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Inside this issue: Page #:

New Master Gardener Enrollment Process 2-3

Master Gardener Christmas Party 4

Meeting at Hartman’s Greenhouse 5

Madison Bus Trip 6

Learn at Wimastergarderer.org 6

Seed Starting 7

New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners 8

Up Coming Events 9

Manitowoc Master Gardener Info 10

Master Gardener Volunteer Opportunities 11

Master Gardener Meeting Minutes 12-17

January 2020

On December 14th our annual Christmas party was held at Steve Lankton’s house. The

house was beautifully decorated. There was a great mix of pot luck dishes - way too

much food! A gift exchange was done with some really neat ideas for gifts.

Great food, good drink and much comradery. I think all the members agreed that Steve

should host again.

Thanks Steve!

Steve Lankton welcoming everyone to his home.

Page 2

Starting for 2020, Master Gardener Volunteers will be required to officially “enroll” in the program prior to volunteer-

ing. The enrollment procedure includes activating your account in the Online Reporting System, agreeing to the condi-

tions of volunteer service (you can view the forms, below), completing mandated reporter training, and successfully

passing the criminal background check.

Returning volunteers must acknowledge the new UW-Madison conditions of service and volunteer behavior expecta-

tions agreement. Criminal background checks will only need to be conducted if not on file and not expired.

Volunteers missing or with expired criminal background check will have a new one initiated by the state program office

during this period.

New interns will need to complete all aspects of the enrollment process, including the criminal background check and

mandated reporter training.

New interns will have their criminal background check initiated when your local coordinator creates your account in the

online reporting system.

We anticipate the enrollment process to begin on December 1, 2019. Starting then, you will not have access to your

account until all aspects of the enrollment process are completed. Upon enrollment, you will receive a Master Gardener

Volunteer position description for your records. Going forward, this will need to be repeated annually.

If you have not activated your account on-line, then you need to go to the following web address:

https://volunteers.wimastergardener.org/vms/mg_access_form/

You should get the following screen:

Once you have found your name and en-

tered your zip code, click on the Submit

button.

If you do not find your name in the list,

you may have already completed this

step. If that is the case, click on the

“LOGIN” link to access your account.

Master Gardener New Enrollment Process

Page 3

Once you have started the “first access” process, you will then be prompted to update your personal contact infor-

mation. Make sure your home address is correct, your county is correct and have a primary phone number listed. Any-

thing with a ‘*’ next to it is a required field.

Below the contact information your background check and Mandatory Reporter training status is shown:

If this information is incorrect, you will need to contact the local extension office to

have it changed.

After the contact information is the “Create User Credentials section. Here you will create a user name that you will

use for logging into your Master Gardener account online. If there is an email listed, make sure it is an active email

address that you regularly look at.

Below the contact information, are the “Program Agreements”. You will need to check each of the 3 boxes for Assump-

tion of Risk, Consent for Emergency Treatment and Volunteer Behavior Expectations Agreement. There is a 4th

agreement for Photo Release but that is optional - you can click on No if you don’t want your photo used.

Once you have completed all sections, make sure you click the “Save Profile” button either at the top

right or bottom right of the screen.

If you don’t click that button, your information is not saved. After clicking on the “Save Profile” button, you will get a

confirmation screen. After that you can log into the Master Gardener program.

For additional help on the first time access, there are videos available on You Tube at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL0NOPb7Xub4p01c9zW_xQTIDXEaDy0H

When you log in to the Master Gardener site, you will be able to “Add Hours”, view your hours, and review and make

changes to your profile.

Master Gardener New Enrollment Process

Page 4

Master Gardener Christmas Party

Steve and Donna’s Top Hat tree.

Chris Boeder getting her ex-

change present from Renee.

Annette Paul opening her exchange

gift.

Rosie Bugs opening her exchange

Linda Gratz, Sue Elliott, and Toni Brandemeuhl with their guests

Page 5

Master Gardener Meeting at Hartman’s

On Monday, November 25th we met at Hartman’s Greenhouse to see their poinsettias and how they are grown. Tom

Hartman discussed how they start the poinsettias back in July with 4 different start times. They begin controlling the

lighting starting in September with light only between 8am and 4pm to promote flowering. They grow a variety of poin-

settias from ivory colored to dark red and everything in between.

