Winter Sowing Status Report #3

My winter sowing has been on hold over the last few weeks because I've been sick. But I'm back at it this week, and getting ready for the next drawing for FREE seeds!

Large winter sowing containers

This week, I'm starting to sow squash and cucumbers.

I like to sow these later in the season because larger seeds can sometimes rot if they're winter sown too early.

Deep containers are great for winter sowing squash, cucumbers and other fast growing climber seedlings.
 
They give the seedlings plenty of head room to grow before I have to worry about removing the lids permanently.

As a general rule, the larger the seed I winter sow, the larger the container I will use.

Winter sowing cucumber seeds

Here's what I've sown this week...

Winter sown squash and cucumbers

• Delicata Squash
• Black Beauty Zucchini
• Cucumber Boston Pickling
• Cucumber Straight Eight
• Cucumber White Wonder
• Butternut Squash
• Cucumber National Pickling
• Acorn Squash
• Sweet Dumpling Squash
• Golden Zucchini
• Pumpkin Early Sweet Sugar

That's 12 more containers for me, bringing my total up to 44 so far this season.

What about you?

For the people who have been sowing along with me, your total is up to... 
481

Unbelievable! Thanks everyone for sowing along with me, this is so inspiring.

Since I'm behind schedule for the second drawing for FREE seeds, I am going to do the drawing on Friday. You have until midnight CST tomorrow, Thursday March 1st to enter your name for the second drawing (you can post your counts/entries in the comments below). I will choose a winner via random.org and announce the winner on Friday. (Sorry for the delay)

Keep those blog posts and container counts coming! I will have at least 4 more drawings over the next few months. There are several ways you can win (even if you're not winter sowing) -- read this blog post for more details... Free Seed Giveaway

FREE Seed prize from giveaway #1 (winner's choice)

In case you missed them, here are links to my previous winter sowing status reports:

Winter Sowing Status Report #1 
Winter Sowing Status Report #2

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Best Containers To Use For Winter Sowing

One of the main questions I hear from first time winter sowers is, what type of container is the best. This is definitely something that becomes a personal preference, everyone has their own favorite types of containers.

But there are some general rules to follow when choosing containers to use for winter sowing. Last year I wrote a post about winter sowing containers, where I listed these basic rules. In that post, I also briefly mentioned the types of containers I prefer to use and why.

To take it a step further, I thought it would be fun to go into more details about the pros and cons of the containers I prefer.

The basic things I look for in a winter sowing container are:

• Reusable
  
• Tight fitting removable lids 
• Dishwasher safe
• Flat tops (snow and water will collect on top and seep into the containers, making watering easier)
• Containers stack nicely, for easy storage and transportation

 1. Disposable food storage containers: In this first photo, the ones with the red lids and the ones with the blue lids are disposable food storage containers. I have tons of these types of containers in my winter sowing stash. I have purchased some of them, but most of them I've saved and reused (since they are marketed as disposable, I don't like to use them for food more than once). Old Tupperware (and other name brand) containers are even better. I find them in the free bins at garage sales. It seems they'll last forever!

Disposable food storage containers used for winter sowing

Benefits: 

• Dishwasher safe
• Most can be used for multiple years
• Lids fit on tight and won't blow away 

Things to look out for:

• Some types will start to disintegrate after only one season
• A few sizes are barely deep enough, leaving hardly any head room for seedling growth

 2. Large buckets: Ice cream buckets and other large buckets are another one of my favorites. The type of container that sherbet comes in are more durable than the 1gallon ice cream buckets.

Ice cream buckets used for winter sowing

 Benefits:

• Deep enough for fast growing, climbing seedlings like peas, squash and beans
• Dishwasher safe
• Lids fit on tight and won't blow away

Things to look out for:

• Most ice cream buckets I've used only last one season before they start to crumble

3. Deli, produce and baked goods containers: There are tons of potential winter sowing containers in the deli, bakery and produce sections. My favorites are the ones that salad greens come in (far left in this picture). These are generally more durable and last longer than the types of containers baked goods come in (right).

