image from pngtree.com 

Good morning:  cloudy but temperature is going to be  C 25F(-4C) tonight colder at the start of very cold weekend.  -2F(-19C)  You are wondering about the snowstorm.  We just got a dusty of snow last night, so that was good.  I do believe that the storm was more west and then went more south of us.  It looks like after this arctic blast this weekend, we are going to have a milder week.  That will be something to be thankful for.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends for their Saturday Dec 13th will have a high of 84F(30C) and 50% chance of rain.  Evelyn wrote that Australia is having lots of rain for this summer.  It will affect the wildfires but that will be a whole other posting.  They will have humidity with this weather so for sure more summer like for them.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
I am going to have to try this because I have the stuff to do it.  I have been meaning to do it for the springtime, but always something else to plant.  I will let you know if I have planted a terrarium.   Why not try your hand at creating a terrarium? These miniature gardens under glass have been experiencing revival and we can see why. It’s a mini ecosystem at work. An entire forest in a jar.
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How to Make a Terrarium: Step-by-Step Guide & Best Plants  Written By:  Robin Sweetser
Why not try your hand at creating a terrarium? These miniature gardens under glass have been experiencing a revival—and we can see why. It’s a mini ecosystem at work. An entire forest in a jar! Learn how to make a terrarium in 5 steps and bring joy all year long.