They also use the ivory colored plants to paint for some unique coloring such as purple, blue and even a Green Bay

Packer themed plant.

Hartman’s started 6000 poinsettias for this past Christmas.

Tom Hartman explains the growing process of the poinsettias.

Page 6

Bus Trip to Garden Expo in Madison

Learn at Wimastergarderer.org

With a couple of cold months ahead of us, why not cuddle up in front of your computer or maybe

an iPad and get some education credits in. The Wisconsin Master Gardeners site has articles that

you can get credit for.

Read these articles and more at wimastergardener.org. We turned the comments section off, but you can still get ½ hour CE by reading the articles.

Those pesky black and red bugs all over the place! Boxelder bugs are very

noticeable in the fall when they congregate before overwintering in build-

ings. As long as they remain cold, they are inactive, but when warmed by a

furnace or sunshine, they become active and may crawl into the rooms. To

learn more about this nuisance pest, read this article at https://

wimastergardener.org/article/boxelder-bug-boisea-trivittatus/

Cultivated for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal uses – and to repel vampires – garlic is a well-known herb in the onion family that produces edible bulbs. Learn more about the many types of garlic and how to grow it, harvest and use it at https://wimastergardener.org/article/garlic-allium-sativum/

With billowy masses of fragrant white flowers, sweet autumn clematis makes a statement in the late-season garden when few other plants are blooming. However, this non-native plant does self-seed aggressively and is considered an invasive species in many parts of the East and Midwest. Learn more about Clematis terniflora in this article at https://wimastergardener.org/article/sweet-autumn-clematis-clematis-terniflora/

Our Board is firming up our trip to the 2020 Garden Expo in Madison on Saturday, February 8, 2020.

Based on current RSVPs from the members, we will be renting a 15 passen-ger van. We still have some seats available, so let Annette Paul know as

soon as possible if you are planning on going and if you are bringing a friend!

We will be meeting at the Manitowoc Park & Ride across from Perkins Restaurant at 6:30am. We will be returning at approximately 6:30pm.

Cost is $25 for MGV members and $35 for non-members which includes admission and snacks on the van.

Website for the garden expo: https://www.wigardenexpo.com/

Page 7

Seed Starting

During these cold winter months, it helps to get through them by thinking about spring and planting. Here are a couple

of websites to help get you going.

Wintersown.org has many great ideas and tips on how to Winter sow seeds outdoors: http://wintersown.org/

This link at Mother Earth News has a lot of ideas on seed starting setups from carts on wheels to book cases with grow

lights: https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/gardening-techniques/seed-starting-setups-zm0z15djzsto

Here is a “reprint” of a 2013 article by Vijai Pandian on starting vegetable seeds indoors and when to transplant for the

Green Bay area:

It’s time to get a head start in growing vegetable seeds indoors. Depending on the hardiness, cold tolerance, and frost

free days, vegetable plants vary in their seed starting and transplanting period. Cool season crops like broccoli, cauli-

flower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts should be started indoors at 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. This gives

sufficient time for the seedlings to grow and harden before transplanting outdoors. Other cool season crops like onion

sets, peas, radish, spinach, turnip, lettuce, and potatoes are directly planted/seeded outdoors at 4 weeks prior to last

frost period.

Warm season vegetables are frost sensitive (32° F) and should be planted outdoors after the last spring frost. Toma-

toes, peppers, eggplants, and okra require a long maturing period and need a head start by starting indoors at 6-8

weeks before last frost. Pumpkins, watermelons, and beans are best to be directly seeded outdoors after last frost.

However, every spring season seems to be different on the occurrence of the last frost period in Green Bay. Typically,

late May to early June is ideal for outdoor planting of warm season crops, and for cool season crops it is around late

April to early May for outdoor planting/seeding. You can also schedule your outdoor planting period based on the phe-

nology of your yard plants. According to Dennis Prusik, Wisconsin Nature Calendar editor, cool season crops are trans-

planted outdoors when daffodils are in peak bloom and warm season crops are transplanted when lilacs are in peak

bloom.