Deli, produce and baked good containers used for winter sowing

Benefits:

• Many sizes to choose from
• Most deli containers (that come with potato salad, etc.) are dishwasher safe and can be reused

Things to look out for:

• Most from the bakery section are not dishwasher safe
• Many can be flimsy and start to crumble after only one use
• Some don't have removable lids (they fold over), making them harder to work with
• Lids don't always fit on tight and may blow away

4. Restaurant take out containers: The next picture shows several different types of containers, some I've already talked about. The two in the center, and one bottom left came with salads I ordered from various restaurants. These types of containers are more durable and last longer than the type you get that are square and have an attached, fold-over lid.

Restaurant take out containers used for winter sowing

Benefits:

• Durable and reusable
• Many are deep enough for tall seedlings

Things to look out for:

• Most are not dishwasher safe
• Some aren't deep enough for winter sowing

If you are just starting out with winter sowing, I encourage you to experiment with several different types of containers to find your favorites. Even if you know a container will only last one season, try it out. Sometimes you have to take what you can get until you build up a collection of reusable containers. The possibilities are endless.

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Voodoo Magic

When I first got a voodoo lily bulb from a friend a few years ago, she told me about the bloom.

Voodoo lily blooming

She said that one day, you'll walk down into your basement and wonder what died down there.

That means the flower is in bloom.

It sounded so mysterious, I had no idea what to expect.

To be honest, I was a little nervous about the putrid smell, but I couldn't wait to see the flower!





 

The first couple of years, nothing grew but foliage. Then, finally, last spring it bloomed in my porch for the first time.

Voodoo flower spike

I was elated when I realized it was starting to flower!

I checked it every day, watching the bloom grow taller, skinnier and more intriguing.

Finally, it opened and... well, she was not kidding about the smell.

The stench only lasted a few days, but it was strong enough to make me gag every time I walked into the porch. 

Stored voodoo bulbs starting to flower

Well, here we go again.

I was watering plants the other day, and I discovered that two of the bulbs were starting to flower!

I thought, "Oh boy, it's about to get really stinky in my basement!!".









The voodoo lily is definitely the most unique plant I have in my tender bulb collection.

Voodoo flower opening

They look exotic, but are extremely easy to care for.

I have most of mine growing in a large pot. 

The pot goes outside in part shade during the summer. 

Once the frost kills the foliage, I bring the pot inside and put it in a corner in the basement and forget about it.

Voodoo lillies are actually perennial down to zone 6.

I've had bulbs survive the winter in my zone 4b gardens for several years now, although they don't flower outdoors in colder climates.

The foliage alone adds a unique tropical touch to the garden and is reason enough to grow this plant.

Voodoo Lily Foliage

Every summer my voodoo lily multiplies and I have tons of tiny bulbs.

Voodoo flower bud

The only bulbs that have bloomed for me so far have been about the size of an onion.

It seems they must need to reach a certain size before they will flower.

I've read that the reason this plant is called voodoo lily is because of the magic of the bloom.

It blooms out of a dormant bulb, even if the bulb isn't planted in dirt.

It's voodoo magic!

The reason for the smell is to attract flies and other insects that enjoy a meal of rotting flesh. These insects will pollinate the flower instead of bees.

Yes, they are stinky. But don't worry, the unique, amazing voodoo lily flower is well worth the smell.

Now, if you'll excuse me... I have to go see what died in my basement.

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Winter Sowing During a Mild Winter

Unseasonably warm weather seems to be the trend across North America this winter. How is this affecting winter sowing?

Some people have been reporting premature sprouting of their containers, and others have told me they are waiting to start winter sowing because they're concerned it's too warm. 

Winter sowing containers in snow

I have had the same concerns and that's partly why I've waited until recently to start winter sowing.

The main worry is that the containers will sprout too early during a warm spell, and then be killed off by freezing temps.

For the most part, you shouldn't have to worry.

Perennials, hardy annuals and cold weather vegetables will survive just fine.


Last year, my broccoli was sprouting in containers where the soil was still frozen, and there was ice on the inside of the lid!

Broccoli sprouts in frozen container

However, if you have tender annuals or warm weather vegetables that are sprouting, you will probably need to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Here are a few tips to try...

