image from Pixabay.com

​Happy New Year.  2026 is just around the corner.  What can I say about this?  Another year to thank you for your business, friendship and support.  Larry and I wouldn’t like to be anywhere else but here in Dougherty. You know we are working on our 50th anniversary of being married.  Larry is having his 51st anniversary with the shop and I am having my 36 years of being in the greenhouse.  Years add up, and we are so thankful that we still can do this.  We might be a little slower, we might not do all we used to do, but we are working at what we can do.  I bet 2026 will go as quickly as this year of 2025.  Blessings to all. 
 
Australia family and friends for their New Year’s Day will have 72F(22C) with partly cloudy skies.  I think this would be a nice day for them.  Happy New Year’s Day to you.  Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
I found this article interesting about New Year’s traditions.  I found that the Germans and Pennsylvania Dutch eat sauerkraut on New Year’s Day for good luck in the coming year. I don’t think that was a custom at our house growing up.  But it is interesting.  What are your New Year Traditions?  Enjoy.
 
How to Have a Happy New Year Anywhere  Written By:  Victoria Doudera
Many New Year’s traditions that we take for granted date from ancient times. This year, ring out the old and ring in the new with a New Year tradition—or two! From singing “Auld Lang Syne” to eating black-eyed peas for good luck, discover different ways to celebrate the start of 2026!
Make Some Noise to Ring in the New Year!
Making a lot of noise and light—from fireworks to gunshots to church bells—seems to be a favorite New Year’s pastime across the globe.
In Thailand, it was once a tradition to fire guns to frighten off demons.
In China, firecrackers routed the forces of darkness.
In Denmark, they throw plates and glasses against each other’s front doors to banish bad spirits.
In Ecuador, it is tradition to burn the effigies of famous people to destroy bad “juju” from the past year and start fresh.
In the early American colonies, the sound of pistol shots rang through the air.
In the United States today, many watch the ball drop in New York’s Times Square.
In other countries, many folks wait for the church bells or the chimes of clock towers to ring out.
Many New Year’s traditions involve food. Here are a few:
New Year’s Weather Folklore: What the Wind Predicts
In Spain, people attempt to eat 12 grapes during the 12 strokes of midnight! Tradition says that if they succeed before the chimes stop, they will have good luck for all 12 months of the coming year.
In the southern U.S., black-eyed peas and pork foretell good fortune. See our recipe for Hoppin’ John!
In Scotland—where Hogmanay is celebrated—Scots also hold bonfire ceremonies where people parade while swinging giant fireballs on poles!
Eating any ring-shaped treat (such as a doughnut) symbolizes “coming full circle” and leads to good fortune. In Dutch homes, fritters called oliebollen are served.
The Irish enjoy pastries called bannocks.
Germans and Pennsylvania Dutch eat sauerkraut on New Year’s Day for good luck in the coming year.
In India and Pakistan, rice promises prosperity.
Apples dipped in honey are a Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) tradition.
In Swiss homes, dollops of whipped cream, symbolizing the richness of the year to come, are dropped on the floors—and allowed to remain there!
Have a Drink and Toast the Year
Although the pop of a champagne cork signals the arrival of the New Year around the world, some countries have their own beverage-based traditions.
Wassail, a punch-like drink named after the Gaelic term for good health, is served in some parts of England.
Spiced “hot pint” is the Scottish version of Wassail. Traditionally, the Scots drank to each other’s prosperity and also offered this warm drink to neighbors along with a small gift.
In Spain, Cava (a sparkling white wine) is often served to guests for making toasts.
Give a Gift to Celebrate
New Year’s Day was once the time to swap presents.
In Scotland, December 31 is known as Hogmanay. Along with fireworks, “first footing” (or the “first foot” in the house after midnight) is still common across Scotland. The first person to cross the threshold into one’s home, called the first footer, indicates the year to come.
Although the tradition varies, if the first footer is tall and dark, the year will be a good one. Of course, the entire spirit of a Hogmanay party is to welcome friends and strangers with warm hospitality and lots of kissing all around!
Jews who observe Rosh Hashanah make time for personal introspection and prayer, as well as visiting graves.
Christian churches hold “watch-night” services, a custom that began in 1770 at Old St. George’s Methodist Church in Philadelphia.
The practice of making New Year’s resolutions, said to have begun with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C., is another way to reflect on the past and plan ahead.
New Year’s Folklore
Some customs and beliefs are simply passed down through the ages. Here are some of our favorite age-old sayings and proverbs.
On New Year’s Eve, kiss the person you hope to keep kissing.
If New Year’s Eve night wind blow south, It betokeneth warmth and growth.
For abundance in the new year, fill your pockets and cupboards today.
If the old year goes out like a lion, the new year will come in like a lamb.
Begin the new year square with every man. [i.e., pay your debts!] –Robert B. Thomas, founder of The Old Farmer’s Almanac
So, whether we resolve to return borrowed farm equipment (as did the Babylonians) or drop a few pounds, we’re tapping into an ancient and powerful longing for a fresh start!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/new-years-traditions-around-world
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 Ohio State University Wexmer  Medical Center 

Good morning.  We have wind, but only at 8MPH.  It is warmer out with a high today of 31F(-.05C) .  We are to have mainly cloudy with snow showers around this morning.  Not much accomplishment which is good. Larry is moving snow again this morning.  We have white ground again.  Winter is here for sure.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends wrote yesterday. “Dec 29th was a very warm day but cooler tomorrow Dec 30.  I think our summer will be hot and dry, so I’m  glad we had some good spring rains.”  Evelyn wrote.  It looks like Wed Dec 31 will have a high of 71F(21C) but they will have wind gusts up to 20 MPH.  Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
I thought this article would be good to share with all the cold weather we are having.  Interesting facts.  The one I found so true “People who live in cold climates are typically used to this cold weather, so maybe they don’t feel it as much!”  We find when it is only 25F we find that warm after it has been at zero. 