Other environmental factors that influence your outdoor transplanting period are soil temperature and micro-climatic

condition. Generally, cool season crops do best when the soil temperature is in 40°F whereas warm season crops re-

quire soil temperature in the range of 50-60°F. Gardens located in low lying areas or near lakes/ponds can have a long-

er frost period which takes longer for the soil to warm up.

Starting indoor vegetable seeds too early can often run into the risk of holding the plants too long inside which can

cause stunted growth of the plant, a spindly appearance, or sometimes it can trigger early bloom.

Vegetable Approximate planting time for Green Bay area

Indoors for seed starting Outdoors for transplants

Broccoli April 2 May 7

Cabbage, early April 2 May 7

Cauliflower April 2 May 7

Celery April 2 May 27

Egg plant March 22 June 1

Lettuce, head March 22 May 7

Muskmelon May 7 May 27

Okra April 22 June 1

Parsley March 7 May 7

Pepper March 29 June 1

Tomato April 8 May 27

Page 8

New Year’s Resolutions for Gardeners

It’s a new year and time to make New Year’s resolutions. We all make resolutions to eat healthier and get more exer-

cise. As gardeners we know that gardening can help us achieve those goals. We can grow our own vegetables with-

out pesticides and eat them fresh from the garden. Getting outside to work in our gardens helps with the exercise goal

and can relax and revitalize our minds.

Here are some resolutions borrowed from the website Garden Design (gardendesign.com) . You can follow the links for

more information.

PLANT MORE

Mix and match plants like never before. Use Proven Winner’s container garden recipe search to find

plants that work well together.

Create a relaxing garden space by planting soothing-scented lavender.

Research native plants for your area and add them to your landscape.

MAKE MAINTENANCE EASY

Set up your container plants on a drip system. Learn how in this video from Garden Answer.

Take better care of your garden tools by learning how to clean and store them properly.

Cut back on weekly maintenance (and water) by rethinking your lawn. Incorporate native

grasses and low-maintenance plants.

GO GREEN

Start a compost pile and make your own ‘garden gold’. It’s great for your plants and the environ-

ment.

Don’t let weeds get the upper hand this year. Learn how to manage them without dangerous

chemicals.

Clear out harmful chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers and make the switch to natural and organic alternatives.

Check with your local county extension office for proper disposal options in your area.

CARE FOR WILDLIFE

Invite local wildlife into your garden with one of these 10 ideas — some as simple as adding a bird

bath.

Build a home for wildlife and beneficial insects to hide out in and spend the winter. Layer used pallets and fill the gaps

with broken clay pots or roofing tiles, twigs, branches and dried seed heads. Use your imagination!

Plant a buffet for birds with fruit-bearing shrubs and trees.

Page 9

Master Gardener Websites

https://wimastergardener.org/

https://www.wimga.org/

https://manitowoc.uwex.edu/horticulture/

ORGANIZATION OR

EVENT

DATE EVENT FOR MORE INFORMATION

North Central WI Master

Gardeners

01/24/2020

-

01/25/2020

Garden Visions confer-

ence

https://www.ntc.edu/calendar/2020/01/25/garden-

visions-2020

Robert Mongin Garden

Series at the UWGB cam-

pus

02/01/2020

03/07/2020

04/04/2020

https://www.browncountywi.gov/form/master-

gardener-garden-series/

PBS Wisconsin 02/07/2020

-

02/09/2020

Garden & Landscape

Expo

https://www.wigardenexpo.com/

Winnebago County Master

Gardeners

02/15/2020 Spring Garden Seminar https://wimastergardener.org/events/winnebago-

county-master-gardeners-spring-garden-seminar/

Ozaukee Master Garden-

ers

02/29/2020 Spring Symposium 2020:

Inspired Gardening

https://www.ozaukeemastergardeners.org/omg-

calendar

Up Coming Events

As EEO/Affirmative Action employers, Manitowoc County and Extension- Mani-towoc County provide equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements.

Page 10

Plant Clinic Hours

Tuesday & Friday from 10:00am till Noon.

May 1st through September 27

th

Upcoming Meetings

Date / Time Topic Notes

January Reminder: There is no meeting in January - stay in,

stay warm!

