March 2023 LTPL Grows Newsletter

March
 
"Some days are fair,
And some are raw.
The timid earth
Decides to thaw.
 
Shy budlets peep
From twigs on trees,
And robins join
The chickadees."
 
Excerpt from A Child’s Calendar,
by John Updike - First Edition (1965)

LTPL Grows Presents...
Grow Your Best Veggie Garden
In-Person Monday, March 6 at 6:30pm
 
Gardening has become even more important as the prices of food has risen and availability can be limited. Join us as we learn tips and strategies for growing a bountiful vegetable garden as Karen Golden, owner of Michigan Heirlooms in Highland, shares her decades of experience and garden wisdom with us.
Karren Golden is an experienced gardener, seed saver, and lecturer and makes her living selling organic heirloom vegetable plants. Order tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetable plants for pick-up in spring at michiganheirlooms.com
 
Seed Saving 101
In Person Monday, March 20, 2023 at 6:30pm
 
Learn the basics of the traditional skill of seed saving through a blend of hands-on demonstration and lecture. Find out how to incorporate seed saving into your own garden by learning what to plant and when and how to harvest. This in-person event will take place in the community center at LTPL.
Bevin Cohen is a Michigan author, seed saver, herbalist, and owner of Small House Farm near Midland. He is a frequent speaker at events all over the country, and is a contributor to Mother Earth News, Hobby Farm and other publications. Bevin has written several books on seed saving &  herbalism with more on the way. His newest endeavor is his "Seeds and Weeds" podcast.
 
Backyard Composting
In Person Monday, April 3, 2023 at 6:30pm
 
The quality of the soil in your garden is the most important factor in determining your garden's success. Learn the basics of composting from Master Composter Linda Schilbe. Find the answers to all of your questions on how to get started, where to locate your compost, managing your compost, and what kind of materials can be composted. 
 
Herb of the Month: Nettles
The March Herb of the Month is Nettles! People often avoid them because of their sting, but the sting disappears when they are dried or cooked, leaving a super-healthy herb that should be in everyone's pantry. Give this centuries-old spring tonic a try! 
Each month, we feature a different herb or spice and provide a take-home kit that contains information about the herb, a sample and/or seed packet, instructions for use and recipes. This month you will receive a kit with the growing instructions and properties of nettles, recipes, and a sample bag of organic dried nettles suitable for tea or cooking. Seeds are available and optional - request them on the registration form. Kits will be made available in the curbside pick-up area beginning Wednesday, March 1, 2023. To receive your kit, sign up here:  
 
The Herb of the Month will be announced every month in the LTPL Grows newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, click here. 
 
Seed Library News
It's March! Time to start hardy greens and members of the nightshade and brassica 
families. 
Tomatoes, eggplants and peppers need a head start in order to perform well in our Michigan gardens. Crops that can be planted outdoors in April also need to be planted now. This includes hardy greens and brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower). Visit the seed library for free seeds for these items and more. Click Here for a seed-starting timetable for our area. 

One Seed, One State: This year the MI Seed Library Network has chosen 'Grand Rapids' lettuce as the seed that will be distributed through seed libraries all over Michigan! Visit LTPL for your One Seed, One State seeds.
 
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. First time users of the Seed Library need to register. You may do so with this form or in-person at the seed library. Once you have registered, you 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!
March Garden Calendar
In March:
  • Start seeds indoors for eggplants, peppers, and herbs that need 8-10 weeks of growing before planting. Also start greens and brassicas for transplanting out in April. Remember to factor in germination time. Most seeds require 1-3 weeks before they even start to grow!
  • Visit the LTPL Seed library and check for seeds you might need. New seeds will be added weekly through March and beyond!
  • March is a great time to prune fruit trees, grape vines, roses, and conifers. Hold off on pruning flowering shrubs like forsythia until they are done blooming.
  • As the days get longer you can begin to fertilize your houseplants as they break dormancy. Continue to regularly inspect  indoors plants for pests that thrive indoors during the winter. 
  • Check your birdfeeders often to clean and restock. LTPL offers several books on feeding birds and identifying your feathered visitors. 
  • Information and online resources for starting and saving seed can be found on the LTPL website. 
    Click Here for a seed-starting timetable for our area
    Find additional resources for seed saving here:
New Gardening Books at LTPL
A Food Forest in Your Garden: Plan It - Grow It - Cook It by Alan Carter
A guide to designing, planting,  and managing a permaculture food forest in your own yard. More than 170 different plants are profiled with lush color photographs.
Prairie Up: An Introduction to Natural Garden Design by Benjamin Vogt
Learn how to garden in partnership with nature, creating plant communities that support wildlife and pollinators as well as being pleasing to the eye.
Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains by Bethany Brookshire
Many animals and birds have become known as pests simply for trying to live their lives in the new reality of urban and suburban landscapes. This book challenges us to see the value in our animal neighbors. 
Four Seasons Garden Club News
Upcoming Events
March 7 meeting: 7 pm at the South Lyon High School Senior Center. Chris Stein will speak on Operation Pollination. Guests are welcome.
May 6: Spring Perennial Plant Exchange: 9am to 11am at the Salem-South Lyon Library. This is an annual event and is open to the public.
 
The Four Seasons Garden Club of South Lyon meets at the Center for Active Adults at the South Lyon High School on the 1st Tuesday of each month throughout the school year. Meetings and tours are held at member's homes during the summer months. Click Here for membership information.
 
Find LTPL Grows
On Our Website
 
Find more information on LTPL Grows and other resources!
On our Facebook Page
 
Visit and "like" for gardening news, tips and upcoming events.