Seed Exchange Library

Our public library started a free seed exchange to encourage planting and seed sharing. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Seed Exchange Library

Our lovely public library has started to offer a seed exchange “library,” an opportunity for gardeners to take seeds as well as give seeds back. Since this is the beginning of the growing season, I thought it was a good time to feature this service so we can all plan on saving seeds to contribute.

Here are some of the specifics:

repurposed medicine bottles store donated seeds. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

• The donated seeds are made available in recycled medicine and other plastic containers.

this helpful chart suggests the best times to plant seeds. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

• There's a plant grow chart from St. Louis to help new gardeners decide when to plant what seeds. We're in USDA hardiness zone 6b.

a handy form collects pertinent information about donated seeds. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

There’s a scoop and small envelopes to gather seeds. To check out, the envelopes are recorded at the library’s check out desk so they can monitor what seeds are popular.

This seed exchange is sponsored by the library and our new community garden. Master gardeners and gardening groups could also sponsor something similar.

What a lovely way to encourage growing your own food and learning how to garden!

For more gardening, beekeeping, cooking and easy home decor tips, subscribe to Garden Notes.

Charlotte

Iris and Peony Planting Tips

Early may is Iris and peony blooming season assuming the plants have been planted at the correct depth. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Iris and Peony Planting Tips

Mother’s Day in US is the second Sunday in May, usually a time when irises and peonies start blooming. These flowers remind me of my mother. Every Mother's Day she would ask us kids to weed her three favorite iris beds at the front of our house. Well that and to have breakfast in bed.

Here are tips on how to plant these two perennial favorites so you can enjoy flowers every year.

Planting Iris

1. Choose the Right Spot: Irises love full sun, so pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of daily sunlight.

2. Well-Drained Soil: Irises prefer well-drained soil. If your soil tends to hold water, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage.

3. Planting Depth: When planting iris rhizomes, make sure to bury them half into soil, leaving the other half exposed. If summers are hot, bury the whole rhizome barely under top soil. You don't want to plant them deep or they will rot. Make sure attached shallow roots are buried in soil on either side.

4. Add Stakes: You may need to add stakes to hold irises in place until roots settle in.

5. Spacing: Space iris rhizomes about 12 to 24 inches apart. This allows them enough room to spread and grow without crowding.

6. Watering: Irises generally don't like wet feet, so water them sparingly. Once a week should be sufficient, especially during dry spells. Check that the roots are still covered in soil. During dry spells soil contracts and can expose roots.

7. Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer early spring to give irises a nutrient boost as they start to grow.

8. Divide Regularly: Irises can become overcrowded over time, leading to fewer blooms. Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years to maintain healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Planting Peonies

1. Sunlight: Peonies also love full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aim to plant them in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

2. Well-Drained Soil: Like irises, peonies prefer well-drained soil. Ensure good drainage by adding organic matter such as compost to the soil before planting.

3. Planting Depth: Peony roots should be planted no more than 2 inches below the soil surface. If they’re not flowering most likely you planted them too deep.

4. Spacing: Space them about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for good air circulation and prevent crowding.

5. Support: Peonies often need support once they start producing heavy blooms. Install peony rings or stakes early in the season to prevent flopping.

6. Watering: Water newly planted peonies thoroughly and consistently. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant. Water deeply during dry spells, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

7. Fertilization: Peonies are not heavy feeders, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, they promote lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

8. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your peonies to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.

With these tips you should be well on your way to enjoying vibrant blooms from your iris and peony plants. Don't forget to weed. Happy Mother's Day!

For more gardening, beekeeping, cooking and easy home decor tips, subscribe to Garden Notes.

Charlotte

Late Frost Protection

some of the easy ways to protect seedlings from a late frost. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Late Frost Protection

Every spring I do it, too, I get plants started outside too early. Even though our average temperatures are warming overall, our last recommended hard frost date for USDA Hardiness zone 6b is still early May or US Mother's Day May 10.

So it’s no surprise that I find myself having to protect plants started, or taken, outside.

Here are some ideas on how to help outside plants through this last spate of cold weather:

1. Monitor Weather Forecasts: Check your weather forecasts daily noting the danger of frost. Forecasts can change quickly so stay on top of forecast changes.

2. Water Plants Before Sunset: Watering the soil around your plants before sunset can help them retain heat overnight. Moist soil releases heat more slowly than dry soil, which can provide some protection against frost.

3. Mulch Around Plants: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. This can provide some insulation to the roots and protect them from frost damage.

4. Provide Windbreaks: Wind can exacerbate the effects of frost, so providing windbreaks such as fences or hedges can help protect plants. These barriers can help reduce heat loss and create a more sheltered environment.

5. Cover Vulnerable Plants: Use plant saucers on top of pots to give young plant starts cold weather protection. Bedsheets, blankets and yes, even coats can help protect plants; cover vulnerable plants before sunset to retain heat.

6. Use Plant Covers: Install row covers, cold frames or plastic totes over your garden beds to create a protective barrier against frost. These covers can trap heat and create a microclimate that is warmer than the surrounding air.

7. Bring Potted Plants Indoors: If you have potted plants that are susceptible to frost damage, bring them indoors or place them in a sheltered area such as a garage or porch until frost danger is passed.

   For more gardening, beekeeping, cooking and easy home decor tips, subscribe to Garden Notes.

   Charlotte