Does Cold Weather Make You Sick? | 10 Myths About the Cold
Can cold weather give you a cold? Do you lose most of your body heat through your head? Is a cup of hot coffee the best way to warm up? We answer these questions and bust common cold weather myths!
Humans are warm-blooded and must maintain an inner core temperature of about 98.6°F (37°C). We primarily warm ourselves by exercising and eating, and in winter, the challenge is to keep the warmth we create as long as possible or lose as little of it as possible. The ways we avoid getting cold may surprise you!
10 Myths About Cold Weather
1. Cold Weather Causes the Common Cold
Nope. You catch colds from viruses, not from cold temperatures. But because cold temperatures keep people indoors in close quarters, viruses spread more easily.
Cold weather can weaken your immune system, making you an easier target. But in the end, it’s viruses (not cold weather) that are making you sick. Here are some other ways to avoid getting colds.
2. Do You Lose Most of Your Body Heat Through Your Head?
No, you don’t. Thermophysiologist Gordon Giesbrecht of the University of Manitoba says, “Where your body loses heat is closely related to surface area, and the head has only about 9 percent of the body’s surface area.” As the temperature decreases, the blood vessels in your extremities constrict. Yet only 10% of your body heat is being lost through your head.
That said, if you are all bundled up, you lose more body heat through the top of an uncovered head, so perhaps you could say, “Mom was right,” after all.
3. What Should You Do If Your Fingers or Toes Are Cold?
You should rub your fingers and toes when they get chilly, right? Nope. Wiggle them instead. If exposed skin (including that of your face and ears) becomes cold, cover it with a warm hand until it feels better. Giesbrecht says, “Never accept numbness. It is a sign that tissue is already very cold and potentially about to freeze.” If there’s a chance you may have frostbite, don’t rub the frostbite area, especially not with snow. Rubbing will cause tissue damage. Do not try to warm frostbitten skin until you’re free of the danger of it freezing again. Refreezing increases tissue damage and can cause you more pain and suffering.
3. Is a Cup of Coffee or a Sip of Brandy a Good Way to Warm Up?
Nope. Caffeine and alcohol may actually speed up heat loss. According to Weather.gov, caffeine can cause your blood vessels to constrict and prevent your hands and feet from warming properly, and alcohol can reduce shivering, which is something your body does to help keep you warm!
Instead of caffeine and alcohol, drink warm water or a warm, sweet, nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage to help warm the body.
5. If You Fall Through Ice and Into Water, You Will Die of Hypothermia Right Away
It depends; you may have about an hour to survive this kind of cold shock. Understanding what’s happening and not panicking is critical to your survival.
Remember the 1-10-1 rule: one minute, ten minutes, one hour.
You have 1 minute to get control of your breathing (a common reaction to severe cold is to panic and start hyperventilating).
You have 10 minutes to perform any meaningful movement, during which you can do your best to get out of the water.
If you can’t get out on your own, you have 1 hour before hypothermia will render you unconscious. So, when you can no longer use your arms and legs effectively, adopt a position in the water that conserves body heat (curl up, keep limbs close) until help arrives.
6. Dehydration is not a Danger When You Exercise in Cold Weather
False. You can sweat anytime when you exercise; in cold weather, you also lose more water through your breath than in warmer temperatures. Remember playing in the snow as a child and being so thirsty when you came inside? Thank the cold weather for that!
So, remember that dehydration is dangerous in the cold; it hinders the body’s ability to produce heat.
7. If You’re Stranded and Thirsty, You Should Eat Snow
Bad idea. Eating snow or sucking on ice will lower your body temperature. It can also lead to internal injuries. If you have no water, try melting ice in a plastic bag between your clothing layers (not directly against the skin). Ice melts more quickly than the same volume of snow and yields more water.
8. If I’m Cold, You Must Be Cold!
Nope. Age, gender, fitness level, acclimatization—these and other factors determine when you “feel” cold. It’s been proven, for example, that women generally feel cold before men do, possibly because they have less heat-generating ability but a relatively similar amount of heat-losing skin. In addition, women’s blood vessels contract sooner due to cold than men’s, so women’s skin feels colder more quickly. So next time your spouse complains about the thermostat, consider the physiological differences at play.
9. Does Shivering Make You Colder or Warmer? Why Do We Shiver?
It may not feel good, but shivering means that your body is trying to warm up, and that’s good. Shivering happens involuntarily—it’s one of the ways (along with an increased metabolism and breathing rate) that your body automatically responds to heat loss that threatens to lower your core temperature. In fact, skeletal muscle contractions—shivering—can triple your body’s heat production.
10. Does Cold Always Feel the Same?
Actually, it doesn’t. Have you ever noticed how 10 degrees (or any cool temperature) feels colder in the fall than it does in the spring? This is because our bodies are used to dealing with much colder temperatures and react more quickly, so we lose heat more slowly, and don’t “feel” as cold.
People who live in cold climates are typically used to this cold weather, so maybe they don’t feel it as much!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/content/cold-weather-myths
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 pngtree.com 

Merry Christmas season to you.  Hope all had a wonderful Christmas Day.  We did and it will continue till the weekend which is awesome.  We are having dreary foggy days, but the temperatures are warm.  We are setting new records for highs.  It will change on Sunday and next week, back to our regular temperatures.  I think we would have more sunshine.  High today is 37F(2C) with cloudy skies.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends for Dec 27 Saturday will have a high of 70f(20C) with clear skies. It looks like a great summer day for them.  Stay cool, stay safe.

