Giancarla Kalpas leads us through how to get some plants started over winter!

Plants native to New England have evolved with our climate. Many native plants require a period of alternating freezing and thawing to unlock germination.

During this workshop you will learn how to make miniature greenhouses using translucent gallon jugs, we will plant seeds in them and when you take them home you will place them outside exposed to the winter weather. Planting in this way protects the seeds and seedlings from animals and prevents weeds. When the plants have germinated you will transplant seedlings in your garden.

Please bring a couple of empty and cleaned translucent water or milk jugs (gallon size). We will have a few extra gallon jugs available for people who might need them.

If you have any of these items please bring them.

· Cordless drill with a ¼ in. bit

· Sharp scissors

· Utility knife/box cutter

· Empty yogurt containers or other plastic dairy products containers for making labels

· Old wash cloth/small towel to wipe spills as we work

· A box to carry your “greenhouses” home

Label all shared materials with your name.

Most folks don’t use garden gloves but bring them if you wish.

Potting soil and seeds will be provided, as well as duct tape and plant labels markers.

Seeds have been collected at the Pollination Preservation Garden at Sunny Meadow Farm and provide pollen and nectar for at risk bees and food for butterflies.