Happy New Year 2026
As I write this, we are experiencing above normal temps. I saw the Western Weather website marked January 16 as a record high for Middletown. This is typical La Niña weather for the Southwest. We have also had periods of super wet. This is the typical weather for the Northwest. As we are in between, we are experiencing both patterns. At least that is my theory. I am sure those of you with early-blooming fruit trees are concerned they are going to break too soon. I, too, have that concern, but there isn’t too much we can do about that. You can try covering or spraying with Wilt Pruf for a few degrees more of protection to protect fruit set, but you will probably be messing with the whole pollination process. We will just have to see what plays out.
Speaking of fruit trees, our bare root trees arrived yesterday (Monday, Jan. 19)! We spent the day getting them heeled in and priced, so they’ll be ready to shop starting today (Tuesday). Special orders will be pulled today as well, so expect a call from us after that. Unfortunately, we did not receive any pears in this shipment. We also have some ornamentals and Japanese Maples coming from Western Tree. We do not have a date for that, but you might want to keep that in mind or have us call you when they come. Roses are due to ship out the week of Jan.19th, too, so we might have some or all by the end of the week. Roses start to leaf out quickly, and if the weather stays like this, it will be a very short window to get them bare-root. You can see our lists of what is ordered by clicking the links on our website home page.
When picking out your fruit trees, it is a good idea to look at chill hour requirements. These are the cold hours a tree requires for good fruit production. Chill hours are below 45 degrees. Here in Middletown, we are racking up an average of 12 a night, but we had some nights with 0 chill hours. I notice a lot of Lake County gets less than us. I do not know what the grand total for the town is so far, but my guess is well over 600. Most of the trees we get are below that number, but some are above. If you are in a thermal belt location, you might want to go with fruit with low chill hour requirements. Chill hours are stated on the tree tags.
Our 2026 seeds are in stock now. This includes tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Now is a little early to start those three indoors. February is better. We recommend using the lightweight EB Stone Seed Starter Mix for seed starting with some potting soil added. In my opinion, it is too early start squash as it grows too fast. Wait till March/April for that. Cucumbers, melons, and basil do not like cold soil at all or nights below 40, so keep that in mind for timing your indoor seed starts. If the soil is too cold for root development, you are wasting your time getting an early start with planting out, as the plants will just sit there suffering.
We still have some spring-blooming bulbs at half off, and our summer bulbs will be arriving mid-February or so. Our organic potatoes and remaining garlic are 20% off, too. Bare-root strawberries are on order and should arrive in the next couple of weeks. Our berry selection of black, raspberry, and blue berries, along with goji berries and grapes, is in stock now.
This dry weather means there is no excuse not to get at least one of the three recommended dormant sprayings done on your fruit trees, roses, and any other ornamentals you had or have pest issues with. Copper is the dormant spray for Peach Leaf Curl, Shot Hole Fungus, Fireblight, Black Spot, Brown Spot, Powdery Mildew, and Rust. These are bacteria and fungi. You use a fungicide for them. For things like Mites and Thrips, overwintering insects and eggs, an oil spray is what you use. You can mix the recommended amount of oil with the recommended amount of copper per gallon and spray both at the same time. A little prevention goes a long way, but it is not a guarantee.
Time to think about feeding your asparagus, artichokes, and strawberries. Top dress trees with steer manure soon. Keep feeding GreenAll True Blue to your Hydrangeas if you want blue flowers. Plant seeds of sweet peas and wildflowers. Our veggie table is full of starts you can plant now for a spring harvest or start from seed indoors. It is a great time to plant perennials, and we have many, including pollinator attractors.
Economic forecasts for the nursery industry are good, so we are not holding back on ordering for spring. People are staying home more and spending their money on their personal outdoor environment. The younger generation sees the mental health value of working the soil and having a yard you can relax in. The added benefit of providing food for pollinators and refuge for birds to offset the destruction of native habitat is important, not just to them but to all of us. Working and being outdoors helps keep us healthy and fit mentally, physically, and spiritually.
I am going abroad from Jan. 29 through Feb. 17. I am sure the nursery will be in good hands with the wonderful staff we have. I do most of the gallon and up size ordering, so there could be a delay in any special orders while I am gone. And don’t forget us on Valentine’s Day. We have blooming, living flowers, garden art, and gift certificates.
January/February Specials
Fall Bulbs (while they last) 50% off
20% 0ff
- Cyclamen
- Dianthus/Carnations
- Organic Seed Potatoes
- Organic Seed Garlic
30% off
- 2025 Deciduous Fruit Trees
Buy 3, 4th Free
- Medium Patio Bark
- Steer manure
Close out special
- Etruscan Pots 40% 0ff
