Have you got plans to buy a bundle of pussy willows at seedy Saturday or a local market? Did you get a piece of curly willow in your Valentine's bouquet? Or maybe, like me, your neighbour gave you some really amazing raspberries or rose twigs after they finished winter pruning their plants?
If you have easily-rooted woody plants, you are set to grow from pieces and multiply them in your kitchen or greenhouse now. Read more HERE. PS The pink rose shown above is a Prairie Joy Rose - it is hard to find for sale but is easy to grow from cuttings found in a friend's garden. Keep your eyes out for pretty roses this summer and plan to take cuttings in June or next winter to grow some for yourself.
Chitting Potatoes
It's time to start chitting! And I mean that in the best possible way. If you have been growing your own potatoes you know what I am talking about. Take the potatoes out of storage and let them sprout in daylight.
Potatoes kept in the dark form long unwieldy sprouts. If yours have done that then the only thing you can do now is pull them out of the cupboard or storage area and break off all those long sprouts. Read more HERE.
Wake Up Your Greenhouse!
I am already planting peas in my greenhouse from leftover micro-greens I grew this winter. Yes, it's true. I didn't even start special peas for my greenhouse. I just used the plants I am growing and harvesting as micro-greens one more time by planting them in my greenhouse (and later outside garden.) What if I plant them too early and they die? No worries. They have already given me a ton of value so planting them out and having them survive is just a bonus.
I usually only leave peas for a month or two in my greenhouse because there are so many things I want to plant in my cozy space. By third week of March on Vancouver Island or by mid-April in Alberta I plant peas outside. Make sure to use micro-green seed that is dual purpose and will also work in your garden like Oregon Giant. Most "generic" micro-greens peas may simply be field peas and these are not tasty for summer harvests of fresh peas. PS I only grow Canadian organically produced peas.
Root pouch grow bags are made from 100% recycled water bottles. They are a permanent way to extend and expand your garden-growing area simply and easily. Root Pouch brand are BPA free and UV resistant so they are safe for growing food, will last for many years and are machine washable. They are also ideal for growing on top of tree roots without risk of root invasion. I offer you my favourite sizes: 15 gallon, 25 gallon and 65 gallon.
Order more than one and get free shipping (details online.)
March Book Giveaway!
When she was a tyke of maybe four, I was writing a book with her dad, Steven. Even then, Emma was very helpful. She had a warning for her dad and I: " Remember to tell people that pumpkins take a lot of room in the garden!"
Now Emma has her own book filled with her own child-based wisdom about gardening, and she is only 13.
This time the tables have turned. My excellent co-author Steven Biggs, is now the helper and his lovely daughter Emma, is the author. And her advice to me when she was four is still valid. So I am warning you - if you want to grow like a kid, for a kid or with a kid you need Emma's new book. Yes it's a kids gardening book for kids. So much fun! If you want a free copy, signed for you or a kid in your life, reply to this newsletter with Win Book in the subject line and the name of the kid you would like it signed for. The draw will be made March 8.
Facebook Live is Growing
Every Monday, rain or shine I am sitting in front of my computer at exactly 3 PM PST or 4 PM MST (or even later further east). I am sitting there because I am poised and ready to answer your garden questions on my Facebook Live show (like my channel and you will see when I am live and can easily join in.)
I love how gardener's are catching on to this free service and I have had messages all the way from Carbon, Alberta to Toledo, Ohio. It is just one more way I help gardeners grow. No soil left unturned. PS If you are not on Facebook you can watch the replays on my Youtube channel.
Pass on the gardening good news
Thanks for reading and sharing this newsletter. Once a month I share the gardening good news and if you have a friend who needs gardening information pass along this newsletter and suggest they sign up. It is free and easy to opt out later if you change your mind.
I am still developing my online classes based on your feedback and needs. I am also adding new products to my shop with prices from $2.00 - $359.00. Thanks for your time and take a peak at the shop HERE if you want to see my latest addition: really big root pouches for creating instant raised vegetable gardens. Helping gardeners grow and beginners blossom.
Donna
Do you need help from the "NO GUFF" Gardener?
Grow food FASTER. Start Living a HEALTHIER and HAPPIER life today!