What Are Terrariums?
Originally popularized during the Victorian era, terrariums have made a big comeback. A terrarium is a miniature ecosystem made of soil, rocks, and plants arranged in a closed glass jar or container. They are most suitable for ferns and moisture-loving tropical plants. A closed terrarium creates its own atmosphere and needs little from the outside except light. Think of a terrarium as a mini greenhouse!
In addition to being low-maintenance, a terrarium adds a pleasing houseplant container to your home that’s green all year long.
Who Invented Terrariums?
A London physician accidentally invented the first terrarium in the early 1800s. Dr. Nathaniel Ward placed a cocoon in a covered jar so that he could observe the emergence of a sphinx moth. In time, several plants sprang up from the soil at the bottom of the jar, including a thriving fern. This surprised Ward because he had unsuccessfully tried to grow ferns in his yard and blamed the failure on polluted air from city smokestacks.
Types of Terrariums: Open vs. Closed
A terrarium is a great way to observe how an ecosystem works! Moisture that condenses on the glass runs down to remoisten the soil. Then the plants draw moisture from the growing medium and evaporate it through their leaves, in a process known as transpiration. Water droplets form and drip down the sides of the container, returning to the potting mix. This process mimics nature’s rain cycle, and sustains plant life. The glass protects the plants from insects and diseases as well as from the dry air associated with many homes.
There are two types of terrariums:
The traditional closed terrarium is completely covered with a pane of glass. This is great for creating a humid environment. Excellent for ferns.
However, you can also create an open terrarium, which is really more of a dry environment for succulents, cactuses, and other desert plants that need very little water (but a lot of sunlight) and good air circulation.
The Glass Container
Use almost any clear glass container, such as an aquarium or big fish bowl, to construct a terrarium. Even a cookie jar, a giant brandy snifter, mason jar, light bulb, or wide-mouthed bottle will work! If you are using an old aquarium, test it for leaks first; they can be fixed with silicone sealant to make the corners watertight.
Of course, you can certainly purchase specially designed closed glass terrariums online, as well as display cloches more reminiscent of the old Victorian style.
Just a hint: Planting is easier if you have chosen a wide-mouthed container! Otherwise, you may need to use long forceps to do your planting.
How to Make a Terrarium in 5 Steps
Supplies
A clear container of your choice
Pebbles, small river stones, or expanded clay balls used in hydroponics
Charcoal (activated charcoal, horticultural charcoal, or lump charcoal will all work as long as the product does not contain any additives)
Potting mix (choose a well-draining mix to prevent it from getting compacted and waterlogged)
Decor (wood, rocks, or other decorations)
Plants (more on this later!)
Planting tools: a spoon, long-handled tweezers, or even chopsticks can come in handy when planting in thin-mouthed containers
Instructions
Start by covering the bottom of the container with a 1-inch layer of pebbles or crushed stone. This drainage layer is used to keep the growing medium from becoming waterlogged and swampy.
Add chunks of charcoal to the stone or cover it with a 1/8-inch-deep layer of crushed charcoal to cover the pebbles. This helps with filtration and any odors.
Next, add 2 to 4 inches of sterilized potting mix on top of the charcoal, depending on the size of your container and the size of the plants.
Now, you get to be creative and design your miniature landscape. If your container is large enough, the growing medium can be molded into hills and valleys to add interest; add rocks and small logs for a natural-looking setting. You could even add lakes, paths, statues, and driftwood.
Finally, it’s time to plant. Look for dwarf or low-growing plants that all have the same requirements for light, humidity, water, and temperature. Combine different sizes, shapes, colors, and leaf textures to make things interesting. Select plants that don’t mind wet foliage, such as moss, ferns, or prayer plants. Plant a woodland scene, use flowering alpines, get carnivorous, or go totally tropical.    
