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"Dreams" Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow. - Langston Hughes Sketch by Katsushika Hokusai |
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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. All attendees will be entered into a drawing for seed starting equipment! The drawing will take place at the end of the presentation. |
Monday, March 16 @ 6:30 pm Vermicompost, or worm compost, is a rich, organic soil amendment created by earthworms consuming organic waste, like food scraps and paper. Worm compost improves soil structure and water retention, making it excellent for both gardens and houseplants. The worms are housed in a self-contained worm bin that take up very little room, and is ideal for apartments or small spaces where traditional composting isn't feasible. In this presentation you will learn the art of vermicomposting, the minimal equipment required, what types of worms are used, and how to care for them. |
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Monday, March 30 @ 6:30 pm Beth Rowley will present on the best plants to grow to invite birds into your garden. She will teach us where to place them for maximum results and how to keep them beautiful in your landscaping and attractive to your feathered friends. Beth is an Advanced Master Gardener and the owner of of Alluring Landscape Design in South Lyon. This presentation is co-sponsored by the South Lyon Four Seasons Garden Club. |
It's February! 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 February: - Sow seeds indoors that require a long growing time before planting outdoors: alliums, Mediterranean herbs, hot peppers, 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 spring planting. 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.
- Information and online resources for starting and saving seed can be found on the LTPL Website.
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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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