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Flavorful garlic is a nearly fool-proof fall crop for the adventurous gardener. Join us to learn which types of garlic grow best in Michigan and how to grow plump and flavorful bulbs that will store all winter. We will also learn how to use this healthy herb in yummy recipes! Garlic is LTPL Grow's "Herb of the Month", and attendees will be automatically signed up for kits and eligible to pick up their kit at the program.
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Ed Blondin takes you on an exploration of the Western world’s original herbal healers. Starting 6ooo years ago in ancient Sumeria, these healers took on the many roles that lay the foundation of modern medicine. We will explore the stereotypes of the Witch/Healer and how those figures drove economics, religion, health care and American pop culture into the 21st century. Ed Blondin is the owner of Hortulus Gardens & Landscape, a niche garden design company serving the needs of clients in S. E. Michigan. When not in a garden, Ed is exploring the history of gardens throughout the millennia. His lectures offer humorous and historical perspectives on gardening and how these garden traditions have molded our western social ‘norms’ and, of course, our modern garden aesthetic!
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Tuesday, November 1, 6:30pm
Learn about the wonderful world of succulents and how to care for them in your home. After the presentation, you will make a succulent dish garden of your own. Containers, soil, plants, and decorations will be provided. No experience necessary! Limit one dish garden per registration.
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The LTPL Seed Library is well-stocked with fast-growing seeds for greens for planting in October! The mission of the seed library is to promote gardening and encourage sustainability through seed saving. The seeds are available at no cost to you. Although it is not required, we hope that you will attempt to save seeds from your crops and return them to the seed library to help keep it self-sustaining. First time users of the Seed Library need to register. You may do so with this form or in-person at the seed library. Once you have registered, you log your initials and number of packets taken on the clipboard. The clipboard and instructions are on top of the Seed Library cabinet. Gardening handouts are available at the Seed Library and also on the LTPL Grows Webpage, along with plenty of informative and entertaining videos!
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This October: - Continue garden clean-up, moving spent plants and weeds into the compost area as long as they are disease free. Remove seed heads of weeds to minimize weeds in future years. Plant material will continue to break down over the winter, albeit more slowly, with the help of microorganisms and the freeze/thaw cycle.
- As long as weather allows, keep working compost and shredded leaves into bare spots in the garden.
- In early October you still have time to direct-sow seeds for the hardiest fall greens such as spinach and mustard. Even though these crops are frost hardy, prepare to cover them if frost threatens. Frost won’t kill them, but it will signal to the plants that it is time to stop actively growing.
- In early October, there is still time to sow a cover crop of Winter Rye in your garden. Cover crops prevent erosion and add organic matter to your soil. Winter Rye germinates quickly and lies dormant over the winter. When it re-grows in early spring, turn it under when it gets just a few inches tall and is still soft. It will break down in time to plant summer crops. Allowing it to grow taller than 6" makes it difficult to deal with, even with a rototiller. Want to give Winter Rye a try? Samples are available in the seed library.
- If you haven't finished planting your spring bulbs, do it now! The weather is unpredictable at this time of year and the ground can freeze quickly during a cold snap.
- Continue to gather seeds from the garden, landscape and wild areas. Dry them well before packaging and remember to label the packets! Information and online resources for saving seed can be found on the LTPL website.
Find additional resources to get started here:
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For 35 years, Fine Gardening has been the go-to magazine for garden design, new releases, and regional guides. Ornamental plants, bushes, and trees are the mainstay of this magazine, with seasonal gardening advice for vegetables and herbs as well. Available in print at the library.
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The focus of Acres USA is on producing crops using organic and regenerative farming techniques. With an emphasis on the future health of our soil and our planet, the information is illuminating and applicable to all levels of farming and gardening. Available in print at the library.
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Since 1970, Mother Earth News has been dispensing information and advice to gardeners, homesteaders, and do-it-yourselfers. Available in print at the library, or by digital download from Libby
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Find more information on LTPL Grows and other resources!
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Visit and "like" for gardening news, tips and upcoming events.
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