I want to talk about a day that Australia has the day after Christmas.  They call it Boxing Day.  I remember Evelyn talking about this over the years, so I wanted to share this holiday with you.  It hasn’t anything to do with the sport of boxing.  Have a read and you will see.  
Evelyn wrote,” This is the history, which is based on the English history. In Australia, being the summer, we box things up from Christmas and head off on holidays and it is also a big day of sales, similar to Black Friday sales in the US. It is a public holiday here as well.”
​
understanding the Rich History Behind December 26th
What is the history of Boxing Day is a question that puzzles many people who celebrate this December 26th holiday without knowing where it came from. The name has nothing to do with the sport of boxing—instead, it comes from historical traditions of giving "boxes" of gifts to servants and the poor.
The Servant's Box Tradition - Wealthy employers gave servants a box of gifts, leftover food, and money on December 26th, which was their first day off after working through Christmas Day
Church Alms Boxes - Churches collected donations in boxes throughout the year and distributed them to the poor on the Feast of St. Stephen (December 26th)
The Nautical Tradition - Ships carried sealed boxes of money for good luck, which were opened after a successful voyage and given to the poor
Key Historical Facts:
Boxing Day became an official bank holiday in the UK in 1871
The earliest print reference dates to 1833
Samuel Pepys mentioned the custom in his diary as early as 1663
Today it's celebrated across Commonwealth nations including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
The holiday has transformed dramatically from its charitable Victorian roots into a day known for sports, shopping sales, and eating Christmas leftovers. While aristocrats once spent the day foxhunting and horse racing, modern Boxing Day features Premier League football matches and massive retail events that rival Black Friday.
Infographic showing the three main origin theories of Boxing Day: 1) Servants receiving gift boxes from wealthy employers on their day off after Christmas, 2) Churches opening alms boxes collected throughout the year to distribute to the poor on St. Stephen's Day, 3) Ships carrying sealed boxes of money for luck, opened after successful voyages to donate to charity. Timeline showing 1663 (Samuel Pepys diary mention), 1833 (first print reference), and 1871 (official UK bank holiday). - what is the history of boxing day infographic
Shoppers queuing for Boxing Day sales The tradition took off in the late 1990s after the UK amended Sunday trading laws. People would queue outside stores before dawn for dramatic price cuts. Today, the landscape has shifted with the rise of online sales and Black Friday, but Boxing Day remains a retail powerhouse.
The irony isn't lost on us—a holiday that once celebrated giving to those with less has become synonymous with scoring the best deals for yourself. Though if you're looking to burn off those holiday indulgences rather than accumulate more stuff, we'd love to help you find out what to expect from a new routine that actually gets results.
Traditional Boxing Day Foods
Perhaps the most universal Boxing Day tradition is eating Christmas leftovers. After an elaborate feast, December 26th takes a more relaxed approach to dining. This has turned from a necessity into a cherished tradition.
Leftover turkey is the star, appearing in curries or sandwiches piled high with stuffing and cranberry sauce. Baked ham, often served cold, is another popular choice. Traditional dishes like pease pudding and mince pies still appear, alongside another slice of Christmas cake. What began as servants making do with leftovers has become a culinary celebration in its own right, enjoyed with less stress in the kitchen.
Taken from https://www.legendsboxing.com/post/what-is-the-history-of-boxing-day
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

First step in making mashed potato donuts dough is going to rise.  

images from the Sale Botanic Gardens 

Look at this date, Tuesday Dec 23rd.   No, I am not ready for Christmas.  Today and tomorrow, I will make my raised potato donuts.  They will be for Christmas morning.  Long, long time ago, I made 4 batches of donuts and gave out 35 food baskets on Christmas Eve.  They were fresh and now I wondered how I did it. Now I do about 6 food baskets.  I have been making these for our 50 years of marriage.  The recipe for the fried donuts has mashed potatoes in them, so they are soft.  That is one of my Christmas traditions.  Just like you have some.  Cut out sugar cookies, wrapped bacon little smokies, fudge and just some I have heard from you about.  The wrapping is almost done.  Then I will also cook for Christmas day tomorrow.  But I love to cook and bake.  We will be with family at Christmas.  That will be the best part.  Hope all of you have a family filled Christmas holiday. We are blessed to have the baby Jesus born for us. 
 
Australia friends and family for their Christmas holiday I was told “we are going to have a cool Christmas with it warming up again next week.  I like it when it is milder weather when we get together. It makes for more pleasant visit.” Evelyn wrote. Temperature high for their Christmas Eve Dec 24th will be 69F(20C) and their Christmas day will have a high of 63F(17C).  They will have windy conditions.  Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
I am posting two different worlds.  You see the donut dough at the first raising.  I will let it rise 2 to 3 hours.  Then I will cut them out.  I will post those pictures as I do them.  Second picture is from the Sale Botanic garden, and it is fun to see color and green.   

