Ask Flora—November 2024
by Sage & Snow Garden Club
November 15, 2024
Dear Flora,
All of this snow and cold weather has found me with my autumn chores uncompleted. Are there things that I can still do this fall to winterize my yard and get a jump start for the next growing season?
Best Regards,
Billy Chilly
Dear Billy,
Never fear! There are still some activities that can be done (especially if we can catch a few more nice days):
Mulch—there is still time to add a layer of mulch, compost, shredded leaves, or straw around your perennial plants and bushes. Mulching can insulate plants to protect them during extreme cold. Mulch also helps the soil maintain moisture at the root level.
Prune—prep your perennials by deadheading old flowers. Cut back daylilies, catmint, and bee balm. Do your research—not all plants like a fall trim.
Compost—layer up your compost pile with layers of brown materials (like straw or dried leaves), layers of wet green materials (like grass clippings, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds), layer of aged manure, and native soil. Winter composting is slow, but materials will continue to break down for spring use.
Clean & store tools—use steel wool to remove dirt from shovels, spades, or pruners. Sharpen pruners with whetstone, shovel edges with single-mill file. Wipe down metal surfaces with lightweight household oil (such as 3-in-1). Store in a clean, dry area in your garage or shed.
Record successful plantings and processes. Document what worked so you can order your favorite varieties for next year’s garden.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Flora,
I have collected some seeds left over from my garden and flower beds. Can I store them and plant them next year? How will I know if they are still viable?
Sincerely,
Iris LaPlante
Dear Iris,
Yes, you can store your extra seeds and collected seeds for planting next spring. Here are a few simple tips:
Collect seeds from your healthiest plants. Make sure seeds come from open-pollinated varieties. F1 hybrids will not produce plants true to the parent plant.
Make sure to separate the seeds from the seed heads. Remove any chaff.
Seeds may benefit from a two-week drying period on a cookie sheet in a warm, dark location.
After drying, place seeds in small seed packets or paper envelopes. Make sure to label clearly with seed variety and date collected.
Place envelopes in an airtight container, like a glass jar or plastic storage container. Extra seeds that you purchased can be stored this way too.
Keep the container in a cool, dry, dark place—like a basement, closet, or the back of your fridge.
Test your seeds for germination in the spring. Take some of your seeds and place them in a wet paper towel. Roll up the towel and place in a Ziploc plastic bag. Label and store in a warm location between 70—80 degrees Fahrenheit. Check on seeds every few days looking for germination. If 8 out of 10 seeds germinated, you have an 80% viability rate.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Flora,
I would love to learn more about gardening in Sublette County. Does the garden club have any upcoming activities that I could participate in?
Ever Grateful,
Sage Snow
Dear Sage,
The Sage and Snow Garden Club will meet in January for our annual business meeting to plan events for 2025. Everyone is welcome to join our club to learn more about successful techniques and plants that grow in Sublette County. For more information or to ask questions for our next Ask Flora column, go to our website at https://www.sageandsnowgardenclub.org/ or contact Arlinda McLaughlin, Master Gardener at 307-231-9402.
|