• Put your non-sprouting containers in full shade. If the sun doesn't hit the containers, they should stay cold enough to keep them from sprouting. Also, cover them with snow whenever you can. The snow will help keep the sun out, and act as an insulator to keep them cold.

• If the containers are sprouting and the weather forecast calls for freezing temperatures, then you could either cover the containers with a blanket, or move them inside until the freezing spell passes. (If they're already covered with snow, they should be fine) As a general rule, if the mature plant wouldn't survive a frost outside unprotected... then I would cover the container (only if it's sprouting) during freezing weather.

• Depending on where you live, you might want to wait to winter sow your warm weather annuals and vegetables. Here in z4, I usually wait to start mine until March. This year, I may wait a few weeks longer, depending on the weather forecast.

• Save some of your seeds just in case. I always save a few seeds until spring just in case something goes wrong with my winter sown containers. It's a good habit to get into, no matter what seed sowing method you use.

How about you, has this unseasonably warm winter weather changed your winter sowing plans this year?

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Worm Casting Tea

Mmmm... sounds yummy doesn't it. Well, this tea is not for us to drink, it's for our houseplants. Worm casting tea (aka vermicompost tea) is very nutritious for plants.

I've had a worm bin for a few years now, and I've recently started using the worm castings to make this tea for my houseplants. Here is how I do it...
 

Equipment needed to brew worm tea

Equipment I used:

• 5 gallon bucket

• Small air pump  (~$10 at pet store, made for a 10 gal aquarium)

• Tubing

• Air stone (optional - also at pet store)

• Nylon sock or pantyhose

When I started doing this, I couldn't find a recipe to use so I improvised. (These are approximate measures)...

• 2 cups of well composted worm castings (vermicompost)
• 1-2 tablespoons of molasses
• 4 gallons of rain water or melted snow (important note: if you use tap water, it must sit for a minimum of 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate)

Making Worm Tea:

If you don't have a worm bin, you can purchase worm castings online or in garden centers. If you buy the castings, you can skip this step.

Otherwise, the first step is separating the worms from the castings (this is the step the takes the longest). The easiest way I've found to do this is to scoop out two piles of castings. Pack them lightly into cone shapes and let them sit a few minutes under bright light. Worms will retreat from the light to the bottom of the piles.

Separating the worms from the vermicompost

Put the worm castings in the "tea bag". You can use any type of fine mesh bag for the tea bag. Once it's full, tie it off at the top.

Filling the tea bag with worm castings

Adding worm casting tea bag to water

Just to reiterate, do no use chlorinated water; chlorine will kill the microorganisms.

Without the microorganisms... well there's no point in brewing worm tea.

Next, Put the tea bag into the water.

I tied mine onto the bucket to keep it towards the top.

I've seen people just let the bag float around or sink, I don't think it matters.

Add the molasses to the water. The molasses is food for the microorganisms that live in the worm castings.

Adding molasses to worm tea

Adding bubbler to the worm tea

Submerge the bubbler into the water (or pump if you have a submersible pump).

The bubbler gives the microorganisms plenty of air circulation, which speeds up their reproduction process.

Put the bubbler on the bottom of the bucket. My pump is not submersible, so it remains on the outside.

You may need to weight it down to keep it on the bottom of the bucket.

Bubbles in worm tea

Allow the tea to brew with the pump running for at least 24 hours.

The microorganisms will multiple exponentially, this is what your plants will love.

After brewing, the tea needs to be used within 48 hours, otherwise the microorganisms will start to die.

Water your plants with the worm tea the same way you would normally water them.

Worm tea can be sprayed on the leaves of the plants, which is also beneficial.  I've read that the microorganisms will even feed on pests and their eggs. I'm definitely going to try this in my fight against spider mites and whiteflies this winter!

Worm tea brewing

Remember, this tea is only for your plants. Please keep it away from your pets and the kiddos! To be safe, I keep mine in a closed room and I put a weight on top of the bucket.


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I Have a Greenhouse!!

I've always dreamed of having a greenhouse. Well, this year my dream has become a reality; my husband has built me a greenhouse and I'm thrilled!

Here's a picture I took of the main materials he used to build the greenhouse. It was hard to believe in only a few short days, these simple items would be my greenhouse!