Once the terrarium is planted, cover its top with a pane of glass. If the sides fog up from excess humidity, leave the top open a crack so that some of the moisture evaporates from the container. A sealed terrarium will go for months, even years, without needing water. Place your terrarium out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating; fluorescent lighting is ideal.
You will want to display your terrarium where it is sure to be noticed because it may just give the room—as well as your plants—a little atmosphere!
Best Plants for Terrariums
Most houseplants are tropical and make ideal residents for a terrarium. Miniature ferns, peperomias, African violets, and some orchids are all good candidates. Many woodland plants and mosses are also right at home under glass.
The two most important factors to consider when choosing plants for terrariums are their mature size and their ability to tolerate moisture. Plants that stay small and have a high tolerance for soil moisture and humidity will do best in sealed terrariums. Some plants that grow especially well in terrariums are:
Ajuga
Aluminum plant
Artillery plant (Pilea)
Baby’s tears
Bird’s nest sansevieria (for open terrariums only)
Bloodleaf (Iresine herbstii)
Bromeliads (young plants only)
Button fern
Carnivorous plants: Venus flytraps, sundews, butterworts, cobra lilies, and tropical pitcher plants are all carnivorous plants that like humidity
Chinese evergreen (young plants only)
Creeping fig
Earth star (Cryptanthus)
Flame violet (Episcia dianthiflora)
Mosses
Oxalis
Pellionia
Peperomia
Polka-dot plant (Hypoestes)
Rabbit’s foot fern
Small-leaf ivies
Spike moss (Selaginella)
Strawberry begonia
Swedish ivy
Variegated aloe (for open terrariums only)
Most nurseries offer a wide variety of terrarium plants, though these are more often than not just young plants that will eventually grow too large for your container. In general, look for plants that like a tropical climate and that grow in a creeping, vining, or clumping manner.
Since cacti and succulents can’t tolerate humid conditions, they are not good candidates for a closed terrarium. Save them for an open dish garden, which can be created in the same fashion as a closed terrarium—just be sure to use a succulent potting mix for good drainage!
Caring for Your Terrarium
Once established, your terrarium will be very low-maintenance.
Don’t plant too closely; allow some room for growth. Your terrarium won’t look instantly lush; plants need time to adjust and settle in.
Water after planting; the growing medium should be damp but not soaked.
Place your terrarium where it will get bright indirect light but not direct sun, which will cook your plants. Artificial light is excellent.
Leave the terrarium open for a few days while the plant leaves dry off, then put on the cover and keep a close eye on the plants.
Excessive condensation, moldy plants, and limp, yellow leaves are signs of overwatering. Open the cover and let your terrarium dry out a bit if that occurs.
No condensation and plants with wilted leaves are signs of underwatering. Check the soil and water lightly if it seems dry.
Leggy growth is a sign that your terrarium is not getting enough light.
It’s normal to see small insects crawling around in your terrarium after a while. Usually, these are springtails, which are beneficial insects that help to break down dead plant material. They’re your terrarium’s clean-up crew!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use succulents in a terrarium?
Succulents are suitable only for open terrariums with excellent airflow and drainage. Avoid placing them in closed, humid containers.
How often should I care for my terrarium?
Check your terrarium weekly. Remove dead leaves, monitor condensation, and water lightly if the potting mix is dry or leaves appear limp.
What’s the difference between open and closed terrariums?
Closed terrariums create a humid environment for tropical plants, while open terrariums provide a dry environment ideal for succulents, cactuses, and desert plants.
How do I prevent mold in my terrarium?
Avoid overwatering, provide adequate light, and remove any decaying plant material promptly. If condensation builds, open the lid briefly to let moisture escape.
What containers can I use for a terrarium?
Any clear glass container works—fish tanks, mason jars, cookie jars, or light bulbs. Wide openings make planting easier, and closed containers help retain humidity.
Sit back and imagine yourself strolling through your mini-landscape, enjoying the greenery and humid air. Spring will be here before you know it!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/how-make-terrarium-gardens-under-glass
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