Love the beautiful pink flower carpet of the Brachychiton bicolour, commonly known as the Lacebark Tree or Pink Kurrajong created as the flowers fall from the tree to rest on the ground. 
A native tree to northern New South Wales and  Queensland it has adapted to growing in the cooler southern climates.
Interestingly the leaves drop off as the trees begin to flower. As the flowering season approaches the end, the leaves begin to reappear.
Taken from the Sale Botanic 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 clipart-library.com 

Good morning, we have a partly cloudy sky so the sun will help warm us up.  High today of 40F(4C) Looks like the next 7 days we are without bad weather, just warming up. That will be a relief for sure.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are to have 69F(20C) for Tuesday Dec 23rd.   For us that would be nice day, but looking at the weather the humidity is 89% and dew point is at 49F(9C) So I will have to ask them if I am correct, but it is going to feel warm with the humidity.  That is their summer.  They had rain on Sunday I will share “Beautiful soaking rain for us today.  Temperature has dropped too.  On with the wind cheaters and heater.”  Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
I am so glad we had the First Day of Winter on Sunday.  Now the days will get longer.  Spring will come.  Just a side note.  Australia for their seasons go by the Meteorological seasons which are based on the annual temperature cycle and climatological patterns observed on Earth.  That is why their first day of Summer is Dec 1st. 
​
When is the Winter Solstice, and What Is it All About? Written By:  Catherine Boeckmann
When is the first day of winter? In 2025, the winter solstice date is Sunday, December 21. The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is marked by the winter solstice, which occurs on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 10:03 A.M.
For the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs every year between December 20 through 23, most often on December 20 or 21. (The Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice occurs in June.)
The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight throughout the year, making it the shortest day of the year. Thankfully, after we reach the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and longer again until we reach the summer solstice—the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.
Think of it this way: Although the winter solstice means the start of winter, it also means the return of more sunlight. It only gets brighter from here!
What Happens on the Winter Solstice?
On the day of the winter solstice, we are tilted as far away from the Sun as possible, which means that the Sun’s path across the sky is as low in the sky as it can be. Think about the daily path of the Sun: It rises in the east and sets in the west, arcing across the sky overhead. During the summer, the Sun arcs high in the sky, but during the winter, it arcs lower, closer to the horizon.
How can we observe the effects of solstice ourselves? On the solstice day, stand outside at noon and look at your shadow. It’s the longest shadow that you’ll cast all year! Do this again on the day of the summer solstice, and you’ll see almost no shadow.
Is the Winter Solstice really the start of winter?
There is not a black-and-white answer to this question—it depends on which definition of winter you follow: 
Astronomical winter begins at the winter solstice and ends at the spring equinox. Astronomical seasons are based on the position of Earth in relation to the Sun.
Meteorological winter (in the Northern Hemisphere) starts on December 1 and ends on February 28 (or 29). Meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle and climatological patterns observed on Earth.
Because an almanac is traditionally defined as a calendar of the heavens, we at The Old Farmer’s Almanac follow the astronomical definition of the seasons, which states that each of the four seasons starts on a solstice or equinox.
However, that doesn’t mean that the meteorological definition is incorrect. It is important for meteorologists to be able to compare climatological statistics for a particular season from 1 year to the next—for agriculture, commerce, and a variety of other purposes. Thus, meteorologists break the seasons down into groupings of three months. Meteorological winter starts on December 1 and includes December, January, and February.
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 artofit.org

