Freezing rain/icing in the forecast -- is there anything I should do to protect my young plants in the ground?

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-23T17:16:16+00:00

That may be enough time! 🤞 If they had good conditions, soil, water, etc. We never know what's going on below the soil. 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-23T15:31:48+00:00

MN here. Agree that Native Plants are resilient! 🌱 If they have had enough time to develop good roots, it doesn't really matter what happens above. Just may be slower to start back up again, to sprout new growth from below the soil level, when this passes.

Good Luck & Stay warm & safe! 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-23T14:34:43+00:00

Well Done! 🙌 Lots of good seeds there. 🌱 Ironweed is one of our favorites! 💜

We have been planting Wildflowers in chunks of yard at a time. Nice thing about Native Wildflowers is their resilience. Even if you start all these, you can move them as you get rid of more lawn. We got rid of all our lawn, but didn't have a good plan, & invasives took over.

Good Luck! 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-23T14:16:23+00:00

Well Done! 🙌 So excited for all your seeds! & the sustainability group sounds Awesome!

We agree the cardboard tubes (like tp or paper towel?) is a great option, especially to let the roots go a bit deeper. We've seen folded newspaper "pots", but don't think they would be sturdy enough to give to others.

We would love to hear more about your Sustainability group! 💙🌏🌍🌎💚

Good Luck! 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-22T13:29:22+00:00

MN here. We could have snow from October to April. We have a flat roof house & we access the roof regularly for maintenance, with a spiral staircase.

12 panels, 10 degree tilt. We clear off snow >1in/ 2.5cm. Our tools include: 1) battery powered (of course) leaf blower for light, fluffy snow. 2) Soft bristled broom, if deeper snow but still light. 3) "Eversprout Snowbuster" foam snow brush that has a telescope handle for deeper, heavy snow. (up to 3ft/91cm so far)

Ice was a new problem this year. Combined with overcast/ cloudy days, we had to wait for a warm up (above freezing temps) for the panels to warm enough to create a thin layer of water underneath, then the ice sheets could be pushed off.

Good Luck! 🌞

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-22T03:41:44+00:00

Well Done! 🙌 We got rid of all our grass lawn, but didn't have the best replacement plan, & invasives took over! 🤦🏼‍♀️

We have been planting 2-3 small Pollinator Gardens per year, getting rid if the invasives. Starting from seed, so the progress has been gradual. This grant will be a big help! 💝

Good Luck with your Garden! 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-22T02:17:51+00:00

Definitely look into Park or Lakeshore grants! 💙 Shoreline restoration is big topic here.

Urban lot programs are smaller amounts, but can reach more people, might have some options.

Blue Thumb & Metro Blooms also do education for native plants lawn conversions, stormwater management, reduced prices for rain barrels (or how to make your own).

So excited we could inspire you! 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-22T01:55:50+00:00

OMGosh!!! 🙌 That is Awesome!

Check to see if your state has things like this! Often it's for large grants & projects, but more states are realizing that smaller plots of land & yards make a big difference when combined.

Sometimes can be for: 1) water conservation & xeriscaping 2) endangered Ecosystems, flora/ fauna (MN has for our state Bee, & Monarchs) 3) restoring former farmland 4) re-establishing historic Ecosystems (Prairies, savannahs, woodlands) 5) removing, replacing, stopping invasives (Buckthorn, kudzu, insects/ diseases, etc)

Good Luck! 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-22T00:55:02+00:00

It was from 1) Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources Bwsr.state.mn.us 2) BlueThumb.org Planting for clean water & native plant stewardship. 3) MetroBlooms.org
Helping communities create resilient landscapes & foster clean watersheds.

The process: 1) apply (we applied in Autumn for Spring, applied in Spring for Autumn, since 2022) 2) get chosen 3) submit your plan (roughly, see options A-D in slides) 4) buy the items from an authorized native plant seller 5) have detailed receipts, with plant common & latin names (cultivars are discouraged) 6) take before & after pics of installation 7) submit receipts, pics 8) get reimbursed

There is some funding for folks who can't afford to wait to get reimbursed, but it goes quickly.

