We Have the Best Volunteers!
The Brown County Seed Library welcomed approximately 500 visitors to our 2026 Launch Event. Even better, we gave away 9,144 seed envelopes (not including the grab bin or Seed Swap). For a two-and-a-half-hour event, that’s roughly 61 packets per minute going out to Brown County gardens!
Families and gardeners of all ages enjoyed hands-on activities, from planting seeds and making seed helicopters to exploring Seed Snail creations. Our Seed Swap featured a wide variety of donated seeds and gave participants the chance to use our seed-cleaning equipment—a fun, practical way to make future seed saving easier.
The day was full of discovery and connection, made possible by our incredible volunteers. From organizing the Seed Swap and coordinating activities to assisting participants at every table, their dedication and enthusiasm brought the event to life. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped set up, run, and clean up—the Seed Library thrives because of your support!
We’re also thrilled to share some exciting news: the volunteers of the Brown County Seed Library have been nominated for the Green Bay Packers Give Back Large Group Volunteer Award, part of the 38th Annual Volunteer Awards presented by the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation! This award honors groups of more than 10 volunteers whose collective efforts have made a lasting impact on the community. Our volunteers—through seed stewardship, educational programs, events, and seed packing—truly make a difference in Brown County, and this nomination reflects your dedication and hard work.
You’re invited to celebrate with us!
Event: 38th Annual Volunteer Awards Banquet
Date: Thursday, April 23
Location: Swan Club, 875 Heritage Rd., De Pere
Time: Doors open at 7:00 AM for breakfast; program begins at 8:00 AM
Tickets: $25 (includes breakfast)
If you’d like to attend and represent the Seed Library volunteers, register and list New Leaf Foods when asked, “Which organization, company, group, or family would you like to be seated with at breakfast?” so we can all be seated together. We are so proud to have the chance to showcase our amazing volunteers!
Even if we can’t reach everyone individually, we want to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all our volunteers. Your time, energy, and passion help the Seed Library grow, and this recognition is truly for you!
Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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2026 Seed Library Restocks
The Brown County Seed Library will continue restocking seeds in the grab bin and card catalog throughout the growing season—so swing by often to see what’s new! We focus on seeds that can still be successfully grown in Wisconsin, meaning long-season crops like onions, tomatoes, and peppers may be phased out after April, while short-season favorites like beans, peas, and leafy greens will remain available as long as we have stock. We’re also always accepting seed donations—bring any packets you no longer plan to grow to the Central Library or the STEM Center. Even older seeds can be used for germination testing and educational activities.
Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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2026 Planting with a Purpose
As you plan your garden, don’t be afraid to plan a little more than you think you will eat. Any additional produce your garden has can be utilized at local food pantries through the Planting with a Purpose program. Sign up today!
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2026 One Seed, One Community
The Scarlet Runner Bean has been chosen as the 2026 selection for the One Seed One Community initiative. While it's advisable to wait until June to plant these beans in our growing zone, it's never too early to start planning where they will thrive best. These vibrant and vigorous climbers can develop long vines, necessitating support such as a trellis.
If you already have a fence or a structure that can accommodate these climbing beauties, you're all set. However, if not, consider creating a sustainable trellis using materials like bamboo, branches from trees or bushes, or natural twine and jute. These eco-friendly options not only provide excellent support but also add an element of rustic charm to your garden.
As you look forward to planting the Scarlet Runner Bean, envision a garden that not only flourishes with life but also embraces sustainability.
Submitted by Peggy, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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Its April: What to Do in the
Garden This Month
Hopefully the snow is behind us and we can start working a bit in the garden!
Have you done some winter sowing? If so, place your containers in a sunny area if you haven't done so already. If we do not get rain (or, I hate to say it, snow) you will need to water the containers to ensure they do not dry out. It will still be another month or so before you see things starting to peek out of the soil.
Leaving native plant stems standing through the winter is a good practice. People ask when they should start cutting the stems. Directions circulating in the gardening world say you should wait until the temperature is 50 degrees for five days in a row, or maybe 40 degrees for seven days, or maybe ??? These temperature guidelines are misleading and harmful to our nesting insects. It is better to cut stems back to 12–24 inches, leaving the cut portions on the ground near the original plant. They will decompose and enrich the soil. Some of our native insects, bees, moths, and butterflies, lay eggs in pithy or hollow stems in the fall or early spring, and those broods hatch on a timeline that is not dictated by temperature. If you remove the stems, the emerging insects may not be near their host plants and could starve.