​Tomato, Akoya Hybrid  called a cocktail sized tomato

​Tomato, Summerlast   Fruit Size: 1-1.5oz  they call this a cocktail tomato

​Tomato Sweet 'n' Neat Scarlet Improved Hybrid Cherry Tomato

​Another cloudy, and we are in a winter weather advisory snow totals of 1 to 4 inches across portions of Iowa. We are in that area so see what happens.  I can tell you when you are outside it is a very cold feeling even though the temperature is 16F(-8C).  You can feel the moisture in the air so for me it makes if feel a lot colder.  Just another winter day in IOWA.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are having summer days now.  The weather for their Friday 12/12  will be 84F(29C) with 95% humidity. The moisture in their air will make it feel warmer.  The weather app said they will be 15 degrees warmer than their average of 69F(20C).  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
I just finished up one of my hard orders.  Ordering tomatoes.  Remember I must order the variety, plus the amount of that variety.  Over the years, the plant packs have changed for what the gardeners want.  We used to put all the tomatoes in a small 4 pack, then we went to a large 4 pack.  Now what I am seeing is the gardener wants  4” pots of single tomatoes.  The tomato plant is bigger so hopefully it will grow a little faster in the garden.  What do you think is that the case for large tomatoes to grow faster and produce sooner?  I think gardeners have gone from growing dozens of plants for canning and processing to having a variety of plants that will give them a variety of flavor, sizes, and choices of what to do with them.  Here is a couple of new tomatoes for me to grow.   They are in a vegetalis series which means they are here to put into containers to produce. 

Tomato, Akoya Hybrid  called a cocktail sized tomato
65 days. Cocktail-sized, 2", juicy fruits average 1 oz. and have a nice sweet flavor with a Brix of 5. Fruits grow in loose trusses and ripen from black to shades of red, then orange with some black shading when ready to pick. Plants have a semi-trailing habit, nice dark green foliage and grow approx. 12" tall by 18" wide. Perfect for containers, hanging baskets and small space gardens. Features intermediate resistance to Tomato Mosaic Virus and tolerance to Late Blight. Heavy yielder. Determinate
Tomato, Summerlast   Fruit Size: 1-1.5oz  they call this a cocktail tomato
Vine Type: Determinate
The Summerlast tomato is a revolutionary new variety of blight-resistant dwarf tomato. It is the first of its kind, making it an exciting addition to the world of patio tomatoes. Unlike traditional tomato plants that can grow quite tall and require a lot of space, the Summerlast is specifically designed for small outdoor spaces such as patios or balconies.
 One of the standout features of the Summerlast tomato is its ability to produce a large number of stunning fruits. In terms of cultivation, the Summerlast is incredibly easy to grow. You only need a 25 cm (10″) pot to accommodate this compact plant. This makes it perfect for those with limited space or those who are new to gardening. Whether you have a small urban garden or simply want to add some greenery to your balcony, the Summerlast tomato is an excellent choice.
Tomato Sweet 'n' Neat Scarlet Improved Hybrid Cherry Tomato
Determinate habit but produces fruit all season long. Here is fabulous new cherry tomato compact enough to grow in containers on the patio or back porch, with a determinate habit (meaning that it stops growing once it sets fruit) but an indeterminate fruit production (meaning that those new tomatoes just keep setting all season long.) Talk about the best of every situation: it's compact, it's heavy-bearing, and by the way, it's delicious.
Sweet 'n' Neat Scarlet Improved reaches just 10 to 12 inches high but sets lots and lots of flowers and fruit on its well-branched habit. The little cherries are about ¾- to 1-ounce, arising in huge clumps like grapes. They will continue if the warm summer weather holds out, so get ready for a bumper crop.
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

