It’s Christmas this week. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to so many of you who read my column twice a month throughout the year. It’s always great hearing from you.
We have so much to be thankful for: the rains came when they were needed, the weather was right to produce a good crop this past season, and we have many friends with whom we can share ideas, comments and tips with throughout the season. We are also thankful for families.
During this season of Christmas I hope we take the time to mend fences, relationships with family and friends who we have had differences with in the past.
Farming and gardening is so much different now than it was several decades ago, from using horses, small tractors, to now in many cases at least in the Midwest with large combines, large tractors and larger equipment in general, including using many new ideas in gardening as well.
Raised gardening and gardening with the use of containers are becoming quite popular.
Continue to feed the birds now that there is more snow covering the feed supply many of the birds had been feeding on. A mixture of small sunflower seeds, safflower seeds and cracked corn makes a good mixture for those of you beginning to feed the birds. I also recommend to have an electric plate for your waterer, to have ice-free water for the birds. You will attract many more birds.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our house to your house — Hank and Donna.
P.S.: Our first 2010 seed catalog came Dec. 18.
Hank Wessels is a Master Gardener in Watonwan County. He welcomes questions and comments from readers. He may be reached at 601 1st St. SW, Madelia, MN 56062, hwdw@madtelco.net or (507) 642-8479.
