Hello Gardeners!
You may have heard about the fertilizer plant that is on fire in North Carolina. Over 6,000 people have been evacuated and the danger is still present. Not only a danger of explosion, but also of toxic pollution in the air and the water. (You can find info on this tragedy by searching ‘North Carolina Fertilizer Fire’ in a web browser.) You may remember another fertilizer plant explosion in Waco, Texas which killed 15 people and leveled 150 buildings in 2013.
I’m sure in the coming weeks they will determine the cause of this fire, but I do know one way to prevent any fertilizer plant fire—don’t use chemical fertilizers! Organic methods of growing plants are sustainable and a lot less dangerous to the gardener, workers and people living near fertilizer plants. Think about it.
Update on Seeds
I have added several more packets of native plant seeds of the ones that were depleted and I added a new variety as well – Late Horse Gentian aka Wild Coffee.
Here’s what has been restocked. Most of these I only had a couple packets more of seeds left, so if you are interested you should come to the seed library soon.
Aromatic Aster
Wild Quinine
New England Aster
Zig Zag Goldenrod
Big Leaved aster
Flat Topped Aster
Yellow Coneflower
Prairie Sundrops
Sky Blue Aster
Joe Pye Weed
Purple Prairie Clover
21 Roots Mixture
There is still time to stratify most native plant seeds. You can do that either by sowing directly outside now (snow seeding), using the winter sowing method or by sowing in pots you place outside all winter. Check out the Joe Gardner’s podcast for information on this method here.
The full list of native seeds is here.
Almost every week I add more vegetable, herb and flower seeds.
See the links to all the available seeds on the blogsite. Look on the right hand side.
A BIG THANK YOU to all who have donated seeds! It’s wonderful to have such a big selection of seeds in the seed library.
Note: I have the flower and native plant catalog at my home as I am updating the pages. It should be back in the seed library early next week. Sorry for any inconvenience.
How to Get Free Seeds
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
As I only had one person return seeds from the ‘Grow a Row’ activity last season, I didn’t have enough seeds to do it again, so I bought more bean and pea seeds. Later this spring I’ll try again, so stay tuned.
Seeds Needed
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
Mar 8, 2022 Tues How to Start Seeds
Learn all the ins and outs of starting vegetable and flowers seeds.
Events
Minnesota Arboretum - Minnesota Plants Webinar Series
(13) Sessions: Live on Tuesdays, March 1 - May 24, 2022; 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Calling all gardeners and nature enthusiasts: Join webinar host Laura and local horticultural experts for the Spring 2022 Minnesota Plants Webinar Series. Virtually explore collections, backyards and gardens as you prepare for the growing season, tackle pests and problems, and more.
Webinar Topics: Spring Series
Birdscaping: Bird-friendly Native Plants
Invasive Plants to Watch for in Spring
Seed Starting Tips & Tricks
Japanese Beetles in Minnesota
Sustainable Gardening
Top 10 Garden Trends for 2022
Perennials for Year-round Delight!
Hydrangeas for Minnesota Gardens
Native Yellow Prairie Grass
Easy to Grow Fruits
Bee Lawns & White Clover
Hickories for Minnesota Landscapes
Vegetable Garden Watering Tips and Tricks
How it works Receive a weekly email with the live webinar Zoom link and instructions, plus a link to the Minnesota Plants website with the schedule, links and resources.
$30 Member of: Arboretum, MSHS, or MNLA; or MN Master Gardener/$40 non-member, includes series access to live and recorded access to 13 webinars and their accompanying digital handouts and resources.
Register here.
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Contact info for the Seed Library:
Email: wblseedlibrary@gmail.com
Blog site: WBL Seed Library
Pam
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