Never wait for a heavy snowstorm before buying a sled.
—The Old Farmer's Almanac, 1900
Area schools are cancelled, so wonder if the kids will be outside doing this?  

image from Old Farmer's Almanac 

Morning to you!  We made it through the night and the electricity stayed on. It is 25F( -4C) but we still have wind which makes it feel like 10F(-7C).  Wind is only at 21MPH and will go down throughout the day, but we are to have another clipper come through tomorrow afternoon so we could get 5 more inches of snow.  Again, on Saturday there is more snow which is going to bring in -15 degrees on Sunday morning.  We have had all of winter in the last few weeks.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are having an average summer day at 71F(21C)  for Thursday Dec.11.  Enjoy, stay cool, stay safe. 

How was your evening?  How was your drive to work this morning?  It looks like the area schools have all been cancelled for today.  Kids I am sure are SAD….No school.  I am wondering how many of them will be doing this sledding and playing in the snow.  I noticed that the sidewalks and the steps are slippery, so I am thinking the roads are also.  Larry worked and got the two generators running into places, so when we need them, they are ready.  One of them hasn’t been used for 3 years.  They are ready, and hopefully we will not need to use them.  Look at it this way instead of mowing lawn we are now moving snow. 

I have moved lots of my houseplants and succulent containers to the house, so they are doing well.  I have some succulents in the greenhouse, and they are find as they go into a dormant stage.
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Just a short report about poinsettias and your pets.   Written By: Catherine Boeckmann
Poinsettias are everywhere during the holiday season, adorning homes, offices, and festive displays. But if you’re a pet owner, you might have heard the scary rumor that these bright, cheerful plants are deadly to cats, dogs, or even children. The truth? Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are only mildly toxic and rarely cause serious harm. In this guide, we’ll clear up the myths, explain the real risks, and give practical tips for keeping your pets and family safe this season.
Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Pets?
While sometimes hyped up as deadly poisonous plants, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs.
Poinsettias are members of the genus Euphorbia, which includes many plants known for a white, milky latex sap that contains chemicals called diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. When animals ingest poinsettia leaves, they may show mild signs of drooling and mild vomiting. Skin irritation can occur from the white milky sap, too. In general, medical treatment is rarely needed.
This is NOT to say that you should go feeding your cats and dogs poinsettia leaves daily, but rather that if Fluffy takes one bite out of a leaf, you shouldn’t feel the need to rush her to the nearest veterinarian ER!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/are-poinsettias-poisonous-cats
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 

image from NOAA 

It is going to be warmer today above freezing temperatures, but the moisture might come as rain.  That I can’t believe with us having all this snow and cold temperatures.  We will get some rain, then tonight the wind starts blowing 50 MPH.  The snow we have is very light so it will be a ground blizzard.  I just read about a warning for power outages as we are in a high-risk area.  This will happen after sunset, if possible, get your generators ready to hook up during the day, and don’t have to do it when it is night out and the wind is blowing with a ground blizzard.  Just saying. Stay safe, stay warm. 
 
Australia family and friends have written that the weather is turning more warmer even hot.  Weather for them on Wed Dec 10 will be high of 68F(20C) Humidity is 85% with dew point at 49F(9C) The weather app I look at says the temperature is 5 degrees below normal.  I will hear from them what their weather is like.  Stay warm or stay cool but stay safe. 