Judy Cardin, a bee expert who contributes to a wonderful Facebook page called Wisconsin/Midwest Bumblebee Observers, suggests the following:
"Please leave the cut stems permanently. If you 'tidy' in fall or the next spring and dispose of this year's cut stems, you will be destroying the young bees hibernating in the brood cells. We leave both the standing and cut-off portions of the stems in the garden area. Both can be used, and both decompose gradually to enrich your garden with humus. Foliage from new plant growth will soon completely cover them. Bees use a very wide variety of stems, and we don't worry about distinguishing which species are hollow or pithy, as so many are. I am offering a stem-cutting timetable that Xerces and Heather Holm also offer: this spring of 2026, hibernating bees emerge from 2024 stems. They will build their nests this year in 2025 stems, and their young at the end of the 2026 season will hibernate in 2025 stems. Cut the stems before the earliest flowers start blooming. There are over 100 species of stem-nesting bees in the Midwest, some emerging from hibernation in early spring, others during summer."
Xerces Society — Stem-Nesting Bees Resource
Submitted by Jeanette, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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When Can I Plant My Seeds?
Considering the Needs of Seeds, Seedlings, and Gardeners
If you’ve ever read a seed packet in early spring and seen “sow as soon as the soil can be worked,” you might wonder—what exactly does that mean?
This common gardening phrase isn’t tied to a specific calendar date. Instead, it’s about timing your planting to meet three important needs: the needs of the seed for germination, the needs of the seedling as it grows, and the needs of you, the gardener.
The Needs of the Seed: Soil Conditions and Temperature
For a seed to germinate successfully, the soil must be physically ready and warm enough to support growth.
Soil is considered “workable” when it meets two key conditions:
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Thawed: The ground is no longer frozen, and you can easily dig into the top few inches.
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Friable (not muddy): The soil is dry enough to crumble rather than clump.
Working soil too early—when it’s still wet—can damage its structure. Compacted soil limits airflow and makes it harder for roots to grow and access water and nutrients later in the season. Just as important is soil temperature. While warm spring days can be encouraging, soil warms much more slowly than the air. Seeds respond to the temperature underground—not what you feel outside. Raised beds warm up faster than in ground beds, so measure the temperature where you intend to plant.
If soil is too cold, seeds may absorb water but fail to sprout, leaving them vulnerable to rotting or pests. Checking soil temperature about 2 inches deep over several days to determine the average ground temperature in your chosen location. While many seed packets, including ours, include the ideal soil temperature range for specific varieties, this article from UW–Madison Extension provides a helpful overview of the average minimum, optimal, and range temperatures for many common crops.
The Needs of the Seedling: Air Temperature and Protection
Once seeds sprout, the focus shifts above ground. Air temperature now plays a critical role, and early spring weather can be unpredictable.
You’ll often hear the terms frost and freeze:
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Frost forms around 32°F, when moisture in the air settles as ice crystals on plant surfaces, damaging tender growth.
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Freeze occurs when temperatures drop below 32°F for a sustained period. A hard freeze (around 28°F or lower) can cause more severe injury or kill plants.
New seedlings are especially vulnerable because their tissues are soft and full of water. When temperatures drop, ice can form within plant cells, causing damage.
While the distinction between frost and freeze becomes important for mature plants, young seedlings are sensitive to both. If temperatures are expected to approach freezing, protection is important. Simple strategies—like covering plants in the evening, removing covers in the morning, watering the soil ahead of time, and avoiding plastic directly on plants—can help reduce damage.
The Needs of the Gardener: Timing, Water, and Protection
Early planting also depends on your ability to care for what you plant.
In early spring, watering can be a challenge. Outdoor spigots may not yet be turned on, hoses may still be stored away, and rainfall can be inconsistent. Seeds and young seedlings need consistent moisture, so it’s important to consider whether you’ll be able to water regularly.
Protection is another factor. Early planting often means being ready to cover plants if frost or freezing temperatures are in the forecast. Row covers, sheets, or frost cloth can make a big difference—but only if you’re available to use them at the right time.
The Takeaway
Successful early planting comes down to balance—meeting the needs of the seed, the seedling, and the gardener. Make sure to consider all three before deciding when to start your spring garden.
Other good resources on this topic:
The Science of Frost and Plants MSU Extension
How to Protect Plants from Frost and Freeze Iowa State University Extension
The time is right to plant cool season vegetables Illinois Extension
Submitted by Melissa, N.E.W. Master Gardener
| Order your Perennial Food Plants from the Bountiful Branches Plant Sale! | | |
Book Review
A Place for Everyone:
History of Green Bay Botanical Garden
by Lee Somerville
format: book
Place for Everyone: History of Green Bay Botanical Garden was published in celebration of the 20 year anniversary of the garden gates opening. Author Lee Somerville interviews a great collection of the people who were essential in the founding of Green Bay Botanical Garden. From founding members to volunteers, A Place for Everyone teaches readers the history of our special botanical gardens. This compilation includes images of public land surveys, portraits of board members, captures of social events within the garden, readers are sure to see familiar names and faces of the legends of our gardening community. A Place for Everyone captures the extensive efforts of our garden’s visionaries and demonstrates how much love and energy continues to flow through those grounds.
