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It’s Go Time!
May 13 is our estimated last frost date, which means the gardening season is officially kicking into gear! While cold-loving vegetables can be planted as early as April, the arrival of May opens the door for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans.
If you’re planning to plant these tender crops directly in the ground, keep a close eye on the weather forecast. A surprise late frost can still sneak in, so be prepared to protect your plants. I like to keep old sheets handy to toss over my garden beds—propped up with tomato cages or even lawn chairs to avoid crushing the plants.
Also remember: many warm-weather crops prefer soil temperatures of 60–70°F. Even if we’re past the frost date, it might be worth waiting a week or two before planting them outdoors. Not sure what your soil temperature is? You can use a soil thermometer—or even a meat thermometer in a pinch—to check. Raised beds and planters tend to warm up more quickly than in-ground garden beds, so that’s something to keep in mind when deciding where and when to plant.
In the meantime, this is the perfect time to start hardening off your seedlings—gradually introducing them to the outdoors—so they’ll be strong and ready when it’s time to plant.
Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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Thank You, AmeriCorps Members
You Helped Us Grow
AmeriCorps is like the Peace Corps, but here in the U.S. Members serve with nonprofits, schools, and community groups to meet local needs like education, food security, and conservation. Their work is often behind the scenes—but absolutely vital.
At the Brown County Seed Library, we’ve had the privilege of working with several AmeriCorps members through one of our founding partners, New Leaf Foods. Lauren, Lydia, and LuTia have each played a key role in helping us grow. Lauren's leadership brought visibility to our launch through media outreach, the creation of beautiful promotional materials, and the development of a branding guide that continues to guide our work. Lydia and LuTia were instrumental in recruiting volunteers and staffing our launch with warmth and enthusiasm. Their contributions have helped us reach and engage the community in meaningful, lasting ways.
We’ve also been fortunate to partner with the Green Bay Conservation Corps (GBCC), an AmeriCorps program dedicated to environmental education and restoration. GBCC collaborated with the Seed Library on workshops about native plants, invasive species, and even hands-on projects like making seed bombs and removing invasive plants. They’ve also worked closely with the Green Bay Botanical Garden on the Pollinator Corridor project—an effort to increase native pollinator populations, improve water quality through deep-rooted native plantings, and support urban food production by providing habitat for essential pollinators. In 2024 alone, over 10,000 native plants were installed in parks across the city, with five more planting sites planned for 2025.
Tragically, both of these AmeriCorps programs have recently been defunded. This decision threatens not only current projects, but also countless future opportunities for community improvement, environmental stewardship, and hands-on education. Although the news is still fresh, we remain hopeful that planned Pollinator Corridor activities will continue, and for now, we’re keeping them on our calendar.
While this loss is deeply felt, we want to take this moment to say: Thank You! To every AmeriCorps member who has served with us—you’ve made a lasting difference. We are grateful for your passion, your service, and the growth you've helped cultivate in our community.
Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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Green Bay Conservation Corp members with Mayor Eric Genrich at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Earth Day event
April 22, 2025
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Lauren, LuTia and Lydia, Americorp members for New Leaf Foods working the Seed Library Launch
March 8, 2025
| Click here to see a short You Tube video on the 2025 Seed Library Launch produced by New Leaf Foods! | |
In April, students at Leonardo da Vinci School collected and donated 168 books and 78 seed packets to the Central Library! The seeds will be available in the Seed Library’s grab bin this season for all to enjoy. A big thank you to these young community contributors! | | |
One Seed, One Community:
Bringing Our Community Together,
One Seed at a Time
The One Seed, One Community (1S1C) selection this year is the delightful Pepperoncini Pepper! Known for its mild heat and tangy flavor, the Pepperoncini is a wonderful addition to any garden and a favorite for pickling and salads. In our region, it's best to start pepper plants indoors before transferring them outside. If you haven't yet started your Pepperoncini plants, don't worry— you can join us for the Seedling Give Away. We'll have Pepperoncini plants ready for you to join in the 1S1C Event!
Event Details:
What: Seedling Give Away
When: Saturday, May 17
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Where: Brown County Central Library
Even after receiving your pepper plant in May, it is best to hold off planting it outdoors until June. Ideally, these little seedlings should be nestled in the soil when evening temperatures are above 55 degrees to prevent blossom drop and stunted growth.
Get Involved! Start your journey on saving seeds this year with a Pepperoncini Pepper plant.
Happy Gardening!
🌱The One Seed, One Community Team 🌱
Submitted by Peggy, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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Book Review
Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening
by Carol Wall, format: ebook
Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening opens with Wall’s full disclosure that, for years and years, she and her husband were never “yard-proud”. That is, until she met Mister Owita. As Wall contemplates what it will be like to work with a gardener, she deliberates painstakingly about how she’ll tell him she hates the Azaelas that the previous owner had left behind. While helping her transform her yard, will Mister Owita change her mind in a way that Wall will fall in love with Azaelas after all?
Submitted by Jennifer, Brown County Central Library Associate and N.E.W. Master Gardener
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Basil Basics:
How to Grow, Harvest, and Store
The Brown County Seed Library offers Genovese basil, an Italian variety prized for its bold, sweet flavor. It’s the classic choice for pesto with big deep green leaves. Whether you grow it in the ground or in a container, basil is a fast-growing annual that thrives with a bit of care—and proper harvesting is key to keeping your plant full and productive.