February 8th Bus trip to Madison Garde Expo

March 23rd “Rain Gardens” Speaker

April 27th Annual Meeting at a Restaurant

May 18th Zoo Cleanup, Potluck, Plant Swap Date chg due to Me-

morial Day

June 22nd “Mosses” speaker: Dale Sievert Pending

July 27th Holy Family College/Holy Family Convent Gardens tour

August 24th Garden Tour/ Toni Brendemuehl new home Potluck

September 28th Collins Marsh Tour

October 26th “Cleaning Tools & Putting Garden to Rest” speaker

November 23rd “Winter Plants for Wildlikfe” speaker

December ??? Holiday Party!

Master Gardener Board of Directors

President: Annette Paul

Vice President: Steve Lankton

Secretary: Carol Lallensack

Treasurer: Linda Gratz

Board Member: Marilyn Starzewski

Manitowoc Master Gardener Info

Page 11

If you are looking for ways to get volunteer hours, the Community Projects Committee has been

working on a list projects and other opportunities.

Here is a list that they have been working on for approved Master Gardener projects:

Plant Clinic

Garden Walk

Garden Talk

Woodland Dunes

Public, City & County Parks & Gardens (inc. Community Gardens)

Manitowoc County Historical Society – Pinecrest Village

Local churches – landscape maintenance

Expo display gardens – Manitowoc County Fair

Riverview School – outdoor classroom garden

Manitowoc Public Library – seed planting program

Mariners Trail – public gardens

U.W. Food Wise Program

Badger Car Ferry plantings

Garden Faire Booth

Vegetable Donations to Food Pantries

Youth & Community Education

Green Bay Botanical Garden

Earth Care Festival

MGV Committee work

Master Gardener Volunteer Opportunities

Page 12

Master Gardener Volunteers of Manitowoc County

Date: Monday, August 26, 2019

Location: Carol Lallensack home

Education Time: 30 minutes

Attendance: 18 members

The August 26, 2019 meeting was called to order at 6:05 by President Annette Paul.

Annette introduced our new transfer member Peg Mueller and we welcomed her.

Secretary Report: Linda B. made a motion to approve the July minutes and Paula seconded the motion.

Treasurer Report: Linda G. thanked Marilyn S. for filling the treasurer duties, Linda took over after the Garden Walk.

She suggested combining the checking and saving accounts so no transfer of funds will be necessary. Renee men-

tioned that $5 has to left in savings to get free checking. Accepted as read and will be put on file.

Garden Walk report given by Linda G. Was a successful event and we were given the income and expenses for the

walk. Suggestions for the future were some signs need to be repainted, possible food truck in the area or a list of local

restaurants, water for visitors and possible 4-H involvement . A visitor had suggested making it a two day event but this

was voted down.

The committee is looking to have another walk in 2020 and have three gardens already signed up, they are looking to

add three more gardens.

WIMGA Report: Doris M. reported the annual meeting will be Oct. 26 in Stevens Point. They are discontinuing travel

time for volunteer hours and it will be 15.00 to replace your name badge if needed. Copy of her report is attached.

Plant Clinic: Mary S. and Eileen said it has been a good year and thanked Wendi and Kendra for their support.

Expo Gardens: Carol L. thanked all who helped at the Fair this year, it was a good year for the gardens and visitors had

positive comments. We will make more plant signs for next year. The County Office provided an umbrella and table

and chairs for the workers this year as well as many handouts with Master Gardener and other plant information. We

want to thank Scott, Wendi and Kendra for their help as we are focusing on education as well as beautifying the Fair.

WIMGA Online Reporting is now live. If anyone needs assistance reporting their hours Annette offered to help them,

just let her know. She is requesting a list from Madison of our certified members.

Project Committee: RK gave a report from the Project Committee. Steve had a meeting concerning the rain garden at

the County Office. There are two gardens currently with a possible three more to be added. Steve asked if Master Gar-

deners want to be involved in this project which could include spring clean up and maintenance. There is a possible

newspaper article on the rain garden and a workshop was suggested for the general public. The group felt we should

help the County Office because of all the assistance they have given the Master Gardeners. Steve will follow up on this

possible future project. Also reported on Painting Pathways and classes with Hmong elders with Laura Apfelbeck.

