Hello Gardeners!
Due to a miscommunication at the library there was no Seed Talk on Tuesday, but it has been rescheduled to next Tuesday, Nov 17th. See below for info.
There have been many new native plants added to the Seed Library. An updated list of native plant seeds and other seeds is posted on the blog site.
How to Germinate Native Plant Seeds
Seed Talk, November 17, 2020 6:30 pm
The next seed talk is on how to germinate native plant seed. Some native plants are very easy to germinate—just put them in the ground in the spring and they sprout just fine, but others need a longer period of specific temperatures and moisture to be coaxed into sprouting. These native plant seeds need to undergo stratification before they will germinate. Stratification is a cold, moist period seeds must undergo before they will germinate. In nature seeds fall to the ground in the fall and overwinter in place before they germinate in the spring. There are several methods to help this process along. I have a presentation to show you and I will demonstrate several ways to germinate native plant seeds. As always, seed talks are community get-togethers! Please share you experiences and questions at the seed talk. You must register in advance for this Zoom seed talk. Also, please feel free to turn on your video as I appreciate seeing who is out there! Talking to a bunch of blank windows is kind of weird.
If you find the event is full please let me or the library know. The number of participants can be increased. Also, you must sign up 2 hours in advance so there is time for the facilitator to send you the email to join the meeting.
Next Seed Pickup, Tuesday Nov 17th, 4:30-5 pm
Order seeds by sending me an email at wblseedlibrary@gmail.com.
I’ll bag up your seed packets and then you meet me at the White Bear Lake library’s parking lot to pick them up. Note the time has again been changed as it gets dark sooner.
Also, if you’d like to package seeds you can pick up supplies at this time, but please send me an email so I can put together the supplies before you come.
How to Donate Seeds to the Seed Library
The Seed Library needs seeds!!!
In general, the seed library can use seeds from open-pollinated, non-hybrid vegetables and flowers or native plants. The plants providing the seeds must not have been cross-pollinated so that means tomatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, and native plants are the best plants to harvest seeds, though some annual flowers are also okay. If the plant is a hybrid the seeds will not come true to the original plant so the seed library cannot use them.
Make sure the seeds are dry!
Please place your seeds in a paper envelope with the name of the plant, the date, your location, and your name. Plastic encourages mold. Make sure the envelope is sealed so that little seeds can’t escape. If you only use the glued area on the envelope flap, little seeds can escape on the edges where there is no glue. It is better to fold down the top of the envelope several times and fasten with a paper clip or staple shut.
1) Drop off the envelope of seeds at the curbside pickup area at the White Bear Lake library. Do not use the book return slot.
The librarians request that you refrain from arriving during the first two hours the library is open for curb-side pick up as it is very busy during this time. Please respect their wishes! So here are the hours you can come to donate seeds:
M: 12-8pm, T, W: 3-8pm, Th, F, S: 12-5pm
OR
2) Bring your envelope of seeds to a formal seed pickup day where I will be at the White Bear Lake library’s parking lot. The next date is coming soon. There will be more seed pickups throughout the fall.
Happy Fall!
Pam
Upcoming Events
Winter Farmer’s Market, Saturday Nov 14, 10 am – 1 pm
This year’s Winter Farmer’s Market will be held OUTSIDE at Tamarack Nature Center in the parking lot. You can order in advance online and pick up your order at the market or buy directly from the vendors on Saturday. The White Bear Lake Seed Library will not be at the market on Saturday. (I don’t have a good way to keep my display and seeds dry in case of rain or snow.) Check out all the vendors at Forks in the Dirt.
Annual Virtual Green Gifts Fair, Nov 19-22, 2020
Join us for our 15th Annual Virtual Green Gifts Fair event!
Do It Green! Minnesota will be hosting our annual event virtually with some exciting, fun ways to participate from Thursday, November 19th – Sunday, November 22, 2020.
* SHOP! Online directory of local green artists and businesses offering discounts and specials.
* LEARN! Online videos and live chats to learn ways to reduce our environmental impact over the holidays and all year long.
* PARTICIPATE! Live feeds during the event.
Join us for our 15th Annual Virtual Green Gifts Fair event from Nov 19-22, 2020 with an online directory, demo videos and live feeds during the event!
Future Seed Talks via Zoom, all at 6:30pm
Nov 10, 2020 Tues How to Start Native Plant Seeds
Dec no talk planned
Jan 12, 2021 Tues How to Grow Food Plants Inside
Feb 9, 2021 Tues Companion Planting
Contact info for the Seed Library:
Email: wblseedlibrary@gmail.com
Blog site: WBL Seed Library
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