Propagating your own plants is both fun and challenging. It is more fun with the right tools, but they don't have to be expensive. During this hour long workshop, I'll show you how to build your own propagation tray for almost FREE. Who doesn't like free. To get the most out of the hour collect some supplies so we can build a propagation tray together. What you will need: A 1 gallon container. It can be a liquid laundry detergent jug, a vinegar jug, an ice cream bucket. It should be completely cleaned before we start. Soap residue or bleach residue will kill the plants. A Drill and fairly large drill bit is best. You will need some way to make a hole. A small bit of screening or open mesh cloth. Sharp sand. It could be listed as builders sand or play sand. Un-treated water. Filtered water, rain water, bottled water. I prefer rain water if I can get it. We will be playing with the propagation trays on November 22. Just in time to create beautiful plants for the gift giving season.

This has been a challenging year in the outside garden. One of the biggest challenges that everyone in this area is having is with stubborn tomatoes. They are setting fruit. They look beautiful. They refuse to ripen. In over 35 years of gardening, I have never seen this. So a bit of digging on the extension service websites gave the answer. Yes, it is the weather. The Guilty Party: The Heat. Tomatoes need temperatures between 65* F and 85* F to develop right The Process: Between 65* F and 85* F, tomatoes develop lycopene and carotene. Two nutrients that make tomatoes so healthy, but they are also required for ripening. The Environmental Mask: In most years this is not a problem because the temperature spikes and comes back to normal or dips and comes back to normal. This year it did not do that. The Solution: This is the hard one, because there are no easy solutions. Start by growing varieties that tolerate your most likely extreme conditions. Keep the soil cool with organic mulch. Give the tomatoes light afternoon shade if needed. We are enjoying the green tomatoes. For the full story, check out the article in the Stump Auntie Vicky section of the classroom. https://www.skool.com/delectable-tiny-gardens-4555/classroom/ab5c3d49?md=2f39a17a575a45859ca16d8ffd16eda3

I'm getting them posted. I have just added Lemon Grass to the herb profiles to go along with chives, sage, calendula, and more. The complete plant is for 52 practical plants for small spaces. Each of the plants profiled can be grown in a container. They are all suited for tiny garden spaces. To find the herbs, vegetables, and fruits that are best for you, you can start with the characteristics charts at the beginning of each Plant Profile section in the classroom. What is your favorite plant to grow?

I love sage. It is one of my favorite herbs to cook with. But it is also one of my favorite medicinal plants. I use sage in two of my custom tea blends that I create for myself. Misty Morning Tea is a blend that I have been making for decades. I love this blend of lemon balm, lavender, catnip, and sage. It is like a warm blanket and a warm hug on a cool misty day. A warm cup of herbal tea works its magic all through the whole body. What is your favorite tea or blend.

Welcome! I am glad you have joined us. To start your journey, take a minute to introduce yourself. Post in the comments: Your name or handle. What part of the world you are from and your growing zone and climate if you know it. A picture of where you want to grow plants or the plants you have now. What is your gardening goal? What would you like to get out of this movement? Next, Check out the Classroom. I will be filling it out as I go with useful good stuff. Check the Calendar for the next planned workshop Post in the contest section of the discussion: Stump Auntie Vicky (Check the Rules First)