Greenhouse materials

We researched building a greenhouse and looked at many different plans on the internet. In the end, my husband created his own design. Here he is building the frame using PVC piping.

Building the greenhouse frame

The plastic went on in two sections over the top.

Adding the plastic to the greenhouse

He pounded rivets into the plastic to create loops, then he attached the plastic to the PVC pipe using ties.

Attaching the plastic to the greenhouse frame

After the plastic over the top was done, all that was left was adding the side flaps. Even without the side flaps, the ground under the greenhouse was already starting to thaw!

Plastic over the top of the greenhouse

As of today, the greenhouse isn't quite done, he still has to put a few finishing touches on it. It's supposed to be sunny and in the 40s over the next few days. I'm hoping the ground will thaw this week and I might be able to start direct sowing as early as next weekend. Unbelievable!

Greenhouse

I plan to spread straw and leaves this weekend to help keep the weeds down. I can't believe I'll already be working in the garden in February!!

The only problem I see so far is that I haven't figured out how I'll water in there. I can't turn on the outdoor water for few more months. I guess I'll have to get used to hauling buckets of water. I thought about putting some small holes in the top of the greenhouse to let the water in. Does anyone have any advice?

I'm so excited about my greenhouse!! I am really going to get a jump on the vegetable garden this year. Hopefully, that means spring won't be so busy for me.

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Winter Sowing Status Report #2

The weather here in Minnesota actually feels like winter lately. Plus, the large envelope of seeds I was waiting for came this week, so I was able to get more winter sowing done!

Here's what I started this week...

Filling containers

• Turnip purple top
• Arikara sunflower
• Greek radish
• Radish mix
• Anise hyssop
• Peppermint
• Brussels sprouts
• Sage 
• Salsify
• Mustard red frills
• Calendula 'radio extra'
• Petunia mix
• Snapdragon mix
• Datura
• Orange poppy
• Marigold french mix
• Morning glory
• Lavatera blushing beauty

That's 19 more containers for me, with a total of  32 for the season so far. 

The running total of containers sown BY YOU so far is: 
343

You guys are awesome!!


Don't forget to sign up for the next drawing for a chance to win free seeds! Keep those numbers coming because every time you post your latest container count, you will be entered in the contest to win. And, if you're blogging about your winter sowing, share the links to your posts here. Each blog post counts for one entry into the contest too!

There are several other ways you can win (even if you're not winter sowing) -- read this blog post for more details... Free Seed Giveaway 

Winter sown containers

In case you missed it, here's a link to my previous winter sowing status report:

Winter Sowing Status Report #1


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Houseplant pests series part 5: Whiteflies

Last winter, I started a blog series about common houseplant pests. So far, I have written about soil gnats, spider mites, mealybugs and aphids. Today I'm going to talk about whiteflies.

Whiteflies are easy to identify, the adults will fly around when the leaves of the infested plant are disturbed.

Whitefly adults and eggs on underside of leaf

You probably won't even notice the infestation until you disturb the plant, and start choking on a cloud of tiny white bugs. 

<cough, cough>

Whiteflies lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves.

Flip a leaf over and take a close look; the eggs, nymphs and adults are easy to see.

In this picture, you can see the light round circles that dot the leaf (eggs/nymphs), along with the adults (click to enlarge).
 
Whiteflies are usually only a problem on ornamental or tropical plants. I have only had whitefly infestations on my plumeria and my hibiscus plants. They can also be a problem on fruit and vegetable plants, and seedlings.

There are three stages in a the whitefly life cycle; egg, nymph and adult. The full life cycle takes a couple months.

Whiteflies harm the plant by sucking the juices out of the leaves and buds. This feeding occurs during both the nymph and adult stages.

Unfortunately, the nymph form of this pest causes the most damage to the plant. So, by the time you notice the adults, there's already been major damage to the leaves.

Heavy infestations can cause severe damage to the plant. If left untreated, whiteflies will eventually kill the plant. It would take a long time for them to kill a large plant, this is more of a concern on small or weak plants and seedlings.

Where do whiteflies come from? More than likely, they were brought into the house on a newly purchased plant, or from putting a houseplant outside during the summer. They could also easily come through window screens, since they are so small.