When to Start Harvesting
You can begin harvesting once your basil plant reaches 6 to 8 inches tall and has at least four sets of leaves. Warm weather (around 80°F) encourages leaf production, and early morning is the best time to pick for peak flavor. Harvest regularly—even more than you need—because frequent cutting stimulates new growth. Be sure to harvest before the plant flowers, which can reduce leaf quality and signal the end of its growth cycle.
How to Harvest Basil
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For small amounts:
Pinch off individual leaves from the top of the plant where they meet the stem. This encourages bushier growth and avoids leggy plants.
For bigger harvests (like pesto):
Use scissors to cut entire stems about 1/4 inch above a node (the point where new leaves form). Don’t remove more than a third of the plant at a time. Also, pinch off flower buds as they appear to keep your basil producing longer.
Growing Tips
- Sun: Basil needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Temperature: Plant outdoors when daytime temps are above 70°F and nighttime temps stay above 50°F.
- Water: Keep soil moist but well-drained.
- Pinch often: Encourage fuller growth by regularly pinching back the top leaves.
Storing Extra Basil
Too much basil? Trimmed stems can be stored in a jar of water on your counter, away from direct sunlight, for up to five days. For longer storage, chop fresh leaves, mix them with olive oil, water or broth, and freeze in an ice cube tray. Use a cube or two to add instant flavor to your cooking.
Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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Calendar of Local Garden Related Events:
February 1 - May 10 ($)
Bountiful Branches Sale
Sale online, pickup at 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
May 6, 6pm - 8pm ($)
Herb Garden Planning
Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
May 7, 6:30pm - 8pm (free)
Vertical Gardening
Virtual, Melinda Meyers
May 8, 9 am - 1 pm (free)
Tree Planting Workshop and Demonstration
2245 Samantha Street, De Pere
May 8 - 10 ($)
N.E.W. Master Gardeners Plant Sale
STEM Center, 2019 Technology Way, Green Bay
May 13, noon - 1pm (free)
Deer and Rabbit Proofing Your Garden
Virtual, U of Minn
May 13, 1:30pm - 2:30pm (free)
Pollinator Gardens and Native Plants
Southwest Branch BCL, 974 Ninth St, Green Bay
May 15, 6:30pm - 8pm (free)
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Virtual, Melinda Meyers
May 16 9am - noon and 2pm - 5pm, May 17 9am - 2pm ($)
UWGB Heirloom Plant Sale
Greenhouse on Lab Sciences Dr, UWGB campus
May 17, 1pm - 3pm (free)
Veggie and Flower Seedling Give-Away!
Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay
May 18, 5:30pm - 7:30pm (free)
Grassroots in the Garden: Growing Community
Seymour Park Food Forest, 314 S. Ashland Ave, Green Bay
May 19, 1:30pm - 2:30pm (free)
Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE
Virtual, UW Extension
May 21, 6pm - 8pm (free)
Gardeners Club of Green Bay meeting: Pollinator Gardening presented by Maria Otto of the Green Bay Conservation Corp
Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
May 28, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (free)
The Science (and Art) of Plant Disease Diagnosis
Virtual, UW Extension
May 31, 9am - 2pm ($)
Wild Ones Plant Sale
Stone Silo Prairie Gardens, 2325 Oak Ridge Cir, De Pere
June 3, 1pm - 2:30pm ($)
Water Gardening in a Container
Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
June 7, 1oam - noon (free)
Master Gardeners will be in the CEG to answer gardening questions for the Summer Reading Kickoff
Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay
June 12, 8am - noon (free)
Pollinator Corridor Project planting day
Fireman’s Park, 1701 W. Mason St, Green Bay
June 17, 5:30pm - 7:30pm (free)
Grassroots in the Garden: Growing Community
Seymour Park Food Forest, 314 S. Ashland Ave, Green Bay
June 17, 6pm - 7pm (free)
Blue Ribbon Vegetables
Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay
June 19, 8am - 3pm (free)
Pollinator Corridor Project planting day
Danz Park, 2120 Basten St, Green Bay
June 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm (free)
Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE
Virtual, UW Extension
June 24, 8am - noon (free)
Pollinator Corridor Project planting day
Farlin Park, 1510 Harold St, Green Bay
June 25, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (free)
Vegetable Diseases
Virtual, UW Extension
June 26, 8am - noon (free)
Pollinator Corridor Project planting day
8th St Park, 508 8th St, Green Bay
| Click here to see Green Bay Area Public Schools Greenhouse Sales | | |
Basil and Spinach Pesto
Ingredients:
1 c packed basil leaves
1 c packed spinach leaves
¼ c pine nuts
1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
2 TBSP lemon juice
⅓ c olive oil
⅓ c grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a dry pan, toast pine nuts over medium heat until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Let cool for a few minutes.
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine basil, spinach, pine nuts, garlic, lemon zest and juice. With the machine running, gradually add the oil, blending until the mixture is creamy. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and mix in parmesan cheese and salt/pepper to taste.
- This pesto can be made up to 2 days in advance. Cover with plastic wrap on the surface of the pesto, or cover in a layer of olive oil to prevent the basil from discoloring if not using right away. This pesto is great for pasta, but also for topping baked chicken, fish or grilled veggies.
This recipe is modified from the Spinach and Pine Nut Pesto recipe featured in Everyday Italian cookbook by Giada.
Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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Although brand names of products are mentioned in this newsletter, NEWMG and BCL do not endorse any particular brands. These mentions reflect individual experiences and should not be interpreted as endorsements or recommendations.
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