Hello Gardeners!
The seed drawers are getting full. I
have been adding seed packets at least once a week this entire month! There are
now 91 varieties of native plant seeds in the seed library. Just in time too as
now is the time to start these seeds either by direct sowing outside or by winter
sowing. Many native plants need a period of cold, moist days to break dormancy.
If you are not familiar with winter
sowing, it is an easy way to start native and other seeds. Come to the next
Seed Talk on November 9 to learn how to do this seed starting method. See below
for details.
Leaves, Leaves, Leaves!
I bet you have a yard full of leaves
by now and you’re probably thinking that means hours off work raking and
bagging the leaves.
There is a better way!
There is no need to rake the leaves
off your lawn. In fact, your lawn will be much healthier if you just mulch them
with your regular lawn mower and leave the bits of leaves on your lawn. It is
free fertilizer and much less work.
So leave the leaves!
See here for more information: Start Tribune article and UMN Extension article.
Winter Sowing
Want to know an easy way to start
native plant seeds? Tune in to this seed talk on with just an empty milk or
water jug, some potting soil and seeds you can be on your way to growing
wonderful native plants to enhance your yard and feed the pollinators!
Many native plant seeds need a period
of stratification to germinate. This is one method of providing that for these
seeds.
Nov
9, 2021 Tues – How to Do Winter Sowing
Learn how to start seeds using the
winter sowing method of germination.
To attend this event you need to
register at least 3 hours prior in order for the library to send you a link . Register
at Seed Talk.
How to Get Free Seeds
There are many more native plant,
flower and tomato seeds available now.
You can access the seed packets during regular library hours. The Seed
Library table is to the right as you come through the double doors. (White Bear
Lake library, 2150 2nd St, White Bear Lake; M: 10-8, T, W: 1-8, Th,
F, Sa: 10-5)
You can find the current list of
available seeds on the Seed Library website at Seed Library site. Or a less than
current paper list on the Seed Library table in the library.
If you can’t find the seeds you’re
looking for please let me know via email: wblseedlibrary@gmail.com and I’ll get you the
seeds if they are available.
‘Grow a Row’ Participants
If you haven’t already harvested your
pea or bean seeds, now is the time. Wait until the pods are dry and brown.
Remove the pods from the plants and remove the seeds from the pods. Place the
seeds in a paper envelope with the name of the plant, your location, date and
the words “Grow a Row”. After
placing the seeds in an envelope, seal it and return it to the seed library
table at the White Bear Lake library. I will take all the Grow a Row seeds and
mix them together, keeping the peas separate from the beans. Then next season,
people can grow them again and we’ll repeat the process. Over time our pea and
bean seeds will be more adapted to our region.
Special Offer for the ‘Grow a Row’ Gardeners!
If you don’t want to remove the seeds
from the pods, you can return the whole pods to the Seed Library. There is a
memory care facility where the residents can shell your pea or bean pods. This
is an easy and repetitive task the residents can do independently. Just place
the whole pods in a paper bag, write
‘Grow a Row’ on the bag and your location. Drop off at the Seed Library
table inside the WBL library, 2150 2ndt St, White Bear Lake.
Please
indicate if your seeds or pods are from the ‘Grow a Row’ project so I don’t get
them mixed up with other types of seeds.
Thank
you to those who grew a row for the Seed Library!
Seeds Needed
The seed library is short on tomato,
pea and native plant seeds. This is a great time to start saving seeds. Many
native plants have seed pods or seed heads ready for harvesting.
The seed library welcomes any seed
donations of non-hybrid, non-cross-pollinated seeds. Place dry seeds in a paper
envelope with the name of seed, year and location on the envelope. Drop off in
the bin on the seed library table in the library during open hours.
Volunteer
Opportunity
Help package seeds for the seed
library. If interested, send me an email and I’ll get you seeds, supplies and
instructions. You package the seeds and return them to the seed library table.
Future Seed Talks via
Zoom, all at 6:30pm
Nov 9, 2021 Tues – How to Do Winter Sowing
Learn
how to start seeds using the winter sowing method of germination.
Register
at Seed Talk.
Jan 11, 2022 Tues – How to Grow Indoor Plants
Learn how to grow indoor houseplants to brighten up your
grey winter days.
Events
White Bear Lake
Winter Farmer’s Market
at Tamarac Nature Center,
5287
Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110
Saturdays: November 13, December 11 and January 8, 10am-2pm
Twenty
local food vendors will be sharing locally grown and crafted items including
meats, cheese, eggs, micro greens, and maple syrup. Many locally preserved
options, like jams, jellies, sauces, sauerkraut, and kombucha will be
available. Great gifting options such as soaps, and specialty hand crafted
goods as well.
See
Forks in the Dirt for more
information.
Contact info for the
Seed Library:
Email:
wblseedlibrary@gmail.com
Blog
site: WBL Seed Library
Pam