Good morning, we made it through another winter weather.  High winds with a little snow falling caused major white outs in the afternoon and early evening.  It was a strong cold front that left us with zero temperatures this morning.  Lots of school activities were postponed keeping people safe.  This morning, we have a clear, blue sky so the sun will help warm us up.  High today of 22F(-6C) Looks like the next 7 days we are without bad weather, just warming up. That will be a relief for sure.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are to have thunderstorms around their 2 AM and wind gusts up to 14MPH.  Their high for Saturday Dec 20th will be 73F(22C), humidity is at 73% and the dew point is at 60F(15C).  I think it would be less humid, but I will have them report back and see if it is. With those high temperatures what moisture they had was gone, so the rain will be appreciated.  But it isn’t much. Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
I found this article about banana plants.  I have gotten the plants from Swifts Greenhouse in the past and I will let the gardeners know you can use this plant as a houseplant.  It looks like it would be a fun one to grow.  See what you think. 
​
Banana plants as a house plant. Written By:  Catherine Boeckmann
Banana plants are so “a-peeling!” These houseplants are best grown in containers, which can be moved outside during warmer months. They lend a tropical air to any setting—a patio, terrace, pond, pool, or property—with their luxurious foliage, elegant profile, and larger-than-life impact.
What Exactly Is a Banana Plant?
First, a banana plant is not a tree. It is a large herbaceous perennial with a pseudostem rather than a trunk. The stem is not woody but fleshy, growing upright with large green leaves crowning the top. The vibrant green leaves are long and broad, sometimes streaked with red or purple. A large flower stalk develops at the plant’s peak, which matures into clusters of bananas.
In the U.S., bananas only grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b. For this reason, most of the bananas we eat (the Cavendish variety) come from humid tropical regions worldwide. As mentioned in the section on recommended varieties below, a few ornamental banana plants, such as Musa basjoo, can be grown outdoors in Zones 5 to 10 if the plant is mulched during winter. These are grown for their exotic appearance in the landscape, not for their small, inedible fruit.
This banana plant guide will focus on growing banana plants in containers at home for patios and outdoor areas. Dwarf varieties (such as Dwarf Cavendish) are the most common container plants, growing between 3 and 6 feet tall. Note that container plants must be moved inside during winter unless you plan to treat them as annuals. If the pots are too heavy to move or you don’t have room, this may not be the best ornamental plant for your lifestyle.
Planting
Choosing a Container
Purchasing a banana plant is advised. The most important consideration may be the container. Think big, and then think bigger: While a banana plant may be started in a 1-gallon pot, a mature one may do best in a 15- to 25-gallon container.
Location
Your banana plant should grow outdoors, but wait 3 to 4 weeks after the last frost to place it outside. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 60°F, as growth will stop at 50°F, and the risk of injury will increase. If temperatures are expected to drop below 60°F, bring the container inside.
Select a spot outside where the plant will receive full sun, but be prepared to provide partial shade or filtered sun during the heat of the day. Choose a sheltered location near the house and protect the foliage from winds that may cause leaf damage.
How to Plant
When potting or repotting a banana plant in your container:
Use a potting mix amended with compost and/or aged manure. These plants love rich growing medium with excellent drainage. The pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5.
When potting, also add a slow-release fertilizer. Bananas are heavy feeders.
Water thoroughly when planting or transplanting.
If you’re mixing the banana plant with other flowers in a container, be mindful of its needs, as it will require more nourishment than the other plants.
Growing
Banana Plant Care Requirements
Watering: As with most houseplants, keep the potting mix consistently moist but not saturated; do not allow it to dry out. If you stick your finger into the medium, it shouldn’t be dry more than an inch below the surface. Persistent drought will cause leaf burn.
When the container is outdoors, you can also add mulch to help retain moisture. You’ll need to water more frequently in hot weather.
Fertilizing: Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced, slow-release formula. You can also supplement by occasionally adding compost and organic matter.
Overwintering
If you’re overwintering potted plants, prepare to bring them inside before the first fall frost by one of two methods.
Bring the potted plant into a large, sunny room and then reduce its water and fertilization, or
Cut off the potted plant’s foliage before storing it in a cool, dark, frost-free area (for ease in handling, the plant can also be cut back close to the top of the medium).
Provide it with occasional light watering. If the plant and container are too large to move, trim off the foliage, remove the plant, wrap the roots in plastic, and store in the basement or garage as above—but avoid watering.
Propagating
Banana trees are pretty simple to propagate; the best way to do this is by division. The first step is to select a healthy sucker, one that is around 12 inches tall and has its own roots. 
Water the mother plant to ensure the surrounding medium is softened, then dig around the base of the sucker to expose the rhizome. Use a sharp knife or spade to cut the sucker away from the main plant, and make sure you get some of the roots. Gently lift the sucker out and replant.
Types
Banana plants come in a wide variety of types and sizes, some producing edible fruits and others ornamental. Each type requires different conditions to thrive, so make sure you choose your plant based on the species requirements below.
A banana plant in a large container pot on the patio.
NEW in 2025! Musa sikkimensis ‘Ever Red’ is a hardy banana plant with lovely striped green with maroon-red leaves. Hardy to zone 5. Credit: NGB.
Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, aka red/Abyssinian/wild banana: a fast-growing ornamental plant, similar to those in the Musa genus; winter-hardy in Zones 10 and 11, overwinter indoors elsewhere; grows 8 to 10 feet tall in temperate regions, with maroon-red tints on paddle-like foliage and leaf axils; white flowers, usually after 3 to 5 years (although not on those cut back for overwintering); fruit is inedible
Musa acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’, aka Chinese/ladyfinger banana: winter-hardy in Zones 9 to 11, overwinter indoors elsewhere; grows 4 to 8 feet tall, with paddle-shaped green leaves; cream to yellow flowers, usually in year 2 or 3 (although not on those cut back for overwintering); fruit is edible but seldom appears on overwintered plants
M. acuminata ‘Dwarf Orinoco’: winter-hardy in Zones 7 to 11, overwinter indoors elsewhere; grows vigorously to 5 to 6 feet tall, with large, paddle-shaped foliage; pink flowers may appear on mature plants (although not on those cut back for overwintering); fruit is edible but seldom appears on overwintered plants
M. basjoo, aka Japanese (fiber) banana: an ornamental plant; winter-hardy in Zones 9 and 10, overwinter indoors elsewhere; grows 6 to 14 feet tall, with paddle-shaped green leaves up to 6 feet long and 2 feet wide; cream-to-yellow flowers may appear on mature plants (although not on those cut back for overwintering); fruit is inedible
M. ‘Siam Ruby’: an ornamental plant; winter-hardy in Zones 9 to 11, overwinter indoors elsewhere; compact habit, grows up to 8 feet tall; foliage and pseudostems are dark maroon red, with spots/streaks of chartreuse; provide full sun for deepest red color; plant may produce tubular, cream-color flowers, although seldomly; fruit is inedible
M. velutina, aka pink/hairy banana: winter-hardy in Zones 7b to 11, overwinter indoors elsewhere; grows 4 to 6 feet tall, with paddle-shaped, dark green foliage; cream/yellow/pink flowers may appear (although not on those cut back for overwintering); peels are pink; the flesh is white and edible but heavily seeded
Musella lasiocarpa, aka Chinese dwarf/golden lotus banana: an ornamental plant; winter-hardy in Zones 7 to 10, overwinter indoors elsewhere; grows 3 to 6 feet tall, with 1- to 4-foot-long, gray-green leaves; prized for its yellow flowers (usually in its second year, then annually); fruit that follows the inflorescence (especially in warm zones) is inedible
Pests/Diseases
The most common pests for banana plants are those which you’ll often find with other houseplants, namely:
Aphids
Mealy bugs
Scale insects
Spider mites
Diseases to be on the lookout for include:
Panama disease: a fungal infection that causes yellowing and wilting leaves
Southern bacterial wilt (aka “Moko disease”): affects fruit, leaves, and the plant’s vascular system
Viruses (including cucumber mosaic virus): can stunt growth and cause deformed leaves
Outdoor plants are also susceptible to banana weevils, weakening your plant. Look out for jelly-like sap and remove any infested plants when you spot signs. Another way to get rid of this pest is to attract and trap weevils or use natural predators such as ants.
Wit and Wisdom
As a houseplant, the banana plant has an extra benefit in purifying and improving air quality
A banana plant is a large herb that rises on a pseudostem, a thick cylinder of overlapping, tightly packed leaf sheaths that grow from its fibrous root system. It is not a tree with a stem or trunk.
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 plantcaretoday.com 

