Stratifying Rudbeckia Seeds. 15 Jan 2024

 I like to start Rudbeckias early.  They usually need cold stratification.  

(The Eucalyptus will be in the next post.)

I label paper towels, using a sharpie.  Let it dry.  Then run water over the paper towel, squeeze it out so they are fairly damp but not dripping.  Sprinkle on the seeds.  This is a lot more than I'll know what to do with, if they all grow.

Fold it over twice, so seeds don't fall out.

Then place into labeled zipper sandwich bag.

I label the paper towel so I can place more than one variety into the bag, to reduce plastic use.

Schlumbergera Seedling Update. 15 Jan 2024.

 So far, so good.  I'm just keeping them under an LED desk lamp, very close.  Light is on about 12 hours daily.  At night they are covered with plastic.  I water them when dry, with a very dilute bloom food.

A few are growing their first true (tiny) cactus pads.

Rose and Blackberry Hardwood Cuttings. 20 Dec 2023.

 I stuck cuttings for some roses and blackberries into the soil in  two of the planters.

I cut pieces about the length of a pencil*, and slightly smaller diameter.  Trimmed off lower leaves (if any).  Stuck them 2/3 to 3/4 of their length, into the soil.  Covered the soil with degraded tree leaves from last year, to reduce weed germination.

I didn't use rooting hormone.  It usually isn't needed for this method of a lot of hardwood cuttings including most roses and blackberries.  It's OK if they don't grow.   I think most of them will grow just fine.

One rose is a climbing type.   The other is a No-ID antique type.  They are nice unlabeled varieties.

*For younger readers, a pencil was a device made of wood wrapped around a graphite core.  It was the size and shape of an i-pad stylus.  The user scratched it onto paper to write, which is sort of like typing but without a keypad.  Crazy!

Daffodills Emerging. 20 Dec 2023.

 The first of the daffodils have emerged.  

Only a few so far.  It seems early.  Daffodils are tough.  They can handle freezing weather.

Garlic Emerging. 20 Dec 2023.

 Almost of the garlic has emerged.

This is the German garlic.

This bed is Lorz (in front) and Music (in back).

There has been some slug predation of some, so I scattered more slug bait. 

Last year I grew it the same way.  They grew fantastically well.  I will try not to be too concerned about slugs and freezes.

Now and then, I move some leaves so the garlic plants aren't buried.  I think it's birds who move it back.  It would be nice if the birds ate the slugs.