December 2023

December 11, 2023 - Winter prep

Part of gardening is removing dead or diseased plants (a process called deadheading) to make space for new life.  We removed the remains of the summer season's zucchini plant, green beans and pumpkins yesterday.  The kids will miss the zucchini plant the most as it was very productive.  This Saturday, 12/16, we will be laying out cardboard and mulching. Please come help us out!  Here's the schedule for the rest of December.

December 4, 2023 - Lasagna gardening

It's a new month!  We followed the lasagna planting technique using bulbs today.  This technique allows us to maximize use of the planters as the top layer of hyacinths and daffodils will bloom in the late winter or early Spring while the lower layer of tulip and lager hyacinth bulbs will bloom in the mid-late Spring. 

Just like the layers in lasagna that we eat, bulbs were planted in layers within pots. Layering the first layer with newspaper, sticks and dry leaves.  We didn't have any rocks, so we improvised with what we had.  This first layer will help prevent root rot.  The next layer included soil and vermiculite.  Then we placed 5 bulbs in the pot (either tulips or hyacinths).  Then another layer of soil and vermiculite followed by a layer of bulbs and soil + vermiculite mix. 

We're hoping the flowers bloom as beautifully as what's on the package in the spring!  Look for these placed against the wall in the Butterfly Garden.