Education Committee: Marilyn S. said we will be having a Level 1 training class in 2020. They will be asking previous

class students for their input on improving the training. Marilyn asked for members to be on the Education Committee

and Peg, Annette, Paula, Vicki, Steve, Lori and Chris all volunteered. They will notify UW Green Bay/Manitowoc to

include the class in their November flyer.

Memorial Discussion for Chelle B: Motion was made by Linda B and seconded by Linda G. to change the bylaws for

memorials to $50 from the current $25. This was approved by members. No action taken at this time on what memorial

we will be doing for Chelle.

Meeting Minutes—August 2019

Page 13

Doris will send email list to WIMGA to be sure all members get the WIMGA newsletter.

Next meeting: Farm WI, possible tour and meeting and dinner, Annette is checking on this, will be on September 23,

2019.

Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 .

After meeting there was a short garden tour before rain started again.

Carol Lallensack

Secretary

Education Hours:

September 24, 2018 Yardening 75 minutes

October 22, 2018 Invasive Species - Tom Ward 75 minutes

November 26, 2018 D’s Custom Creations 45 minutes

December, January Holiday Potluck & No Meeting

February 25, 2019 Seed Movie 30 Minutes

March 25, 2019 Becky Salm 35 minutes

April 26, 2019 Annual dinner, Michelle Marks 75 Minutes

May 20, 2019 Clean up at Lincoln Park Zoo None

June 24, 2019 Hemp 101 75 Minutes

July 22, 2019 Research Farm, Sturgeon Bay 1 Hour and 40 Minutes

Meeting Minutes—August 2019 (continued)

Page 14

Master Gardeners of Manitowoc County

Date: September 23, 2019 Location: Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center Education Time: 60 minutes Attendees arrived at 4:00 pm for a self guided tour of the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center followed by a delicious box lunch. The meeting was called to order At 5:15pm by President Annette Paul. Secretary report: Steve L made a motion to approve the August minutes with a second by Vicki L Treasurer report: Accepted as read and placed on file. OLD BUSINESS: WIGMA report: Submitted by Doris M: We are reminded to enter our volunteer and education hours online by Tuesday Oct 1

st.

Save-the-date : WIMGA annual meeting Oct 26th at UW Steven's Point. Important by-law changes will be voted on and

all WIMGA members are encouraged to attend Annette provided a brief report on the Superstar training she attended in Eau Claire.which coaches members how to work with multigenerational groups. Plant Clinic Report: last day on Friday Sept 27

th. Need more publicity for the Plant Clinic and need to look at clinic

hours. Looking for member ideas. A trifold Manitowoc MGV brochure is being created which will included our 2020 meeting programming as well as the Plant Clinic information. County Fair report: Our group received lots of help from the County Extension this year with setup, supplies and print-ed materials. To-do-list for next year—provide a printed list of the display plants for visitors and volunteers. NEW BUSINESS: WIMGA Rep Election: Doris provided a brief description of the duties of the WIMGA rep. They participate in 2 face-to-face WIMGA meetings (spring and fall) with additional phone/online discussions. The WIMGA rep also prepares our county annual report. Annette will send an email to our MGV group to see who is interested. The WIMGA rep candi-date is recommended by the Board and approved by the general membership for a 3 year term. Community Projects: Rain Gardens at the County Extension Building will be expanded from 1 to 3 with excavation of the 2 new gardens this fall and planting in spring. Ideas were presented for a rain garden spring cleanup with Master Gardeners providing oversight of high school volunteers and sponsoring community rain garden education by the Soil and Water Conservation Department. Please let Steve L know if you are interested in participating in these projects. Education Committee: No report at this time. Memorial for Chelle B: A spring snow flowering crab apple tree will be planted at the Library with an acrylic memorial plaque in Chelle's name. The $60 cost of the planting will be covered by our $50 group donation and additional dona-tions by members. Invitation for MGV group: We received an email from Laura Apfelbeck inviting interested members to a fall harvest celebration with Painting pathways and the Hmong gardening group. More details to follow

