January 2024 Newsletter

Our next meeting is Saturday, January 14th, 2023 at Volunteer Park Conservatory at 10 am.

We meet in the Sharon Priebe Education Wing behind the main conservatory building.  Hope to see you all there.

Even though it may be cold outside and you might feel like cozying up to a warm fireplace, there’s lots to do in the greenhouse in January!

In January it’s time to:

1) Clean and prepare your cutting beds;

2) replenish your starting supplies;

3) Get your stools growing and producing shoots for cuttings; and

4) Establish your 2024 growing plan including the varietals and quantities you plan to grow. If you need some inspiration take a look at the main page of the ECA website – www.ecamumclub.org.  There you will find a link to a list of most of the varietals grown by ECA club members.

We all have our favorites and those that are reliable producers however, I encourage you to try something new.  When making your growing plan, don’t hesitate to ask for help.  We have many experienced growers willing to assist.

As you are bringing your plant stools out of dormancy you may find that you will have some non-producers.  If you fear you have lost specific varieties pass that information along to our membership via email or at the meeting.  Sharing this information will prompt others to start more cuttings and help replace your lost stock.

FROST AND FREEZE PROTECTION: During this time of year frost, ice and rain protection strategies should be in place. The stools will probably survive one or two frosty days in a row, however a 3rd frost might likely kill many of the stools. Protecting stools from rain (keeping the plants dry) promotes necessary semi-dormancy.  When stools are wet there is a much higher risk of frost kill.  Additionally a hard frost will often break clay pots in half because the wet media expands when it freezes.
The stools should be kept in this semi dormant period until 20-30 days before you wish to take cuttings. To wake them up and promote shoot growth feed moderately with a high nitrogen fertilizer such as our mid-season fertilizer (20-10-20) or Miracle Gro.

M&R soil less mix

Plant tags

Twist ems

Early Season Fertilizer

B9

We look forward to your participation.  Bring your labeled and stools that have shoot stock – there will be pizza and salad for lunch

      Saturday, August 10, 2024        10 am – Noon – Annual picnic

      Saturday, November 16, 2024   ECA annual appreciation dinner and banquet – time and location to be announced later

      Saturday, December 14, 2024       10 am – Noon – Cultural discussion focus – Caring for your plant stools