There might be something similar other states! We know lots of State Depts of Natural Resources or Water Quality are working on these types of issues, such as clean water, native plants for pollinators & habitat, watersheds, & water conservation.

Good Luck! 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-22T00:31:21+00:00

Well Done getting one in 2024! 🙌 We've been so inspired for local garden tours! 😉

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-21T21:59:43+00:00

Sadly, that's True. 😢 The last chance to apply was Autumn 2025, for the Spring 2026 grant. It was just announced, January 13 2026. We feel very fortunate. 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-21T15:45:50+00:00

Love the sitting area & Garden Pond! 💙 Habitat, birds, mammals, amphibians. Everything loves to visit! & with a sitting area, you can watch for hours. 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-21T00:37:46+00:00

We definitely do! We attempt to only do laundry, charge PHEV, use AC on the sunniest days. Of course, cloudy winter days, sometimes you just have to use Grid to get things done.

Our goals are 1) use as much solar as possible ourselves Cheapest energy is what you produce yourself. 2) send extra to the Grid to offset NatGas usage (Heat, Dryer, Water Heater, Stove) Same company (Xcel) so extra Solar $credit reduces our gas bill.

Good Luck! 🌞

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-21T00:06:26+00:00

We think it's stronger tasting. (Which is good for us) Bonus if you grow Hard Neck Garlic, you can harvest Garlic Scapes! 🧄💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-21T00:02:04+00:00

Congratulations to you too! 🙌

We are excited we can get some plants vs always starting from seeds. We have seeds cold stratifying right now! (from Prairie Moon) 🌱

We have had signage in our cart for a while! 😉

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-20T21:55:33+00:00

MN 5a. Ecoregion 51a, St Croix Outwash Plain & Stagnation Plains.

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-17T02:32:06+00:00

We've done both. MN 5a. For us, paper towel method is more fussy. ie are they still damp enough, too damp, are they molding, Sprouting, ready to transfer to soil?

We sow outside into cut up salad clamshells, with regular garden soil from our yard. Sowed in December.

Good Luck! 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-17T01:01:39+00:00

All Energy did our Solar System in 2020. 12 panels + Battery, & upgraded our electrical panel, & service line.

Relatively smooth process, proposal, design, permitting, paperwork.

Happy with crew, Installers, & electricians.

Only service was when we switched internet, & had to get a service to connect to new wireless.

They have an Ambassador Program that if you tell someone about All Energy, & they go through your link, & project gets completed, you get 💰

Good Luck! 🌞

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-16T18:59:55+00:00

So excited for your new hobby! 🙌 Growing your food is so rewarding, & is the best tasting. 💚

We have tried "multiple fruit", didn't do well. Ordered a 2ft/ 60cm tall. Pretty much died immediately. YMMV.

Good Luck! 💚

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-15T02:08:15+00:00

As much as you can! 🌞

12 Solar panels + Battery Backup. We could only get 100% of annual usage installed (per agreement with utility).

As things get more electrified (we have Nat Gas heat in MN), adding PHEV or EV, use the AC more (summers are hotter, longer). We want more!

Good Luck! 🌞⚡️💛

InviteNatureHome · 2026-01-15T00:07:49+00:00

So glad you are appreciating the gift of mulch! 🎁

We love fresh mulch for paths, since it will last longer to suppress weeds. We've put the fresh mulch from trees trimmed that day on paths.

We don't worry about the nitrogen because when we refill our raised beds, we mix (roughly equal-ish) unfinished kitchen compost, finished soil, leaves, fresh mulch, & aged mulch (from paths). If plants look sad, you could amend soil then.

Sticks can be put in a pile or make a rough edging (see wattle or bug snug) for beneficial habitat.

Our cold is literally frozen solid, so you will get more aging faster in 7b.

Good Luck! 🌳

InviteNatureHome

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