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Keeping the Garden Spirit Alive During Winter:
My 5 Step Guide
By Liselotte Vince, CCEDC MGV
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Article Photos by Liselotte Vince | Winter is settling into my garden, and the routine cleanup is in full swing. The garden shed's spick and span, containers safely stored away, yet a few tasks linger on my winter agenda. I've mapped out my to-do list in chronological order because, truth be told, timing is everything, especially before the ground freezes. Ready to tackle a to-do list? We've got some gardening groundwork to cover before spring makes its entrance. | |
1. Soil Testing
Before the ground freezes, I use this opportunity to conduct a soil test. Testing my soil's composition and nutrient levels provides invaluable insights that guide my future gardening endeavors. At the local Cornell Cooperative Extension for Dutchess County in Millbrook, NY, I picked up an envelope containing all the instructions for testing my soil. A basic soil test costs about $25.00, but trust me, it's well worth the investment. Understanding my soil's needs now empowers me to add the necessary amendments before the growing season kicks off next year.
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2. Adding Compost and Mulch to Beds
Winter is my season to replenish and fortify my garden beds. Once I've received my soil test results, I will amend the soil with well-aged compost. Compost isn't just about enhancing soil structure—it's a powerhouse of essential nutrients for my plant's growth. After amending the soil, I make sure to generously mulch my beds. Mulch becomes the protective shield, conserving moisture, suppressing those pesky weeds, and regulating the soil temperature. This dual approach guarantees that my garden beds are all set and primed for spring.
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3. Taking Notes from the Previous Season
With the memories of the past growing season still fresh, I encourage you to take a reflective stroll through your garden. Jot down observations on what flourished and what struggled to find its footing. Pay attention to details like plant placement and sunlight exposure. Personally, I've accumulated quite a collection of plant photos on my phone (more than I'd care to admit). Surprisingly, these snapshots become a handy tool when memory falters. You see, I often convince myself that I'll remember everything, but reality has a different plan. Those pictures act as a visual timeline, helping me spot any gaps in my garden beds, identify plants ready for division in the spring, or figure out the perfect relocation for a sun-seeking friend.
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4. Tool TLC: Clean, Sharpen, and Oil for Optimal Performance
Your trusty gardening tools might be in need of a bit of attention. Admittedly, I have a habit of misplacing my pruners, only to stumble upon them days later showing subtle signs of rust. The shovels, veterans of a vigorous dahlia digging session, still carry the evidence in the form of caked-on soil. To remedy this, I kick off the maintenance routine by clearing off any dirt or lingering residue from my tools. Wooden handles really appreciate a good nourishing oil treatment. Pruners get a good cleaning and a trip to Reardon Briggs in Millbrook for some blade sharpening. Well-kept tools not only streamline gardening tasks but also contribute to the overall well-being of your plants.
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5. Seed Ordering:
As the holiday decorations find their way back into storage, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of those coveted seed catalogs in my mailbox. Armed with a cup of tea, I settle down by the fireplace, ready for a bit of what I like to call "gardener's window shopping." Each seed catalog unfolds before me like a menu of possibilities, although I must admit, it can be a tad overwhelming. Sure, I have my regulars – kale, tomatoes, peppers – the usual suspects that have become staples in my garden. But the real excitement kicks in when I start scouting for new additions, those plants I haven't grown before, just for the fun of it. Who knows, that experimental seed might turn into the star of my garden next season. And here's the tip: don't procrastinate on those orders. Seeds have a knack for flying off the shelves, and you want them in your hands well before the early spring sowing season kicks in.
|  | While the plants and growing beds are resting, there's still a lot to do to keep that gardening spirit alive during winter. While the soil test may not be as urgent, as it can also be done in the spring, it's a thoughtful step to consider for the next season's preparation. Taking notes from the fading season becomes a reflective activity, and ordering seeds brings a sense of anticipation for what's to come. Adding compost becomes a winter project to fortify the soil for the future, and cleaning and sharpening tools provide a fulfilling method to stay actively involved with the garden. All are ways I stay connected to my green space even when the plants are taking a break. |
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Lemon Verbena Sorbet, The Backstory
By Susan Kavy, CCEDC MGV
Article Photos by Susan Kavy
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Lemon Verbena Sorbet served as dessert | |
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I was embarrassed that in October’s Dutchess Dirt only the recipe for the most delicious lemon verbena sorbet appeared. How did I forget to write the backstory? Here it is now.