We had rain this morning.  Unbelievable after all that snow, and cold weather, now rain.  Temperature is right at freezing, so stay safe.  It is going to be windy up to 50 MPH and temperature will be dropping all day. 
 
Australia family and friends for their Friday Dec.19 will have high of 85F(30C) For them this temperature is 15 degrees above normal. With their humidity at 85% and dew point at 58F(15C) it will be hot and humid for them. Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
Do you know the houseplant that is called inch plant?  Here is the information about it.
Everything you need to know about growing inch plants—easy-care, fast-growing favorites  Written By:  Catherine Boeckmann
​
Inch plants (Tradescantia) are popular houseplants and outdoor container plants with attractive purple- and silver-striped foliage. They can survive any indoor environment and are perfect for wannabe green thumbs! Learn how to grow and care for these easy-care, fast growers.
Why is it called inch plant?
Inch plants are creeping plants in the Tradescantia (pronounced trad-es-KAN-tee-uh) genus. They are fast-growing and have trailing stems. Other common names include variegated spiderwort.
Leaf nodes on the stem are supposed to be 1 inch apart, hence the common name inch plant. Each segment can produce a new plant, so Tradescantia can easily start from cuttings that readily root in moist growing medium.
While Tradescantia is a perennial plant in its native Mexico, it is treated as a houseplant in North America and commonly grown in a hanging pot.
It is considered an invasive species in warm regions outside of its home range (including parts of the southeastern U.S.). For this reason, we recommend growing inch plants indoors or restricting them to containers outdoors.
Planting
Plant in all-purpose indoor potting mix in a pot or hanging basket.
Select a location with filtered light. Keep inch plants out of bright direct light and out of dark areas; the latter will cause them to become leggy.
The room temperature should be average (between 55° and 75°F).
Growing
Water deeply, but allow the potting mix to dry partially before watering again. This plant doesn’t like to dry out, but it also doesn’t like to be constantly wet.
Water less during the winter months, which is the plant’s resting period.
Provide fertilizer twice a month in the spring and summer; don’t fertilize in fall and winter.
Pinch back to keep this trailing plant contained and promote bushier foliage. 
Removed leggy growth also allows for cuttings that can be used for propagation.
Plants can be pruned back hard every spring and taken outside on a protected patio in the summer.
Types
There are several types of popular inch plants:
Tradescantia zebrina ‘Silver Inch Plant’ has beautiful purple and green variegated leaves with shiny silver stripes.
T. pallida ‘Purple Heart’ has fuzzy, purple foliage instead of green!
T. fluminensis ‘Quicksilver’ has variegated white-green foliage and sometimes produces white flowers.
T. nanouk is a newer inch plant cultivar (patented in 2017) and has pretty pink, green, and white multicolored streaked leaves—it has become quite trendy!
 Harvesting
Inch plants can easily be propagated by cuttings.
Snip off a piece of the plant (the cutting should ideally be 3 to 4 inches long) and place the cut end in water.
In about a week (or less), the cutting should produce roots.
Pests/Diseases
No serious insect or disease problems.
Aphids tend to be a problem on the stems and leaves. Monitor for aphids (and other small insects), as they could become an issue if unchecked. To get rid of them, pinch off the infected stems and spray the plant with water.
Root rot and stem rot can occur in soggy potting mix. 
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/inch-plant
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 housing.com 

​Lots to write about today.  Temperature is rising today with a high of 36F(2C) right now at 900 AM we have a clear, blue sky.  Rain is moving in tonight.  We will take this clear, blue sky and warm temperatures today.  Stay warm, stay safe with all the ice and melting of snow. 
Today is my dad’s birthday.  He was born in 1903.   He was so proud that today was the day the Wright Brothers flew their first airplane on the day he was born.  Happy Heavenly Birthday Dad.   Clarence A. Kerndt   1903-1970
 
Australia family and friends are having the opposite of us 97F(36C) Extreme heat is still in effect.  This is also the last day of the school year for the kids.  Stay cool, stay safe.   
 
