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"Winter Garden" There's a garden under that snow.
Deep in cozy soil, roots stretch, unfurl.
Plants need privacy, did you know?
Yes, there's a garden under that snow.
Plants carry the light required to grow
while winter sky is all storm and swirl.
There a garden under that snow!
Come spring, watch green shoots pop, uncurl. |
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Seed Packaging Party
Thursday, January 15 @ 6:30 pm Have you ever wondered how to "give back" to the seed library? Join us as we gather together to package donated seed for the LTPL Grows Seed Library. Enjoy meeting and conversing with other helpers as we fill and label seed packets. Be one of the first to see and collect the new additions to the seed library! Snacks and drinks will be provided. If you have saved seeds to donate, please bring them along! |
It's December! The LTPL Seed Library cabinet is getting a facelift in anticipation of moving to the new library location! The current supply of seeds will still be available at the seed library area. Please mark how many packets you take on the clipboard. The mission of the seed library is to promote gardening and encourage sustainability through seed saving. The seeds are available at no cost to you. Although it is not required, we hope that you will attempt to save seeds from your crops and return them to the seed library to help keep it self-sustaining. To use the seed library, simply make your selections and log your initials and number of packets taken on the clipboard. The clipboard and instructions are on top of the Seed Library cabinet.
Gardening handouts are available at the Seed Library and also on the LTPL Grows Webpage, along with informative videos! |
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In December: - If the ground isn't frozen, you can still plant seeds that require a cold treatment before they will germinate in the spring. Hardy perennials and native herbs and flowers are good candidates for this treatment.
- Take inventory of your garden seed supply, and consider the age of the seeds. Most seed remain viable for 3-4 years if stored in a cool, dark, and dry location. Make note of seeds that need to be replenished.
- Look at seed catalogs and seed company websites for ideas for next year's garden. Request catalogs from seed companies if you prefer paper catalogs.
- Make sure houseplants are getting enough light, and adjust placement if necessary. Weak color and spindly stems mean the plant is stretching for light, so adding supplemental lighting and day length might be called for.
- Check houseplants weekly for pests. Look for tiny webs, gnats, scale, or tufts of white fuzz. Treat with an soap or neem oil solution that is safe for you and your pets.
- Check stored root vegetables weekly for quality and sprouting.
- Clean, sharpen, and oil garden tools so they are ready to use in the spring.
- Take notes about your garden while it is still fresh in your mind. What did well, what didn't, and plans for next year.
- Information and online resources for starting and saving seed can be found on the LTPL Website.
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by Ruthann Zimmerman
Inspired by their Mennonite upbringing, a couple raises their large family in the "heartbeat of the homestead." |
Explore the world of perennial nut trees and how they fit in with our ecological role as humans, and the future of growing food on our planet. |
by Becky Searle
Learn to plan and design a new garden or make over an existing one. Packed with instructions and ideas for a flourishing and productive outdoor space. |
Michigan Gardener Magazine no longer publishes a print magazine. You can still visit the Michigan Gardener website for occasional new articles and the calendar, and browse through digital back issues of the print magazine and newsletters. |
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Find more information on LTPL Grows and other resources! |
Visit and "like" for gardening news, tips and upcoming events. |
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