Don’t toss that old loaf! Discover clever and practical ways to use stale bread around your home.  Written By:  Margaret Boyles
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Think stale bread is destined for the compost? Think again! From cleaning up broken glass to softening brown sugar, old bread has a surprising second life. These clever, practical household uses for stale bread prove that even yesterday’s loaf can save the day (and your kitchen).  Make your own bread to enjoy fresh—and save the leftovers for these clever uses!
Household Uses for Stale Bread
Stale white bread works best, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.
 Make a Poultice
Soaking a piece of bread in hot milk is a renowned folk remedy for bringing an unripe boil or pimple to a head. Press the excess liquid from the bread, spread it over the affected area, and cover with a clean cloth. Remove when the bread poultice gets cold. Repeat as necessary.
Remove Splinters and Stings
Soak a piece of bread in cool milk, press out the milk, and apply the bread to the affected area, and bind it with a band-aid or a piece of duct tape for a few hours or overnight.
Prevent Tears While Cutting Onions
Spear a piece of stale bread with your knife and slide it up to the end of the blade near the handle. The bread absorbs most of the “vapors.”
 Collect Slivers of Broken Glass
Reach for a chunk of soft bread after you’ve swept and vacuumed the big shards of a broken glass, and use it to pat down the area to collect those tiny slivers that remain. Wear rubber gloves; dispose of the bread in the trash when you’ve finished.
Clean a Coffee Grinder
Pinch off a three or four small pieces of stale bread, grind them up in your grinder, dump the crumbs, and wipe the inside of the grinder clean.
Clean Oily Fingerprints from Photos
Ball up a slice of stale bread and swipe gently.
Smudges, Crayon, or Pencil Marks on Walls
In a pinch, a ball of stale bread can work. Rub gently—one direction only.
Butter Corn on the Cob
Spread butter on a slice of bread and rub or wrap it around the steaming hot cob. No mess, no wasted butter.
Soften Brown Sugar, Cookies, and Other Baked Goods
Just add a slice of bread to the sugar or baked goods and seal in a metal canister or ceramic jar.
Prevent Strong Cooking Odors
Remove the smell (and most of the taste) from scorched food by adding a slice of bread to the pot and covering it for a few minutes. Likewise, adding a piece of bread on top of broccoli, cabbage, or other strong veggies as they steam will keep the odors from escaping into the kitchen air.
Remove Grease
When cooking greasy foods, add a chunk or two of bread to the pan or boiler pan to absorb the grease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use moldy bread for cleaning or household purposes?
No! If your bread has visible mold or smells off, toss it out immediately. Mold spores can spread easily and aren’t safe to handle. Stick with stale, dry bread, not spoiled bread.
How long does stale bread last for household use?
When stored in a cool, dry place, stale bread can last up to two weeks before it becomes too brittle. For longer use, freeze slices and thaw as needed for cleaning or other household hacks.
Can you use whole-grain or homemade bread for these tips?
Yes, but plain white bread tends to work best—it’s soft, absorbent, and less likely to leave crumbs behind. Still, experiment with what you have on hand.
https://www.almanac.com/household-uses-stale-bread
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

images from Friends of Sale Botanic Gardens 

What can I say….we are having lots of winter.  Over the weekend we had another 5 inches of snow.  It was light stuff so easy to move, but if we get any wind, it will move again.  All the ditches by the roads are full so the next snow will make more drifts.  Speaking of ditches, that is one thing Larry noticed when we were visiting Australia, there are no ditches.  What they had were trees almost up to the road to help with the wind on the road.  No ditches, so when they read about our ditches are full, they are wondering. I will take a picture and share it sometime what I mean ditches are full.  Temperature warming up today, high of 28F(-2C) It will be cloudy, so it will feel cold as the wind is coming out of the south.  When it does that out of the south there is moisture in the air. Yes, moisture with would you believe it rain tomorrow.  I will keep you informed.    Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends for Tuesday Dec 9 is having partly cloudy skies with a high of 74F(22C)  but their humidity is at 84% dew point of 52F(11C).  It will feel like summer for therm.  Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
I really didn’t know what to write with all this winter we are having.  It is hard to think about gardening, so I thought you would enjoy seeing some posts from the Sale Botanic Gardens, Sale, Victoria, Australia as it is summer for them. 
First 2 pictures are:
Looking pretty and flowering under the elm trees are the NZ plant, Arthropodium cirratum which is also known as Renga Renga Lilly, or New Zealand Rock Lilly.
These hardy plants are drought and light frost tolerant and enjoy growing in full sun to partial shade.

