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"Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world." - Ada Louise Huxtable |
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CanningIn-Person Monday, July 17, 2023 at 6:30pm Join us as we learn about preserving food by canning using the most up-to-date methods. We will discuss both pressure canning and water-bath canning and how to decide which method to use. Safety, equipment, and recipes will be discussed. There will be a question and answer period following the demonstration, and experienced preservers will have an opportunity to add to the conversation if they so desire. Everyone will leave with an informative handout. |
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In-Person Monday, August 7, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Join Karen Golden and Pam Quackenbush to learn about preserving fruits and vegetables using the ancient method of fermentation. From sauerkraut to hot sauce, if you can grow it, you can probably ferment it! Observe hands-on demonstrations using different equipment and methods to create delightful ferments that are so good for your belly. There will be a question and answer period following the demonstration, and experienced fermenters will have an opportunity to add to the conversation if they so desire. Everyone will leave with an informative handout. |
It's July!
July is the "overlap month" time where we are beginning to harvest our warm weather crops, succession-planting quick crops, and beginning to think about planning our fall gardens. Visit LTPL's seed library for a great selection of free seeds!
Click Here for a seed-starting timetable for our area. One Seed, One State: This year the MI Seed Library Network has chosen 'Grand Rapids' lettuce as the seed that will be distributed through seed libraries all over Michigan! Visit LTPL for your One Seed, One State seeds. |
 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 informative videos! |
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In July: - Continue to succession-plant fast-growing crops that will produce before frost. This includes carrots, beets, chard, bush snap beans, summer squash and cucumbers.
- Remove spent crops, clean the area, and add compost to rejuvenate the soil for the next crop. Plant a cover crop if you are done gardening in that spot for this year.
- Start seeds indoors for cool-weather fall crops, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
- Iris flowering has finished, and July is the time to divide and transplant iris rhizomes. Replant just below the soil surface. Share extras with your friends!
- Check frequently for weeds that will be taking resources from your garden plants. Pull them when young and compost them to return those resources to the soil.
- Monitor for insect and animal damage. Plastic owls might prove helpful in deterring groundhogs, squirrels, and rabbits. Be sure to move them about the garden so the animals don't catch on.
- Visit the LTPL Seed library and check for seeds you might need.
- Information and online resources for starting and saving seed can be found on the LTPL website.
Click Here for a seed-starting timetable for our area
Find additional resources for seed saving here:
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Horticulture Magazine Back at LTPL by popular demand! This bi-monthly publication is filled with regional growing advice and beautiful photographs, and is the best gardening magazine for keeping up with new varieties and garden trends. Also available in Digital Format through Libby! |
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Michigan Gardener Magazine will only be published once May 2023. The library still has a limited supply of this issue, so visit and get yours while they last. Visit the Michigan Gardener website for their newsletters, both past and present and browse through digital back issues of the print magazine.
Click here to view their current e-newsletter |
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Find more information on LTPL Grows and other resources! |
Visit and "like" for gardening news, tips and upcoming events. |
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