During the summer, Stonegate Farm, which we visited in 2018 on an MG field trip, has lovely summer garden dinners on Thursday evenings. Tory and I and some friends went to one of the wood-fired pizza dinners in July and had the most scrumptious food that came directly from the garden. No typical vegetables or fruit for Matthew Benson and Jill Rowe, owners of Stonegate Farm. An incredibly inviting watermelon radish and basil hummus made one want to eat more and more and try anything on the table. For your main course you can select one of the four choices of pizza, which change every week, and then, of course, dessert.
I thought nothing could outdo the dinner until I tasted the lemon verbena sorbet. I am not a huge fan of lemon but decided I should at least try the dessert. After a small bite I went to heaven. I hadn’t tasted something that delicious in many years. Without having to twist her arm, Jill Rowe gave me the recipe and I have been grateful ever since.
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Now a real problem raised its head because I had stopped growing lemon verbena and every MG I knew who grew it had also decided against growing it. They say, whoever they are, that every problem has a solution and that solution presented itself to me the following week. We went with some other friends for a tour of Churchtown Dairy in Hudson, NY, a biodynamic farm that generates medicinal remedies as well as raw milk, cheeses, eggs, and grass-fed beef. It was the medicinal herb farm that we toured with Jean-David Derreumaux, Head Medicinal Gardener. Every row of plants and herbs were 10’ x 50’. They use the plants and herbs to create an apothecary line and to sell to other apothecaries and perfumers for their products.
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Jean-David Derreumaux, Head Medicinal Gardener at Churchtown Dairy | |
Lo and behold, my need for fresh lemon verbena was answered. There was an entire row of it! Being the bashful person that I am, I told Jean-David about the dinner at Stonegate Farm and that I had stopped growing the wonderful aromatic herb. He told me I could cut as much as I wanted! My solution was right in front of me. So cut I did and at home made my first batch of lemon verbena sorbet. I served it to a group of folk who won an auction dinner at our home. They too thought they had died and gone to heaven. They couldn’t eat it fast enough, it’s that delicious.
Now I had a new conundrum. I wanted to make more. Naturally I thanked Jean-David for his generosity and he invited me to return and take as much lemon verbena as I wanted. Hallelujah!
I was able to make four more quarts of the sorbet and returned to Churchtown Dairy with a quart for the staff to try. They loved it too! No one who has tasted the sorbet has ever declined a scoop or two.
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The recipe is very easy but you will need an ice cream maker. You can always come over and use my ice cream maker. This is precisely what MG Gwen Davis did when we discovered she had a huge lemon verbena plant in her garden. We cut the plant down just before the frost, Gwen followed the recipe, and then came over to blend it in my ice cream maker. Yummy, yummy.
For those of you who don’t know, I make ice cream all the time. There are usually at least ten flavors in the freezer at any given time, so drop by, sit on the porch, and have a scoop or two of your favorite flavor/s.
| Salad served at Stonegate Farm dinner | |
Enjoying dinner at Stonegate Farm | |
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2024 Schedule
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January 5: Winter Tree & Shrub Pruning | 2023 First Friday Recap
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February 2: NYS Plant Regulations | Choosing Native Plants
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March 1: Changes to Home Garden Insecticide in NY| Tick Blitz
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April 5: Weed ID | Rats in Vegetable Gardens
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May 3: No-Mow May | What to do with Grass Clippings
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June 7: Tick & Mosquito Yard Treatments | Myth: Mosquito Repellent Plants
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July 5: Japanese Beetle Management | Aphid-Eating Insects
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August 2: Spotted Lanternfly Update | Box Tree Moth Update
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September 6: Back to School: Bed Bugs | Head Lice
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October 4: Identifying Pests in Your Home
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November 1: 2024 Tick Blitz Results | No Spray Needed
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December 6: Feed the Birds | Repurposing a Holiday Tree
Click to Register
If you want to rewatch one of our seminars you can find them in our youtube playlist.
Youtube playlist.