Next 2 pictures are:
A hardy and resilient plant is the evergreen Lomandra longifolia, commonly known as Mat Rush or Spiny-headed Mat Rush. 
It is native to Australia, drought tolerant, is low  maintance and useful for erosion control.
The fragrant yellow flowers appear on spikes during Spring and Summer and attract pollinators.
It’s well suited in framing the giant’s chairs.
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The last picture is:
High up in a gumtree, roosting above prime real estate is the native Australian bird, the Pacific Black Duck.
It can be found in most parts of Australia where there’s wetlands, ponds, rivers, lakes and estuaries.
They are a dabbing duck which means they don’t dive into the water to find food, rather they plunge their head into the water leaving their rear end in the air while they search for small crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects.
Typically they live for two years.
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

December 3, 2025

July 2025  

​IT is darn cold out.  But there is little wind, and full clear blue sky so the sun is out.  Dress warm is all I can say.  It is still -4C(-20C).  Australia’s this is hard for you to realize how cold it is unless you have been here to experience it.  When we got up this morning it was at -14F( can I even find that in C.-28C)  You just dress for it.  Dress in layers and lots of it.  Make sure most of the skin is covered so you don’t get frost bite.  High today of 14F(-10C).  All I can say is stay warm, stay safe.

We got the plastic wall up in the south end of the greenhouse.  Those are the pictures you see.  That plastic is hanging on the 3rd hoop, so it makes a barrier for the cold air.  For example, when I went out there this morning it was 27F in that area, and in the area, we have enclosed with a north wall of plastic which is ½ of the greenhouse it was a cozy 60 degrees.  The sun is shining so that it really helps warm it up. 

I had to include a picture of the south end of the greenhouse outside in July.  I am looking through pictures and do enjoy seeing all the colors.  We will have this again, but now it is time for nature to rest and give us winter. 
 
Australia family and friends for their summer weather on Friday Dec 5 will have 72F(22C) with 85% humidity so they are having summer like weather.  Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
I had a friend  say to me it is only 7:00 PM and it is so dark out.  Yes, it is getting dark so much earlier and it isn’t the winter solstice.  Here is why. 
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Why the Earliest Sunset of the Year is NOT on the Solstice  Written By: Bob Berman
Does it feel darker this time of year? Many folks think it’s darkest on the winter solstice. But it’s actually in early December! Bob Berman explains this phenomenon.  To most of us in North America, this is a dark time of year—and you’re right. The sunsets come exceedingly early. It might surprise you to learn that the earliest sunsets come several weeks before the winter solstice, not on the solstice, as many would guess.
This puzzles people, but it’s actually a reliable yearly sequence.
First comes the earliest sunset, in early December.  Then there’s the winter solstice half a month later—on December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere—the day with the fewest minutes of daylight.  Finally, another 2 weeks later, in early January, we get our murkiest morning—the latest sunrise.
In early December, North America slam-bangs at the low point of afternoon sunshine. And since far more people are awake and aware of things at 4:30 PM than they are at 6 in the morning, in a very real sense, you can forget about the solstice and the official “shortest day of the year” in terms of daylight.
So far as what most folks actually experience, early December is the darkest time of the year.   For example, in Boston, the Sun started setting at 4:13 PM on December 3 and won’t start setting later, at 4:14 PM, until December 15.
Of course, the degree of darkness varies, depending on how far north you live. The time the clock reads at sunset also depends on how far east or west your home sits relative to your standard time zone.
For northern latitudes, the earliest sunsets of the year happen around December 7. Think about 40 degrees latitude, so New York City, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Denver, and Reno.  If you live in the southernmost U.S., or a comparable latitude (about 25 or 26 degrees N. latitude), your earliest sunsets are actually in late November.  Drive just an hour east from where you are right now, and the Sun sets 10 minutes earlier. That’s because going east around the Earth’s curve makes your western horizon rise up to block the Sun sooner.  Go a mere 35 miles east, and the sun sets 5 minutes earlier.  In my region, which is the rural Northeastern US, the very earliest sunsets happen for those who indeed live both north AND east—namely, along the upper coast of Maine.
Test this out yourself! See when your sun starts setting. Try putting in 2 days ago, and then today, and 1 week from now!
Simply put, it all reflects the reality that tropical sunsets hardly vary throughout the year, while polar sunsets change wildly through the seasons. If you lived smack on the equator, like in Quito, Ecuador, your minutes of daylight would never budge throughout the year, not even by one second.
By contrast, our northern friends in Canada and Alaska experience the most radically short days in December.  But wherever you live, before the winter solstice starts, the afternoons will start getting brighter!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/when-darkest-time-year
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 ehouseplants.com 