Whiteflies on hibiscus leaf

As with any houseplant pest infestation, once you discover whiteflies, you'll want to take action immediately.

In my experience, the easiest and quickest way to get rid of whiteflies is by using a systemic insecticide. The systemic will take a week or so to start working, and the whiteflies will be eliminated. However, like many pests, whiteflies can become immune to pesticides if they are used too often.

There are several ways to control whitefly infestations with organic methods, but you have to be diligent. Whiteflies are difficult to get rid of, especially if you have several houseplants.

Here are some organic ways to control whitefly infestations...

• Use a solution of soapy water and spray it on the leaves of your infested plant (I use 1 tsp of Ivory dish soap per 1 liter of water). If the plant is small enough, bring it to the sink or shower and wash the leaves with this soap and water solution. You can also use rubbing alcohol mixed with water (50/50) to spray on the pests.

Soap and water solution for houseplant pests

• Keep in mind that soap or rubbing alcohol can damage the plant, so it's best to spot check it before using these solutions on the entire plant. 

• Trim heavily infested leaves from the plant and throw them in the garbage (outside the house).

• These homemade sprays have no residual effect, and must be sprayed directly on the pests to be effective. You have to be diligent and spray the plant every couple of days. When you no longer see signs of the whitefly, you can go down to inspecting the plant every week or so for signs of reinfestation.

• Be sure to focus your spray on the undersides of the leaves, this is where whiteflies lay their eggs. These treatments will only be effective on the eggs and nymphs, the adults will fly away from the spray.

• 

  Yellow sticky trap to capture adult whiteflies

  To control the adult population, you can use a yellow sticky trap to catch them. Hang the sticky trap from the top branches of the plant, near the infested area.

• In very heavy infestations, you can use a vacuum to capture the adults as they fly from the plant, but be careful not to suck up your plants leaves in the process. 

• Don't forget to inspect plants that are near the infested plants. Whitefly adults can fly and start laying their eggs on other plants, especially when you start treating the infested plant. Continue to monitor other plants in the area until the infestation is gone.

Pest infestations on houseplants are no fun. Whiteflies are one of the most difficult houseplant pests to eliminate, but it's not impossible. Persistence will pay off. For general pest control and prevention tips, read my Pesty Pests blog post.

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Plants in Mexico

We took a trip to Mexico a few weeks ago, and it was paradise. As usual, I was drooling over the plants; amazed by the sheer size of what I call "houseplants" here in Minnesota (my houseplants are pathetic compared to these beauties).

Here are some pictures I took during my trip...

This first picture is of several types of philodendrons growing up some trees. The philodendrons look to be almost invasive, they were so lush and healthy. The trees were really cool too, they had what looked like roots growing from the branches.

Here's a closer look at those roots hanging from the branches...

I took this picture of an aloe because I thought the planter was cool.

Plus, check out that awesome cactus behind the aloe.

Wow, I can't imagine being able to grow these plants in the garden.

This next one is another philodendron growing up a tree trunk. Wow, I found this one especially amazing because the leaves were HUGE! Some of them were at least a foot long!

Talk about huge, check out this croton, are you kidding me?!? This thing was 5' tall and gorgeous.

But what I saw next made me gasp (and my husband asked me what's wrong!). These next two pictures are something I have never seen before - epiphillium cactus' growing on trees!!

I know this is their natural habit, but I have never seen it in person.

I was so excited, I took several pictures.

I'm sure people walking on the street were wondering why I was taking pictures of the tops of trees.











This last one is a picture of what looks to be a variegated yucca plant. It looks just like the one I have growing in my zone 4 garden... well, except that this one is about 10 times the size of mine.

Oh, and just to torture you (and me because I'm back in frozen MN), here's a picture of the beach...

It almost hurts your eyes to look at.

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Free Seed Giveaway #1: The Winner Is...

Thanks again to all of you who participated in this round of the free seeds giveaway! I'm excited to see so many winter sowers this year.

It's only the first round and the number of containers sown by all of us so far is already up to 356

WOOHOO!

Free seeds!

Ok, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. The winner of the first seed giveaway drawing is...

