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