Larry and I helped at our Pastor’s husband funeral in Mason City.  It went well, and glad we could help.  Pastor Wendy serves three churches, and there was help from all three.  We are called the TRIO churches and working together was awesome. But as I told a few, this is what we do.  Help when needed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Pastor Wendy and the family during this time of their loss. 
 
I just ordered a 45-plug tray of these plants. What I just learned is always they like the soil moist, but not wet.  I will keep that in mind as I am having some here at the house.  It looks like a good house plant for you but remember the moist with the growing of this one. 
​
Brighten Low-Light Rooms with Stunning, Colorful Foliage That’s Pet-Friendly
Written By:  Christopher Burnett
Looking for a houseplant that practically paints your room with its leaves? Meet Calathea—the tropical stunner whose intricate patterns of greens, purples, and creams make every glance a delight. Perfect for low-light corners, this plant may be a bit high-maintenance, but the reward is a living work of art that’s safe for pets and impossible to ignore. Let’s uncover how to keep your Calathea thriving and vibrant year-round.
About Calathea
Plants of the genus Calathea are native to the rainforests of South America. They only grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 11 and 12, so they are treated as houseplants and not planted in the ground. While they flower in the native rainforest, it’s very rare for calathea to flower indoors. However, their painted foliage is very attractive on its own!
Calathea resembles closely related species in the genus Maranta (known as the prayer plant). To add confusion, many popular houseplant varieties once classified as Calathea are now considered part of Goeppertia. Ultimately, all these houseplants plants have similar care requirements, regardless of their official names, so don’t place too much importance on labels!
Grown for its lush, tropical-looking foliage, the beautiful calathea is a favorite of houseplant collectors. They will grow in low-light rooms, which is a bonus. Plus, they are non-toxic to pets. However, their demanding humidity and watering preferences may make them a challenge to a beginner houseplant keeper. Paying attention to its houseplant care needs is essential, hence this plant guide!
Growing
Calthea is a long-lived plant, assuming you provide the correct light, water, humidity, and temperature.
Difficulty level: Moderate, due to watering and humidity requirements.
Water
Calathea thrive when their potting mix is kept consistently moist but not saturated wet. This can be a tricky balance to strike, so don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to get it right! The use of a moisture meter is highly recommended. Use the moisture meter to test the potting mix before watering; the mix should not be allowed to fully dry out between waterings, but it should also not remain waterlogged.
Light
Adapted to grow in the rainforest understory, calathea tolerate low light conditions. However, they look their perkiest and most colorful when kept in bright indirect light. Keep them away from fully exposed south-facing windows, as the intense sunlight can burn their leaves and dry their potting mix out too quickly. If possible, place calathea in an east-facing window where they will receive morning sunlight or in a west- or south-facing window that’s covered with a sheer curtain to diffuse the sunlight. A north-facing window is also a fine option, although plants may benefit from supplemental artificial light in the form of a full-spectrum LED.
Humidity
Although calathea may tolerate moderate levels of humidity (40 to 60%) for a period, they do best with high humidity (>60%) long-term. Use a humidifier to achieve appropriate humidity levels near the plant. (Misting the plant will not be enough to keep the humidity up, unfortunately.) Keep calathea away from particularly dry areas as well, such as near air vents or fireplaces. A bathroom windowsill makes for the perfect calathea perch.
Temperature
Being warm-weather plants, calathea do not grow well in temperatures below 60°F and may even start to lose their leaves and die back if kept too cold. For this reason, keep them away from frigid windows in the winter.
Fertilizer
Calathea are not very demanding when it comes to fertilizer. When they’re actively growing—typically in the spring and summer months—apply a balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks. At other times, apply fertilizer once a month at the most, as calathea are susceptible to root burn from overfertilization.
Toxicity
Calathea are considered non-toxic to humans and pets.
Types
Options abound in the world of calathea! There are many varieties available at nurseries, greenhouses, and garden centers today, so no matter your color or pattern preferences, you will likely be able to find a calathea that catches your eye and matches your style.
Rattlesnake plant, Goeppertia insignis (syn. Calathea lancifolia): This popular variety sports narrow, light-green leaves adorned with dark-green spots and reddish-purple undersides. The long and slender leaves have slightly wavy edges—an overall look that is whimsical but modern.
Goeppertia orbifolia (syn. Calathea orbifolia): These elegant plants have large, wide, rounded leaves that are a pale, silvery green veined by darker green stripes.
Peacock plant, Goeppertia makoyana (syn. Calathea makoyana): Another popular variety, the peacock plant (also known as cathedral windows) has oval leaves that end in a gentle point. The leaves are pale green with darker green edges and spots, and have reddish-purple undersides.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/calathea-care-guide-how-keep-your-tropical-houseplant-thriving
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 reuvalgardening.com 

