take a representative sample by mixing scoops of soil from several beds located around the garden instead of from just one spot. Call or email your local Cooperative Extension, which typically provides free or low-cost soil tests, or purchase a test kit from your local home improvement store or garden center. Armed with the recommendations from the test, you can apply the right amounts of the proper amendments this fall so that they will have time to break down and be available to your plants next spring. No guesswork or expensive mistakes. See more about testing your soil for a better garden.
10) Plant Garlic Before Winter
October and November are the best times to plant garlic. The goal is to plant after temperatures have dropped significantly, but before the ground freezes. If garlic is planted too early, a tender new shoot may emerge from the ground before winter even starts, leaving the plant susceptible to cold and frost damage. If you try to plant it too late (especially in colder climates), the ground may be too frozen to dig! Garlic needs cold temperatures to produce huge yields. Read more about planting garlic in the fall.
11) Clean and Store Garden Supports & Tools
Remove all supports, such as tomato cages, bean stakes and supports, and cucumber trellises. Wash off any soil, then spray them with a two-to-one solution of water and bleach to kill disease. Store indoors.
Beyond the vegetable garden, clean up any perennials that have dead or diseased foliage. That said, we encourage you to allow most perennials to remain uncut through the winter, leaving seedheads and habitat for pollinators. See which perennials to cut down and which to leave for the wildlife.
Which Vegetables Can Stay in the Ground
Not all vegetables need to be removed and cleaned up before frost arrives! Some vegetables are hardy or semi-hardy and can stay in the ground after frost. Check the frost dates in your area.
Semi-hardy vegetables that can withstand light frost or air temperatures in the range of 28° to 32°F include: beets, carrots, parsnip, lettuce, chard, pea, Chinese cabbage, endive, radicchio, cauliflower, parsley, and celery. For beets, carrots, and parsnips, the tops will die back, but the roots will tolerate lower temperatures.
Hardy vegetables that can withstand heavy frost or air temperatures below 28°F include: spinach, Walla Walla sweet onion, garlic, leeks, rhubarb, rutabaga, broccoli, kohlrabi, kale, cabbage, chicory, Brussels sprouts, corn salad, arugula, fava beans, radish, mustard, Austrian winter pea, and turnip.
Cold weather doesn’t kill hardy plants; it simply slows their growth rate. Snow even acts as insulating mulch and warms the soil for these tough plants.
Even tender vegetables such as beans, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, bok choy, and squash can be protected from frost for a couple more weeks of growth. Cover vegetables with high or low tunnels made from metal hoops and clear plastic, available from greenhouse supply companies. To protect plants, you can also use row covers or cloches. To warm the soil, use mulch made from yard debris, cardboard, or newspaper. See more about how to protect your plants from frost.

Final Fall Garden To-Do List Before Winter
Before it gets too cold, take care of your garden shed, pots, tools, and equipment.
Turn off the water to the hose and drain it completely if you’re in an area where leftover water could freeze.
Pumps and fountains should also be removed, cleaned, and drained before storing.
If you have a lawn mower or string trimmer, drain out the gas.
Clean, sand, and oil your garden tools before storing them for the winter.
Clean out cold frames if you use them for a head start on spring vegetable growing.
Remove canes and other plant supports; wipe off soil with soapy water, let them dry, and store them in a shed or garage.
Bring ceramic and clay pots inside, or they may crack in freezing temperatures. Dump the soil on your garden bed and sterilize the pots with a diluted bleach solution.
Don’t stack pots; it’s hard to get them unstuck in the spring.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/fall-vegetable-garden-cleanup-11-things-do-now
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 Friends group and members of the Sale Golf club at the unveiling of the new interpretative sign. Thanks for taking the photo Liam.

​The Friends were busy deadheading and generally tidying up this bed in the Climate Matched garden. The Veltheimia bracteata, also commonly called the Forest lilly has pink blooms, while the clivias shown here are orange.

Our tour leaders had a different group of people to lead around the gardens on last Thursday. They were Maffra Primary School students who were participating in sustainability activities organised by Sharon Ray at Nakunbalook.
Heather, Ev, Vicki and Rob each lead a group through the Elm forest and the Garden For Life.
Here’s Vicki explaining about some of the plants growing in the garden.
​Heather, Ev, Vicki and Rob each lead a group through the Elm forest and the Garden For Life.

