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​Garden Stories

​Garden.True.North is about gardening in Zone 3,

​sharing thoughts, ideas and tips for all northern gardeners.

Forcing Rhubarb

10/22/2018

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Did you know that you can force rhubarb?  If you forgot to freeze the stems this summer for later use and your rhubarb can use some dividing; now is an excellent time to prepare to be the first in your neighborhood to have fresh rhubarb next spring.  
According to Rhubarb-Central.com "the cultivation methods for forcing rhubarb was developed in the early 1800's. Commercial growers of rhubarb use special forcing sheds, or hot houses, but the home gardener can successfully force rhubarb in a home cellar, a garage, or another outbuilding.  Forcing rhubarb can also be done outdoors, in the garden."  

The process is a bit involved and I recommend that you do some research before proceeding. 
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Spring Bulb Forcing

10/12/2018

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Most spring bulbs need a 12-15 week chilling period.  Try dwarf species or hybrids for the best results.  I plant mine in potting soil in nursery pots and put them in the vegetable crisper of the beer refrigerator and covered with plastic to keep in the moisture.  Avoid putting them with other fruits and vegetables that may emit a gas that will cause them to rot.  Be sure to label with the date and species. 

Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are the exception needing no chilling period.  I keep those bulbs in the fridge unpotted. 

Here are some bulbs that are especially suited to forcing: 
  1. Hyacinths, Tulips, Daffodils, Irises, Muscari
  2. All Amaryllis (need no cooling period)
  3. Paperwhites with strong stems & milder fragrance:  ‘Israel’, ‘Nazareth’, ‘Jerusalem’ or ‘Bethlehem. 
When you are ready for some blooms, bring them out.  You can repot in an attractive container and water.  Don't water again until growth begins.  After the first watering I give my bulbs a little extra spirit of 7 parts water to 1 part alcohol (I use an old bottle of vodka) to keep the from flopping.  The picture below shows the difference, the one on the left got a shot of booze when watering.  
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How to Grow Hemp

10/6/2018

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I received an interesting question this week from my friend Paul.  He was thinking about growing hemp next year and asked my thoughts.  We normally compare notes on growing garlic, so this was definitely out of my realm of knowledge.  I wanted to know more.  ​
Wisconsin law was changed as of December 31, 2017 to allow farmers to grow industrial hemp.  According to an August 10, 2018  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article industrial hemp is a cousin to marijuana but includes only a trace of what makes people high.  The same article stated that a 2015 federal law allows universities and state agricultural departs to work with farmers to research growing hemp.  If you are potentially interested in this crop, now is the time to explore the possibilities.  

The Wisconsin Department of Agricultural, Trade and Consumer Protection states that:  The licensing application period for the 2019 growing season will be open from November 1 through December 31, 2018.  Downloadable application forms and an online application option will be available here beginning November 1. If you sign up to receive updates (at right),  you will receive an email letting you know when the materials are available.
https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/IndustrialHemp.aspx 

Other sites that may help your research: 
  • ​http://thesoyreport.blogspot.com/2017/12/industrial-hemp-in-wisconsin-first-steps.html
  • ​http://ipcm.wisc.edu/blog/2018/02/wisconsin-industrial-hemp-production-faq-guide/
  • https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2018/08/10/hemp-back-wisconsin-but-optimism-comes-challenge-new-market/919100002/
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    Programs

    * Early Seed Starting Webinar, February 6, 2019 6:00-7:30 pm,  register with WITC at witc.edu in continuing education
    *Grasses and Ground Covers, April  5  1:00-3:00 pm, offered at WITC campuses in Hayward, Ladysmith, Balsam Lake, Superior, Ashland and Rice Lake.  Register with WITC at witc.edu in continuing education
    *Vegetable Basics, May 3 1:00 - 3:00 pm, offered at WITC campuses in Hayward, Ladysmith, Balsam Lake, Superior, Ashland, and Rice Lake.  Register with WITC at witc.edu in continuing education
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    ​For more information, please contact me or register for WITC classes listed. 

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