​What a wonderful winter day. High 36F(2C) unbelievable you can almost be outside without a coat.  It will be like this Wed and Thursday.  ENJOY.  Still stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends for 12/17 Wed will have extreme heat high of 86F(31C) Partly cloudy conditions but there is an alert in effect for Extreme heat.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Worm castings have been around for a while.  Here is some information about using them for houseplants. Do you use them? 
5 Benefits of Worm Castings for Indoor Plants
Worm poop? Using worm castings for indoor plants can be a game-changer.
By Amanda MacArthur
Let’s just get this out of the way: Worm Castings = Worm Poop. But, “castings” is a much more civilized way of describing the digested waste of your garden variety earthworm so we’ll just stick with that!
Worm castings, not unlike animal manure, provide rich nutrients and healthy bacteria for plants and vegetation and can be the secret superfood to help your indoor plants thrive. Here are five benefits of worm castings for indoor plants and how to buy or make your own worm composter.
Nutrient-Rich Plant Food
Worm castings contain a mixture of bacteria, enzymes, remnants of plant matter, and broken down animal manure (and other existing compost). These castings are chock-full of plant nutrients and have over 50% more humus (broken down leaves and plant matter) than regular topsoil. Castings also contain plant-essential minerals like nitrates, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. They also contain manganese, copper, cobalt, borax, zinc, iron, nitrogen, and carbon.
Safer Than Chemical Fertilizer and Animal Manure
Worm castings are ready to be used as soon as the worm, well… you know… does its business. Best of all, castings won’t burn plants due to too much nitrogen like other chemical fertilizers or animal manure. Worm castings do contain about 5% more nitrogen than regular garden soil, but it’s in a slow-release form. The castings are covered by mucus that the worm secretes as they digest which causes the nitrogen to release slowly. (I know, I know, gross but cool.)
The key takeaway here is that you can’t over-fertilize your indoor plants by using too many worm castings, which makes it a foolproof way for your plants to thrive.
Enhanced Water Retention
The texture of worm castings mixed with soil helps the indoor plant hold moisture. Castings form mineral clusters that withstand water erosion and compaction while increasing water retention. Because of this, using worm castings for indoor plants can reduce the amount of time you need to water it, which also lowers your risk of root rot.
Natural Pest Resistance
Since we all hate those pesky chewing insects like aphids, whiteflies, and other hard-shelled plant bugs, you’ll be happy to know that worm castings are also a natural insecticide. They have a digestive enzyme called chitinase which kills these pests by dissolving their exoskeletons (…yep).
Cost-Effective (WIY: Worm It Yourself!)
You can purchase worm castings products at a garden store (one brand is called Worm Power). But are you daring enough to build your own worm composter? By creating your own worm composter, you’ll save money and be more sustainable by composting your green kitchen scraps.
They’re pretty simple to put together and there are plenty of guides out there to choose from. Some basic materials used to build your own worm casting bin:
Plastic bin
Garden soil
Green ingredients (veggie scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, grass clippings)
Brown ingredients (newspaper, corrugated cardboard, dried leaves)
Red wiggler worms
With the above items, you can create a simple worm composter quickly. Heck, you could make one this afternoon.
How do I use worm castings in my indoor plants?
Use worm castings in the same way as other types of fertilizer. Use ¼ cup of worm castings for every six-inch diameter of your container/pot. Or you can sprinkle a few tablespoons at the base of the stems and water thoroughly.  Again, adding a little extra will not harm your plant (unlike chemical fertilizers).
Taken from https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/daily/soil-fertilizer/benefits-of-worm-castings-for-indoor-plants
 Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

​Here he is again proudly displaying his tail feathers! As you’ve strolled through the Botanic garden have you seen one of the peacocks?

images from Friends of Sale Botanic Gardens, Sale, Victoria, Australia 

      Countdown to Christmas all.  How is all the Christmas preparation coming?  Larry and I have had a couple of Christmas potlucks which are awesome.  We have gone to some Christmas programs and still have more to go to with the grandkids.  Isn’t that what it is all about.  We had another cold weekend.  Lows below zero.  Larry has kept the stoves all going.  I see this morning he is cleaning one up to run better.  Sunday, we had -10 accurate temperature with wind chills colder than that.  But the sun was out in the clear blue sky so that helped.  Now you see we are having a warmer trend.  With this we will all appreciate the warmer temperatures even at 20 degrees.  Stay warm yet and stay safe. 
Here is what our week is going to be like WARMING up.
Warming Trend Ahead for Iowa 🌡️
High pressure sliding off to the southeast through today (Sunday) will allow winds to turn southerly, pulling warmer air north into the region.
📅 Monday: High temperatures will range from the upper 20s across northeast Iowa to the mid 40s in southwest Iowa.
📅 Tuesday & Wednesday: High temperatures will warm into the upper 30s across the northeast half of Iowa, with mid 40s to near 50 degrees expected in southwest Iowa.
This warming trend will likely lead to snow melting, especially Tuesday and Wednesday as above-normal temperatures settle in. by Iowa Storm Watchers
 
Australia family and friends our thoughts with you as you had that Bondi Beach shooting.  It is sad.  You are wondering how Sydney is to where the family and friends of Sale are.  801 km (498 miles)  The distance from Sale, Australia to Sydney is approximately 801 km (498 miles) by road. The driving time is around 8 hours and 45 minutes. The straight-line distance is about 601 km (374 miles).  Our thoughts and prayers with all.        

Your weather today for Dec. 16 Tuesday will have a high of 72F(22C) mostly cloudy for them.  Dew point is 45F(7C) so it is getting more humid for their summer.  Stay cool, stay safe
I am posting some of the Friends of Sale Botanic Gardens pictures of their peacock.  We saw them when we were there.  Good memories.  Enjoy some summer pictures with color. 
​Here he is again proudly displaying his tail feathers! As you’ve strolled through the Botanic garden have you seen one of the peacocks?
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