Submitted by Jennifer, N.E.W. Master Gardener
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Calendar of Local Garden Related Events:
April 1, noon - 1pm (free for members)
T.I.L.L. Talk: Our Native Plants – Uses and Folklore
Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
April 1, 6:30pm - 7:30pm (free)
Growing a Bountiful Harvest
Virtual, Melinda Meyers
April 4, 9am - 11am ($)
Bluebird House Workshop
Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, 2024 Lakeview Dr, Suamico
April 4, 9am – Noon
Keweenaw Native Plant Symposium
9 a.m.—RJ Laverne “The Right Tree in the Right Place”
10 a.m.—Featured Speaker: Heather Holm “From Canopy to Ground Layer: Building Soft Landings with Keystone Plants for Pollinators”
11 a.m.—Aaron Anderson “Protecting Pollinators from Pesticides, Promoting Natural Enemies at Home”
Virtual, Wild Ones Keweenaw
April 7, 4pm - 7pm (free)
Food for All: Brown County Resource Fair
ADRC, 300 South Adams St, Green Bay
April 11, 9am - 11am (free)
Grassroots in the Garden: Tending Established Blueberries Workshop
Seymour Park, 330 South Oakland Ave, Green Bay
April 15, 10am - 11:30am ($)
Cottage Garden Support – Build Unique Structures to Grow Vertically
Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
April 15, 1:30pm - 2:30pm (free)
Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE
Virtual, UW Extension
April 16, 6pm - 7:30pm (free)
Bountiful Branches Mini Class
Virtual or Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay
April 18, 1pm - 3pm (free)
Beneficial Backyard Bugs with Entomology Extension Specialist PJ Liesch
Virtual or Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay
April 21, 10am - 11:30am ($)
A Guide to Hydrangeas and Other Amazing Flowering Shrubs
Green Bay Botanical Garden, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
April 21, 5:30pm - 7:30pm (free)
Grassroots in the Garden: Planting and Tending Apple Trees
Seymour Park, 330 South Oakland Ave, Green Bay
April 22, 6pm - 7pm (free)
Raised Bed Gardening
A Gardeners Club of Green Bay Meeting
2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
April 22, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (free)
Plant Disease Management by Design: Preventing Plant Disease Problems During the Landscape Design Process
Virtual, UW Extension
April 22, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (free)
Suburban Homesteading: Understanding Soil Health
Neenah Public Library, 240 E Wisconsin Ave, Neenah
April 25, 10am - noon (free)
Grassroots in the Garden: Grafting Workshop
NWTC Garage, 2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
April 27-30 ($)
Friends of the Library Big Book Sale
Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay
April 28, 6pm - 7:30pm (free)
Garden Planning: Designing a Productive and Manageable Garden
Menasha Public Library, 440 First St, Menasha
April 30, noon - 1pm (free)
Lunch and Learn: Houseplant Tips and Tricks
Virtual, U of Minn Extension
May 7-10 ($)
NEWMG Plant Sale
STEM Center, 2019 Technology Way, Green Bay
May 14, 5pm–7:45pm (free)
How-to-fest
Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay
May 16, 1pm - 3pm (free)
Veggie and Flower Seedling Giveaway
Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green Bay
May 20, 1:30pm – 2:30pm (free)
Ask Your Gardening Question: LIVE
Virtual, UW Extension
May 20, 6pm - 7pm (free)
Growing Herbs and Flowers for Cooking
A Gardeners Club of Green Bay Meeting
2600 Larsen Rd, Green Bay
May 21, 5:30pm - 7:30pm (free)
Grassroots in the Garden Growing Community: Pollinator Friendly Plants
Seymour Park, 330 South Oakland Ave, Green Bay
May 26, 6pm – 7:30pm (free)
Gardening in Small Spaces: Growing More in Less Space
Menasha Public Library, 440 First St, Menasha
May 27, 6:30pm - 8:30pm (free)
Suburban Homesteading: All About Pollinators
Neenah Public Library, 240 E Wisconsin Ave, Neenah
May 27, 6:30pm – 8:30pm (free)
The Science (and Art) of Plant Disease Diagnosis
Virtual, UW Extension
May 30, 8:30am - 11:30am ($)
Wild Ones Plant Sale
Stone Silo Prairie Gardens, 2325 Oak Ridge Cir, De Pere
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Featured Plant: Cabbage
This month, we’re talking all about cabbage! Cabbage is part of the cole crop group—cool-season vegetables in the Brassicaceae (mustard) family, derived from wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea). These crops grow best in temperatures between 60–68°F. The term “cole” comes from the Latin caulis, meaning stem or cabbage. Other common cole crops include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, and collards, often referred to as cruciferous vegetables or Brassicas.