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Dutchess Land Conservancy
Saturday, December 2, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
at the Thompson Pond Preserve
261 Lake Road, Pine Plains
Becky Nesel "Geo Beck," a local geologist and science communicator, will lead us along the trails of Thompson Pond Preserve in Pine Plains to explore the geology of this unique landscape. Journey through time with Geo Beck as she leads us on an investigation of the ancient and complex tectonic history of Stissing Mountain through to the more recent glacial formation of Thompson Pond. Discover the tales told by this fascinating landscape whose story began a billion years ago.
Join us for a walk that will absolutely rock!
For more information: Geology Walk With Geo Beck
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SUBMIT UPCOMING EVENTS
Would you like information on an upcoming gardening event to be shared in this newsletter?
Please include the date, time, location, a short description, cost and contact information for more details.
Send an email to:
Francheska Kuilan at fk232@cornell.edu by the 20th of each month to be included in the next month’s newsletter.
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MASTER GARDENERS SPEAKERS BUREAU
Master Gardener Volunteers offer lectures on a wide array of subjects for gardeners.
Favorite topics include: Vegetable Gardening; Pollinator Gardens; Home Composting; Sustainable Gardening Best Practices; Gardening in Small Spaces; Deer Defense; Bulbs for All Seasons; Spotted Lanternfly; Jumping Worms, Putting the Garden to Bed in Fall; and Nature in Winter. Additional topics can be prepared to meet a particular group’s needs or interests.
The talks are 45 minutes in duration, followed by 10-15 minutes for questions from the group.
A fee of $75 per lecture (or 3 for $200) helps support our numerous community projects.
To arrange for a speaker and get more details on offerings, contact Francheska Kuilan at fk232@cornell.edu
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UPCOMING LIBRARY & GARDEN CLUB TALKS:
Note: We have a brand new presentation on 'Spongy Moths'. Let your local library know you are interested in hearing it and find out what you can do at home to help minimize the damage next year.
DECEMBER
Pleasant Valley Library
Tuesday, December 12 - Spongy Moth 6:00 - 8:00pm
Spongy Moths Seem to be Everywhere!
How we protect our trees from Spongy Moth damage directly relates to the lifecycle of this insect and the ecology of our landscapes including weather patterns. During this workshop we will discuss how to assess the severity of an infestation and how best to manage the eggs, caterpillars, and adult moths throughout the year. Working on developing your own management plan based on your infestation is key to preventing the loss of our beautiful trees. Learn what to do right now, best times to apply physical and chemical controls, and how to support nature's role in limiting Spongy moths. Presenters: Janice Novet and Mary Ellen Durkin
Coming up in January....
Pleasant Valley Library, Tuesday, January 23 - Native Seed Sowing 6:00 - 8:00pm
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Need Soil pH Testing? Need Lawn or Plant Diagnosis?
Have any gardening questions?
The Horticulture Hotline, (845) 677-5067 is now CLOSED for the season.
Hotline will reopen in April.
NEW!
Horticulture and Diagnostic questions can be emailed 365 days a year and 24/7 to:
CCEDC Horticulture Hotline & Lab
Include as much details of the issue as you can. See CCEDC Form for all details needed.
Photos should be included.
Please ensure it is well focused, shows whole/larger section of the plant and a closer view of the issue.
Please call before dropping off diagnostic samples at 845-677-8223
or
email fk232@cornell.edu to arrange a drop-off when the lab is open.
The CCEDC Lab is not staffed daily.
For more information, including required forms and a listing of our current service fees:
CCEDC Horticulture Diagnostic Clinic
Cornell University Diagnostic Services:
Gardening Information:
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Websites for Gardeners - many topics, including bees, nuisance wildlife, mushrooms, invasive plants, certified arborists and weed ID.
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Was your last heating bill higher than you expected?
There are ways to bring those costs down — let us help you.
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Was your last heating bill higher than you expected? There are ways to bring those costs down — let us help you. Visit the Regional Clean Energy Hub to learn more.
https://midhudsonenergychoices.org/
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#CCEresponds: 2023 Season of Giving
You are the reason that our organization has been able to play a pivotal role in community and economic development in Dutchess County for over 100 years. Your continued participation and support of CCEDC has made direct impact this year.
Together, we can lay the foundation for a successful year ahead, ensuring the lasting impact of our programs and our ability to navigate challenges while seizing new opportunities.
Will you join us now in making this happen?
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Websites mentioned in Dutchess Dirt are provided as a courtesy to our readers. Mention of these websites does not imply endorsement by Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension or by the author.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
The programs provided by this agency are partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess.
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