     
Monday morning and it is cool out with a cool south wind believing it or not.  We have a clear blue sky, and the temperature at 10:00 AM is 54F(12C) strong winds and coolest temps of the season.  It is going to be cold by Wed.  Frost then too. Fall is here and it is all getting us ready for that winter season. Rain is in the forecast, but it looks like it will be going north of us.  Stay warm, stay safe.
I am continuing to work on the north end of the greenhouse cleaning it up.  A tree fell, getting the last bow of the greenhouse this spring.  Now Larry is going to move the garage door to the next bow but to do that I have to move out 3 tables, and 1/3 of the pallets.  I have been working on it every day since Thursday. Hope to finish the move today, then he can start moving out tables and pallets so he can move the garage door.  There is always something to do. 
 
Australia family and friends for Tuesday Oct 21 will have a high of 70F(20C) but wind gust up to 18 mph.  They have been having lots of wind and look like again today.  They did have rain showers over the weekend, so that will help some with their gardens, one of them wrote.   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 globaideas.org.au

  Good morning.  Partly cloudy sky this morning, but it is a good temperature with a high today of 75F(24C) a mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon.  A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Winds SW at 15 to 25 MPH.  Stay cool, enjoy, stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends for Saturday Oct. 18 will have a high of 68F(20C) WIND UP TO 12 mph.  They are telling me that they are dry, which is different from last year when we were there it was a wetter spring.  If they don’t get spring rains, then when it gets hot the vegetation will dry out more and then the risk of grass fires.  Hope they are not near that.  Stay cool, stay safe. 

Yesterday, I asked of me why lilacs are blooming in the fall.  Very interesting again with the answer. 

Is it a trick or a treat? Lilacs blooming in the fall   by Emily Swihart
Is it a trick or a treat? lilacs in the fall title photo of lilac blooms among small ornamental pumpkins of orange and white
During this first week of October, many of the plants blooming in our landscape are mums, asters, goldenrods, sedums, and ornamental grasses. But what if your lilac is blooming? A lilac blooming in autumn is unusual unless you have planted one of the new varieties bred to bloom once in the spring and then again during late summer or early fall.
When plants behave in unexpected ways, it is often a symptom of unusual growing conditions. In the case of a spring-blooming species producing blossoms in late summer or early autumn, plant stress can be the culprit.
Stressed out plants
Plants experience stress from a variety of sources. Biotic stress is a result of living organisms, such as pests or diseases. Abiotic stressors are from non-living sources such as precipitation patterns, temperature variations, heavy pruning, and more. No matter the cause, stressful conditions during the growing season can trigger a plant response that mimics dormancy. This is a plant’s way of minimizing short-term damage so it can persevere long-term when growing conditions become more ideal.
During the summer, spring-blooming species such as lilac, forsythia, ninebark, and rhododendron develop shoots that include the flower buds for the following season. Typically, these plants enter dormancy in the autumn and remain dormant throughout the winter until spring arrives and blooms are produced.
If these plants experience high levels of stress after shoots are produced but before the onset of autumn, there is an increased potential for untimely fall blooms. The stress-induced state of dormancy followed by cooler temperatures and shorter days of autumn may trigger some of the buds to develop into blooms.
This year, our abundant precipitation early in the season provided adequate moisture for landscape shrubs. In west-central Illinois, during August and September, rain became scarce, and temperatures remained high. If plants were not provided with supplemental water during this period, plants experienced drought and heat stress. Although recent weather conditions remain dry, temperatures have dropped causing some plants to react by producing spring blooms despite the autumnal season.
What to do now?
If your spring blooming shrubs are blooming this autumn, there is not much you can do to stop the blooms from developing and otherwise healthy, established plants will not suffer long-term health effects. In the short term, you may experience reduced blooms in the coming spring since the buds have already produced blossoms.
In many areas of the state, the forecast remains bleak in terms of rain. To help drought-stressed plants, providing supplemental water is recommended. This helps rehydrate plants and soils in advance of winter, helping to minimize winter injury. To avoid runoff, use a soaker hose or slow drip to give water time to infiltrate into the soil profile. Continue to monitor soil moisture levels and provide supplemental water when needed until the ground freezes.
In future years, when rainfall is limited, and temperatures are high, providing supplemental water to landscape plants is recommended. In addition, minimize other stress-inducing conditions by monitoring for pests and disease issues, implementing recommended pruning practices, and mulching the soil with untreated, hardwood mulch.
Good Growing Fact of the Week: Lilacs have a rich history in America’s home landscape. According to the Arnold Arboretum, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, each made notes documenting their planting of lilacs.
Taken from https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-10-04-it-trick-or-treat-lilacs-blooming-fall
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 awakenings2012 blogsspot.com 

Good morning, we are back and have to say our bed was nice to have that sleep on.  But looking around where do I begin with the list?  Just begin.  It is cool out this morning, and wet so outside work will have to wait and see what this afternoon brings.  It is going to be colder next week, and possible frost so need to move in plants is the first thing I need to do.  55F(13C) we are to have a high of 72F(22C), but right now it is damp, cloudy and a little sprinkle.  So maybe this afternoon, I can go outside and work.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Oct 17, Friday will have a high of 60F(15C) but the weather app said winds up to 24 mph which will make it feel like 53F(11C) so to them I will say stay warm, stay safe.
 
