Garden Stories
Garden.True.North is about gardening in Zone 3,
sharing thoughts, ideas and tips for all northern gardeners.
sharing thoughts, ideas and tips for all northern gardeners.
 When the snow flies this gardener gets reading. I can hardly wait to get started on this stack. I've already sneaked a peak into these and am hoping for some quiet days this winter to really dig into these tomes. Here is what I have on my book stack, in no particular order.
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Elevation 1313 Feet. I live at the confluence of the east and west forks that start the Chippewa River. It flows 180 miles to join the Mississippi River at Lake Pepin that is the widest naturally occurring part of the Mississippi River, located about 60 miles south of Saint Paul and on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
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. 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:
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:  Most gardens are coming into their peak season. Now is an excellent time to get your camera or smart phone and take some pictures. Why?
I’ve learned there are many uses for garden photographs. My reasons to take photos started with record keeping. Then I expanded my photo collection to use in garden programs. Now I also share on social media and get creative with cards and prints. Do you have pictures of your garden? Here are some reasons to consider regularly taking photos. |
Programs* Early Seed Starting Webinar, February 6, 2019 6:00-7:30 pm, register with WITC at witc.edu in continuing education Archives
November 2018
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