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I have been out and fed the cats, and it is cold out.  We still have clouds so it makes it feel colder.  I don’t think the sun is coming out for a few days, so here we go.  I can’t believe Thursday morning it will be below zero with wind chill near -15.  That is beyond cold.  Today’s high is 22F(-5C).  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Now Australia family and friends with their start of summer will have a different story.  Wed Dec 3rd they will have a high of 82F(28C) with a touch of more humidity.  I see the 102F has been pulled off the temperature this week, so that is good.  Mostly clear for them.  Stay cool, stay safe.

I have noticed I have lots of these succulents growing.  They are in the greenhouse so I will move them more to the center of the greenhouse so they can stay a little warmer.  I can’t believe how they grow, and believe me they are easy to grow.  Especially the part during the winter water every 2 to 4 weeks.  Do you have some in your succulent plants? 
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complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Echeveria Succulents  Plants  Written By: Lauren Landers
If you need proof that tough plants can be total softies, look no further than echeveria. These hardy succulents are undaunted by heat, drought, and even cool weather, but they’re so easy to keep that beginners can master them—and they come in lots of fun colors too. I’ve kept a number of echeveria indoors and outdoors over the years, and here are all the tips I’ve used for succulent growing succ-ess!
Echeveria are sometimes called “hen and chicks,” but they should not be confused with true hen and chicks or Sempervivum—an entirely different, but related, plant. Like Sempervivum, echeveria belongs to the Crassulaceae family and features plump, colorful leaves that grow in tight rosettes and often reproduce via offsets. However, echeveria aren’t quite as cold-tolerant as Sempervivum, and they’re native to central and south America, while Sempervivum hail from Europe and Africa.
Currently, there are about 150 recognized species of echeveria, as well as thousands of unique cultivars with different leaf and flower colors, bloom times, and more. But despite all that diversity, most echeveria are relatively slow-growing plants that only reach 2 to 12 inches tall and spread just about as wide. Most types of echeveria share similar care needs and thrive in well-draining locations with ample sunlight and minimal watering.
If you live in an area with mild winters, you may be able to keep echeveria outdoors year-round in pots, rock gardens, or xeriscapes. But as I live in New England, I only grow echeveria inside as a houseplant, and find it to be a very easy to keep one! These plants excel exceptionally well in terracotta pots, but I also enjoy mixing them into dish gardens with other succulents that have similar care needs, such as kalanchoe and sedum.
Planting
Although echeveria can be grown from seed, it’s much easier and faster to grow them from nursery-started plants!
Choose the right location: Outdoor echeveria should be planted in full-sun locations with well-draining soil, while indoor plants require well-draining pots that are at least 4 inches wide.
Use succulent potting mix: If you’re growing echeveria in containers, select a potting mix that’s specially designed for succulents and cacti. You can also create your own potting mix by blending equal parts of growing medium, sand, and perlite.
Plant at the correct depth: Echeveria should be planted at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots. These plants can be spaced relatively close together in dish gardens, but tight spacing can increase the risk of plant competition.
Withhold water: Waiting a week to water newly planted echeveria can reduce the risk of rot. When you do water, do so sparingly!
Growing
Echeveria makes excellent plants for xeriscape gardens that are designed for drought resistance. If you live in an area where echeveria can grow perennially, try pairing these plants with pricky pear, hen and chicks, and other xeriscape plants with similar care needs. Then, apply a pebble or gravel mulch around your plantings to keep weeds down. I find that these mulches are better for succulents as they don’t trap moisture against the plant’s stems and are less likely to cause succulents to rot.
Water
The most common issue that occurs with echeveria is overwatering. To avoid this, water these plants sparingly and keep them in well-draining pots with succulent or cactus potting mix. Indoor plants should be watered deeply about once every 2 to 4 weeks until the water trickles out of the drainage holes in the plant’s pot. Then, dump any excess water out of the plant's saucer to ensure its roots don’t stay too damp.
Light
As with most succulents, echeverias are full-sun plants that need a minimum of 6 hours of bright light per day. South- or west-facing windows tend to be best for these plants, while those that appear leggy or stretched out require more light.
Humidity
Low humidity is no problem for echeveria, but highly humid conditions may increase the risk of rot. That’s why these plants aren’t great fits for bathrooms and other steamy areas!
Temperature
Echeveria can grow outdoors perennially in locations that don’t experience frost and that stay above 45°F year-round. If you live in a cooler climate, you can keep echeveria outdoors in summer, but plants should be moved back inside before cold weather sets in. Indoors, echeveria should be kept away from drafts and cold windows, which can potentially damage their leaves.
Fertilizer
Although echeveria generally don’t need fertilizer, you can feed these plants lightly in spring and summer if they look like they need it. Just use a liquid organic fertilizer diluted to ¼ strength and keep the fertilizer off the plant’s leaves to avoid fertilizer burn.
Toxicity
If you have pets in your home, you’re in luck. Echeveria are nontoxic and          purr-fectly safe for cats and dogs!
Echeveria come in an astounding array of colors, which usually get more vivid when the plants receive more light. You can find these plants in blues, greens, yellows, reds, pinks, purples, grays, and near black. Some have wooly leaves for even more excitement!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/complete-guide-growing-and-caring-echeveria-succulents
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 Noisy Miner is a bird native to Australia which decided to come for a feed as I was admiring the flowers on the New Zealand Mountain flax.

​The Friends were working in and around the tennis courts and the Garden For Life last Thursday. Lots of trimming done.
Thank you Dawn for sharing these photos.

WOW I am finally getting to this behind because I like to write in the morning, and it it is 3:30 PM all ready.  The morning just flew by and not getting much done.  You have all had days like that I know.  Must be the snowstorm, we are still cleaning up.  We had a good 10” and it is cold so it will be here for a while.  Snow always makes work, and it seems early to have this work starts soon.  It is going to be cold, and wind chills in effect.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends Dec 1st marks their first day of summer.  One of them wrote and said it has been the coldest start of summer.  But I noticed this week they will have 102F(39C).  They have also been having lots of rain, and thunderstorms.  So, their gardens and lawns are nice and green.  You will see it in some of the pictures that I have posted from the Sale Botanic Gardens, Sale, Victoria Australia.  
When Evelyn has been back, and she has come to help in the greenhouse one question she asked was “Where was my hat?”  You will notice that many of the gardeners wear hats.  They have high exposure to the sun and skin cancer is a concern.  I have started to wear the garden hat when I am working in the greenhouse.  I think of Ev and the Australia’s when I wear hats. Stay cool, stay safe. 
You can think of them working in the gardens, mowing lawns while we are here moving that white stuff.    
  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