Meeting Minutes—September 2019

Page 15

Donation to Woodland Dunes: Pat H made a motion we donate $500 to Woodland Dunes to be used for Education. Steve L seconded the motion. Carried by voice vote. This will also be a good photo op for our MGV community service. Review of Meeting Agendas/Events through Dec 2020::A draft of the current and next year's meeting/events agenda was presented for discussion. What's New in YOUR Garden: Members shared their personal garden observations. Discussed Board ideas to increase meeting attendance/engagement: Treats and beverages provided by volunteers? Door prize for attendance? 1 hr volunteer hour given for those providing the door prize? Move to adjourn by Doreen S, motion seconded by Doris M. Meeting adjourned 6:15pm Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Starzewski for Secretary Carol Lallensack

Meeting Minutes—September 2019 (continued)

Page 16

Meeting Minutes—October 2019

Master Gardeners of Manitowoc County

Date: October 28, 2019 Location: Manitowoc County Extension Office Education Time: 30 minutes Attendees: 12 members The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by President Annette Paul. Pat Hollen shared memories of recently de-ceased John Shoop who had been an active member of the Master Gardeners in the past. A sympathy card will be sent to his family. Secretary report: Linda B made a motion to approve the September minutes with a second by Pat H Treasurer report: Accepted as read and placed on file. Also 2020 dues of $10 payable to Master Gardeners of Mani-towoc County should be forwarded to Treasurer Linda Gratz ASAP before the end of the year. OLD BUSINESS: WIMGA report: Submitted by Doris M: WIMGA annual meeting was held Oct 26

th at UW Stevens Point with 56 members in attendance. Bernie Williams of the

Wisconsin DNR gave a presentation on jumping worms. Mike Maddox discussed the MGV program's Strategic Priori-ties. Statewide online reporting numbers were announced. Definitions of exempt and emeritus membership status were discussed to be voted on at the next annual meeting. WIMGA 2019 accomplishments were reviewed, the Board met and elected officers, and the grant committee approved applications totaling $8,850. Paul Whitaker then presented “Climate Change and Impacts on Gardening in Wisconsin” Doris's complete report will be submitted for review in the County MGV newsletter. Questions arose regarding the online annual report for our county. Annette will contact Mike for direction. Additional discussion of the online reporting system followed. Plant Clinic Report: No report as the clinic is closed for the winter. Rosie will answer any winter calls received. Chelle B memorial progress report: Linda B reports she is having difficulties getting in contact with the Library repre-sentative taking care of our donation wishes NEW BUSINESS: WIMGA Rep Election: Members of the Board recommended Renee Lemberger for the position of County WIMGA rep-resentative and the membership approved . Renee will hold the position until October 2022. We thank Doris for the wonderful job she has done representing us and providing timely and thorough reports on WIMGA activities

Community Projects: The County Extension Rain Garden committee met again. Stone Silo came with plant recommendations/selections. The project has been downscaled to 1 new bed. Will involve some needed land-scaping identified as necessary to direct water correctly away from the building. Linda and Paula pulled weeds as part of our ongoing rain garden maintenance. Education Committee: No report at this time. Will meet in November. What's New in YOUR Garden: Members shared their personal garden observations. Other discussion: Steve Lankton will be hosting our 2019 Christmas Party December 14th at 6:00pm. More details to follow.

Page 17

We received an invitation to the Green Bay Botanical Garden of Lights show . A possible bus trip was discussed and the group voted not to attend. There was more discussion on the proposed February trip to Garden Expo in Madison. Educational Presentation: Annette discussed the Master Naturalist Training she just completed along with her cap-stone life long learning project. The film “Mysteries of the Driftless” was presented , highlighting Wisconsin's Driftless Region and its Unique flora. Refreshments provided by: Annette Paul Thanks for the Halloween trick or treat bags! Door prize compliments of: Annette Paul Lucky winner: Linda B Next Meeting: November 25, 2019 6:00 pm Hartman's Greenhouse Poinsettia viewing Move to adjourn by Rosie, motion seconded by Renee. Meeting adjourned 7:50pm Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Starzewski for Secretary Carol Lallensack

Meeting Minutes—October 2019 (continued)