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The Brook in FebruaryA snowy path for squirrel and fox,
It winds between the wintry firs.
Snow-muffled are its iron rocks,
And o'er its stillness nothing stirs. But low, bend low a listening ear!
Beneath the mask of moveless white
A babbling whisper you shall hear—
Of birds and blossoms, leaves and light. by Sir Charles George Douglas Roberts painting "Winter in the Forest" by Czesław Znamierowski (1890–1977) |
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Growing annual plants from seed is a rewarding and economical way to make your garden beautiful and productive. Join us for tips and techniques that will help you to grow happy, healthy seedlings in your own home without a lot of special equipment.
This is the second session in the five-part LTPL Seed School series. |
Learning to grow food crops and save seeds are important skills for sustainable gardening. However, before you can can successfully save your seeds you will need to plan ahead and choose the correct open-pollinated crops and heirloom varieties for growing in Michigan. Join us to find out which plants are the best to grow for successful seed saving.
This is the third session in the five-part LTPL Seed School Series. |
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It's February! New additions are being added weekly! Check back often for best selection of new arrivals. The LTPL Seed Library is open for business all year long with seasonally appropriate seeds added on an ongoing basis. 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 February: - Sow seeds indoors that require a long growing time before planting outdoors: alliums, Mediterranean herbs, etc.
- Take inventory of your garden seed supply, and consider the age of the seeds. Most seed remain viable for 3-7 years if stored in a cool, dark, and dry location. Test germination by putting seeds in a moist paper towel and waiting the appropriate number of days for them to sprout. 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. Check the seed library often for new arrivals.
- 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.
- As days lengthen, begin to fertilize houseplants, following the instructions.
- 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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Learn the science behind the curious adaptations certain plants have made to survive, thrive, and reproduce. 50 plants are profiled in story format. |
This book presents scientific research and outlines simple, yet profound, changes we can make in our lives by interacting more with nature, both indoors and out. |
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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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