Ferns

I love the fiddlehead ferns and have always wanted them in my yard and low and behold I just came across a pack of 8 ostrich fern bulbs at Three Bears !  I thought  they looked the same so I did some research when I got home to find out they are the same fern, just known by two names.  So, I am going to try my luck with these bulbs this year.  I know I seen alot of you had them in your yards so I know it should grow, Im just not sure where to plant them.  I have an empty spot on the shady side of the house and according to planting directions it suggests a full to partial shade but yet I know I ve seen them grow in sunny spots too, so maybe I will try both sides of the house and see how it goes.

Spring is coming !!

gardening journals

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone keeps a garden journal ?  I keep a very simple one and of course at this time of year is when you are reviewing it to see what you had planned for this year.  I have only kept mine now for the past 10 years or so but its always interesting to see what Ive tried in the past, what worked, what bombed, what I wanted to try differently etc.  For instance I had forgotten already that last year I promised myself not so many tomato plants this year.  Mainly because I want more greenhouse room this year for some things I experimented with last year that went really well.  Now, if only they will do as good the second year we will see, ha ha

I track the types of seeds, when I plant, when I am able to move to the greenhouse, since mine is unheated, and what I might try different the following year.  I have seen some pretty detailed journals but I just track the basics for myself, anyone else have ideas?

pumpkins !

Karla you had asked about my pumpkins and so I thought Id post a pic of my baby plants.  These are just a couple weeks old and Im hoping to get some bigger pumpkins this year.

By the way, my other pumpkin I talked about that was still going strong from last years crop, finally had to go, it got soft and was starting to rot out on the bottom.  Still, it survived all winter until March !

change in my plans

Hi all, due to unexpected change in my work hours I wont be able to attend the next couple of meetings.  I will follow what you are doing thru the blog and emails you want to send.  I hope to rejoin you guys soon, so in the mean time, happy gardening !

By the way, if someone else would like to take over admin of the blog since I wont be at the meetings please let me know so we can get that changed.

Debbie

Hello Tok Gardeners,

Our next meeting will be Tuesday March 20th. We will collectively share our successess and ideas to kick start the upcoming season. Everyone should come with at least one thing to share.

Our April meeting is set for Tuesday April 24th. Our guest speaker will be Heidi Radar with the Cooperative Extension Service. She will address "Sustainable Gardening in Alaska" covering a variety of topics including soil amendments, composting, rasied beds, and gardening strategies for cool and wet summers.

All meetings will be held at the Tetlin Refuge Headquarters at 7 pm.

poinsettas ?

I usually dont have very good luck with poinsettas but this time mine is surviving.  I got one at holiday time and I still have red flowers on it at this time and it looks lively and healthy!!  As far as I know I have not done anything differently this year so Im wondering why its still doing ok and does anyone else have better luck with these plants that could offer suggestions?  I will do some reading on it today I guess but since I have never had one last this long Im not sure what to expect now as far as continued growth if any ?

Thanks !

Seed Tapes Made Easy~

Glad to see everyone at our first meeting of the 2012 season - eight folks in all. We welcome Marsha S., Karen H., Susan C. and Jim W. to the group. Special thanks to Jan for providing the supplies and instruction for making seed tape!

Our next meeting is on Tuesday March 20th where we share our gardening ideas and successes. Please be prepared to share one or two things that you've had previous success with or are excited to try this season.

Our April meeting will be on Tuesday the 24th with Heidi Radar presenting one of our topics of interest - stay tuned for details.

All meetings will be at 7 pm the Tetlin Refuge office.

Heather