Peyton’s Potting Shed

12/08/2024

My native perennials don’t mind the freezing temps…

12/06/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15Er1NxDSk/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Absolutely!

11/29/2024

https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/28/climate/pawpaws-native-fruits-extreme-weather?cid=ios_app

With extreme weather devastating many of the conventional fruit crops people are used to eating, some farmers and gardeners are turning to climate-resilient native fruits.

11/08/2024

10/29/2024

Just a reminder, leave the leaves! 🍁 🍂🐝🪲🐞🦋🦎🐸🐿️

10/20/2024

Summer is long gone and the cooler mornings of Fall are upon us. Now is the time to be thinking about what plants need a procedure called "cold stratification" for seeds to germinate next year.

Many native perennial seeds require a period of cold dormancy, called cold stratification, in order to germinate in the Spring. Cold doesn't necessarily mean freezing but it means to be in a period where the seed can rest and prepare for the warmer temperature of the next season in order to germinate.

Keep in mind, many seeds need periods of cold stratification of either 4, 8 or 12 weeks and some, such as Magnolia trees can take 3-6 months! So plan accordingly if you are wanting to start seed in the spring from season's harvest.

Learn how to easily cold stratify perennial and native wildflower seeds to help with quick, uniform germination for spring planting.

10/18/2024

You've saved your seeds from this year's garden, now what do you do with them? The Farmer's Almanac has some great tips on how to save your seeds for next year.

Find out how to save your flower seeds to plant next year—it's so simple. Also, learn which annual flowers are best for seed-saving—from zinnias to sunflowers.

10/15/2024

When it comes to winter, we think or assume our flowers are set to "fend for themselves" and that they do not need regular watering. However, they may not need the structured watered like the hot months of summer, they do need periodic watering during the winter months, especially if they are dry.

If you have an outdoor perennial bed or small trees that you have started in the previous season, don't forget to give them a good drink of water if the precipitation has been on the light side for the season.

https://www.highcountrygardens.com/content/gardening/winter-watering

Your garden may be in need of some healthy watering in winter if you don't receive precipitation. Here are key tips to winter watering your garden.

10/12/2024

I have a sneaking suspicious that the first freeze is just around the corner. Preparing your native plants to assist in their return for spring is necessary if you want to help them thrive next year. Here are some great tips on how to winterize your native perennial beds.

https://www.americannativeplants.com/prepare-native-plants-winter-weather/

If you are like many homeowners, you put a great deal of time and effort into your home’s landscape. You have planted, weeded, and trimmed...

10/10/2024

Today is World Mental Health Day and what a great day to be reminded of the wonderful benefits gardening can have on our mental health. This great article shares the many reasons why gardening is a positive influence on our mental health.

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/dig-into-the-benefits-of-gardening

Digging in the dirt and growing your own food can improve your physical and mental health. Get tips before starting a garden.

10/08/2024

Now is the time to collect and store seeds from your 2024 garden to prepare for Spring of 2025. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for next year's beautiful garden!

https://libguides.nybg.org/collectingstoringseeds

Research Guides: Collecting and Storing Seeds: Home

10/06/2024

I am currently harvesting and preparing milkweed seed this week. If anyone is interested in milkweed seed, please send a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) to 414 Merchant St. Oswego KS 67356.

Please specify butterfly-orange (asclepias tuberosa) swamp (Asclepias syriaca) or swamp-pink (Asclepias incarnata). Just remember, butterfly does not need stratification, but common and swamp does.

09/29/2024

My New England Aster has decided to bloom for me. My first year growing Aster from seed. I have willow, sky blue, aromatic and New England.

09/26/2024

When the Showy Goldenrod shows up to the garden party! 😍

09/21/2024

As Summer begins to fade and Fall begins to get closer, this is just a reminder to leave the stems from spent flowers in your flower beds. Many species of insects use them for shelter during the winter and the birds appreciate the feast of seeds from the dried seed heads.

Photo by Daniel Zurnau on Unsplash

09/19/2024

My flower garden a few years ago… the spring version…❤️

09/19/2024

My flower garden from a few years ago…❤️ The summer/fall months…

09/17/2024

Fall is just around the corner and the first frost is predicted in the next few weeks, so mulching our flowers should be on our minds.

One of the best mulches you can use for your bed is mulched leaves, You don't even have to mulch them, you can simply rake them over the stems of your wildflowers to provide a nice winter blanket of protection for them!

https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/using-fallen-leaves-for-mulch-good-or-bad.71638/

Photo by Greg Shield on Unsplash