Random.org

Raven (Jennifer) 

Congratulations!!!

(Jennifer - I don't think I have your email address, so please email me when you see this (my email address is in the right sidebar, just under the slideshow towards the top)).



If you didn't win this time, don't worry, I'll be doing at least 4 more drawings over the next several weeks. The entries start over between each drawing, so be sure to keep those winter sowing numbers and blog post entries coming!


**Don't forget, there are several ways you can enter to win the free seeds. You can win whether you're winter sowing or not. Read about the details of this contest in my free seeds contest post. All of your container counts and blog entries posted now through the next drawing date (TBD, I'll announce it soon) will count!**

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Winter Sowing Status Report #1

The winter sowing season is in full swing, and I've finally had a chance to get started! I spent most of my time cleaning and preparing containers, and sorting my seeds. Whew.

Now that I've gotten everything organized, I should be able to get the rest of my containers sown in no time. This week, I sowed 13 containers, here's the list...

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Kohlrabi
• Carrot Danvers
• Carrot
• White Carrot
• Cilantro
• Endive
• Rutabaga American
• Dill
• Lettuce
• GA Collards
• Mammoth Sunflower

As you can see, I like to start by sowing the cold weather vegetables first. I plan to do the hardy annuals and perennials next. Then as we get closer to spring, I will be moving on to the warm weather vegetables and annuals.

Free Seed prize sent to one of the lucky winners last year

I am excited that so many of you have entered the contest for free seeds so far! I love seeing all of the winter sowers out there and hearing about your experiences. The total number of containers sown by YOU so far is an even...
300 

WOW, that's fantastic! On top of that, one participant shared a blog post he wrote about winter sowing, thanks Tom! Here is Tom's blog post...  Tom's Garden: Winter Sowing

This is so much fun!! Ok, I will give you through the weekend to get your container counts in before the first drawing for free seeds. You have until midnight CST on Sunday February 5th to enter your name for the first drawing (you can post your counts/entries in the comments below). I will choose a winner via random.org and announce the winner on Monday.

Keep those blog posts and container counts coming! I will have at least 5 drawings over the next few months. There are several ways you can win (even if you're not winter sowing) -- read this blog post for more details... Free Seed Giveaway

I'm waiting on a large envelope of seeds to come in the mail, so I won't get much more sown before that comes. Hopefully it will come in time for the weekend!!

Here's a linky for you to share your winter sowing blog post with us...




Oh, and if you're in zone 4, be sure to head on over to the winter sowing forum on the GardenWeb to post your container count!! There's a friendly zone war going, and zone 4 is WAY behind! (Ok, Ok - anyone in any zone can post their counts there too, I'm just cheering for z4! lol)

Photo Credit: The photo of the seed prize was taken by Michele @ Mother of Pearls & an Emerald.

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Succulent Propagation During The Winter

Succulents are extremely easy to propagate in the summer. All you have to do is stick the cutting in dirt and walk away. It's so easy that sometimes they don't even need your help; leaves that fall from the plant will root themselves.

Succulent plant

But during the winter, it's a different story. This time of year succulents are in a dormant state, and getting them to root is much more challenging.

Well, I recently discovered a way to root succulent cuttings during the winter - and it was completely by accident. Here's how it happened.

Succulents on window ledge

As you can see, I have this wonderful ledge next to my south facing window where my succulent collection lives during the winter. A while back, I found a leaf that had fallen off one of these succulents. To my surprise, this leaf had roots and new growth!

Rooted succulent leaf cutting

When the leaf fell from the plant, it landed on the adjacent window frame.

It's a cold but sunny spot, where the leaf received moisture from condensation on the window.

I was intrigued, I wanted to see if this was a fluke or something that would work all the time.

Propagated succulent leaf cuttings

So I took a few more pieces that had fallen off various plants and put them on the window frame.

Sure enough, they all rooted too.

After a few weeks, these succulent leafs started to put on new growth and the roots became fuller.

Woohoo!! This is going to be my new method for propagating succulents during the winter.


If you find it difficult to propagate succulents during the winter, give this method a try. If it works for you, stop back and let me know.

Rooting succulents on window frame

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