When this gleaning came up in the garden section of the Old Farmer’s Almanac, I had to see what it was.  Very interesting and a new word for me.  Give it a read and see what you think. 

Gleaning in Gardening and in Life: Making the Most of What Remains
Written By:  Margaret Boyles
As harvest time wraps up, most gardeners will glean the last stragglers—the tiny zucchini struggling, a malformed carrot. This act of gleaning is also a metaphor for life.
What is Gleaning?
“To glean” means to gather what was left by the reapers. Historically, the reapers were those who planted and harvested the main crops. The gleaners were those who followed behind and collected leftover crops that the reapers left behind or didn’t want. It is a practice described in the Bible that became a legally enforced entitlement of the poor.
Today, a gleaner is someone who collects excess fresh foods from a variety of sources in order to provide them to those in need. For example, a gleaner might be a food bank that gives to the poor by receiving contributions of slightly damaged cans or food boxes from grocery stores. A gleaner might also be a forager in the country or someone who “dumpster dives” in the city.
Transitioning From Reapers to Gleaners
For the gardener, we glean by collecting those tomatoes and peppers that lie among the blackened wreckage of the first killing frost. We glean those two onions whose necks didn’t seal (so they won’t keep). We gather the handful of young green beans that popped forth from a few still-green plants. What about those straggly herb plants?
Toss those gleanings into a savory broth with a handful of fresh herbs and a cup or two of lentils, and they often add up to a tasty soup or stir-fry.
A Metaphor for Life
To cite a common cliché, we live in disruptive times. The institutions we’ve been conditioned to trust and believe in seem to be crumbling, losing credibility, and changing at a such a breath-sucking pace we can’t keep up.
Bring on the gleaning skills!
The society in which I grew up taught me that a good life requires a relatively smooth linear passage from the seeds of a stable, two-parent childhood and some level of formal, institutional learning (“education,” and the more, the better) to the harvest of long-term, secure-but-challenging employment that includes health insurance and the promise of a fat retirement account. Along the way, I also learned that I’d be expected to exercise a level of consumption (of purchased goods and paid-for services) to match my knowledge, income, and social status.
But I gradually came to understand that lives that appear to follow that expected trajectory have actually been assembled from a small measure of reaping and a large, continuously growing collection of gleanings.
Most of us experience life as a dynamic, chaotic flow. Yet at any moment, some seemingly random encounter can link into our network of experiences to produce or to promise a result we could never have planned or expected.
These seemingly random moments emerge from events never intended to affect our lives and that couldn’t yield much on their own—fragments of an overheard conversation, a scene from a TV show, a classified ad, a chance meeting with someone at a checkout counter. Yet they connect to produce a nourishing, life-sustaining, psychological soup.
Gleaning Is More Than Collecting Stuff
Yes, gleaning can involve the physical side of life: collecting and treasuring stuff that others no longer want or never wanted, often creatively repurposing it to suit our own lives—the recycled and refurbished clothing, the tools and appliances, the cardboard and newspaper that mulch the vegetable patch, the works of art crafted from items salvaged from the scrap metal pile.
However, most of what builds a life isn’t physical but psychological, internal, and invisible: ideas, hopes, feelings, thoughts, questions.
The most important rule for a gleaned life: Put yourself in the path of a wide diversity of planters/reapers who produce their crops in fertile soil. Then pay close attention to what they either fail to harvest or don’t have any use for. Reach out and grab the fragments with which you connect.
Edit Your Life (Gleaning is Not Hoarding)
The gleaned life requires disciplined editing. Don’t be afraid to reject or let stuff go. Gleaning is not about hoarding; it’s about discovering and combining aspects of experience that actually create opportunities and nourish you. Consign the rest to the compost pile or the trash bag.
And finally: Among both reapers and gleaners, the smartest intentionally select a few sorry-looking plants to leave behind, knowing the seeds they carry will sprout in spring and yield an untended harvest both planters and gleaners can reap.
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