White Squirrel Garden

21/01/2026

21/01/2026

The MU Soil & Plant Testing Lab is excited to announce a new, faster, and more affordable soil testing method! For just $15 per sample, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of your soil’s nutrient health.

With results typically returned in about three days and a broader range of nutrients analyzed, you can make smarter decisions about fertilizer and lime, save money and improve crop and garden performance.

The Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory offers unbiased, research-based recommendations that promote economically viable and environmentally responsible nutrient management.

Discover the advantages of soil testing and read about the services offered: https://brnw.ch/21wZfod

09/01/2026

🧄 Did you know not all garlic is the same? 🧄

Garlic is a kitchen staple around the world, but there are two main types—and they’re more different than you might think!

✨ Hardneck Garlic
• Has a hard central stem and large cloves in a single row
• Produces edible garlic scapes 🌱
• Bold, complex, slightly spicy flavor
• Stores for 3–6 months

✨ Softneck Garlic
• No central stem (soft and flexible)
• Smaller cloves in multiple layers
• Milder flavor
• Longer shelf life: 6–12 months
• Most commonly found in grocery stores

Whether you prefer bold and spicy or mild and long-lasting, there’s a garlic for every kitchen! 🧄

08/01/2026

What is winter sowing?

Winter sowing is an easy, inexpensive method for starting cold-hardy seeds outdoors in recycled plastic containers (like milk jugs) during winter, mimicking natural conditions to provide the cold stratification some seeds need, eliminating the need for grow lights, heat mats, and indoor space, resulting in strong, naturally hardened-off seedlings that sprout when conditions are right in spring.

07/01/2026

🌱 Strong Plants Start with Good Soil! 🌱

When starting seeds, soil matters more than you think. Good soil provides the right balance of moisture, air, and gentle nutrients, helping seeds germinate faster and grow strong roots. Poor soil can lead to weak seedlings, disease, or failure to sprout at all.

Start with quality soil and you’ll set your plants up for success from day one!

I recommend Fox Farm’s Happy Frog potting soil. Compared with generic blends that may be mostly peat and fillers, Happy Frog’s formula focuses on soil life and plant nutrition, helping plants establish stronger roots and grow more effectively. The only down side is the cost, but definitely worth it.

⚠️ No matter what soil you choose to start your seeds in, never plant seeds in dry soil. Your soil should be thoroughly moistened before planting—think damp sponge, not dripping wet.

06/01/2026

Hi, I’m Amber 🌱

In September 2024, I set out on a mission to bring a community garden to my town after the sudden loss of our only grocery store. With that loss came a huge gap in access to fresh produce, and I knew I wanted to help fill it.

I had the knowledge to grow food—but not the space. So I went to my town and asked for help. They said yes, and by spring we had a place to grow.

Year one began with a 16x40 plot on raw land, no running water, and plenty of challenges. A wet spring followed by a dry summer made it a tough first season, and the garden definitely struggled at times. But out of that challenge came something beautiful—a large produce blessing stand where local gardeners could donate their extra harvest and give back to the community.

Year one wasn’t easy, but it was meaningful. And if it taught us anything, it’s that year two will only be better 💚🌿

06/01/2026

Last Frost Dates vs. Growing Zones — Know the Difference

Both growing zones and frost dates are important, but they’re used for different reasons.

We are in Growing Zone 7a, with an average last frost date around April 20 and a first frost date around October 20.

What does Zone 7a mean?
Growing Zone 7a means our average annual extreme minimum winter temperature falls between 0°F and 5°F. This information is most useful for plants that come back year after year—things like trees, bushes, berries, and perennial flowers.

Why frost dates matter?
Frost dates are more important for plants you grow fresh each year, such as tomatoes, squash, beans, and other annuals.

⚠️ Important reminder:

Just because the last frost date is around April 20 does NOT mean you should plant your garden that day. Always check the overnight low temperatures before planting outdoors. Cold nights can still damage or kill tender plants even after the average frost date has passed.

Knowing both your growing zone and your frost dates will help you garden smarter and avoid setbacks!

02/01/2026

Time to start planning for seed starting!