In Wisconsin, start cabbage indoors in mid-March, about 6–8 weeks before the last frost, and begin hardening off seedlings about 10 days before transplanting; once acclimated, plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 28°F. Seeds may also be direct sown, germinating in soil temperatures between 45–85°F.
Cabbage grows best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.0–6.8, or about 5.6 for muck soils). As a heavy feeder, it benefits from nitrogen-rich soil, with fertilizer applied at planting and again 6–8 weeks later, especially after heavy rains. While cabbage is more drought resistant than other brassicas, consistent moisture—about 1 inch per week—is still important. Uneven watering can cause heads to split, particularly late in the season. Watering early in the day and avoiding late evening overhead irrigation can help prevent disease. Space plants 12–24 inches apart to promote airflow, support full leaf development, and reduce the risk of rot. This will also give you more space to harvest when the time comes.
Rotate crops each year to minimize soil-borne diseases like clubroot, which damages roots and limits nutrient uptake. More about clubroot can be found at the University of Minnesota website.
There are three key insect pests of cabbage – and cole crops in general - in Wisconsin: cabbage looper; imported cabbage worm; and diamond back moth. These three pests are the larvae (caterpillars) of butterflies and moths. If left uncontrolled, they will cause damage to your cabbage crop. Because they cause similar damage to the plants and because combined damage has a cumulative effect, these three insects are considered a pest complex and managed together. Check out this article from UW Extension for further guidance on how to detect and control these pests using integrated pest management techniques.
Our cabbage varieties mature between 65-90 days after planting. As the season progresses, heads will begin to form at the center of the leaves. Harvest when the heads are firm and have reached a desired size. Cabbages not harvested at the right time will be subject to head
splitting. You can slow down this process by twisting the heads or slicing the roots. Eat soon after picking for the best flavor. However, under the right conditions (35°F with 95 percent humidity), you can store cabbage for up to six months with little to no loss in quality as long as you keep them away from apples, bananas or other ethylene generating fruits.
Cabbage is a versatile veggie with a range of different uses and varieties. There are two main types of cabbage: loose heading and hard heading, with colors that range from dark green to purple and white. Cabbage is a favorite vegetable in the Green Bay area thanks to its Belgian and German heritage. Popular cabbage-based foods include: Belgian trippe sausage; Chicken Booyah; stuffed cabbage; and sauerkraut.
Submitted by Matt, N.E.W. Master Gardener
Sources: MIGardener Website; UW Extension ‘Growing Cole Crops in Wisconsin’
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Chicken Booyah
The Booyah of the Green Bay area is typically made in multi-gallon batches, cooked outdoors in large kettles over a wood or propane fire, and served at gatherings like church suppers and family reunions. Certainly there is argument among booyah cooks about the recipe; indeed, there are as many booyah recipes as there are booyah cooks, and every one is the ‘right’ one. What they all agree on is that booyah is a soup of stewed chicken and many kinds of vegetables – but cabbage is essential – and the longer it simmers and the more the ingredients merge, the better it tastes.
Ingredients
black pepper and salt to taste
2 pounds onions, chopped (divided)
bay leaves
1 large stewing chicken (6 pounds), cut up
1 pound cabbage, shredded
1 bunch of celery, chopped
1 pound carrots, chopped
1 can (28 oz) chopped tomatoes (or use fresh, if you’ve got good ones)
2 pounds red potatoes, chopped
½ pound green beans, chopped
½ pound corn kernels
½ pound green peas
Chicken broth (optional)
Juice of 2 lemons
2 to 3 teaspoons of soy sauce
Chicken base to taste
1 pound beef chuck, in one piece
Instructions
1. Place beef in a very large pot with some of the onion, a few bay leaves, and some salt and pepper. Add enough cold water to fill the pot 1/3 full. Bring to a simmer, skim surface as needed, and cook ½ hour. Add chicken parts, more water (to cover all the meat), and a little more salt. Continue to simmer 1 – 2 hours.
2. Meanwhile, prepare all the vegetables as described above.
3. When meats are tender, lift them out of the broth.
4. While meat is cooling, add the prepared vegetables (including the remaining onion), one type of vegetable at a time, bringing the broth back to a simmer after each addition.
5. Remove the bones and skin from the cooled chicken and beef. Chop the meats and add to the pot after all the veggies have been added. Simmer at least 2 hours – much longer is preferred. Although the mixture should still be soup-like, with broth and solids largely distinct from each other, the solids themselves should meld together somewhat, as in a stew. Water or chicken broth may be added during the cooking process if necessary.
6. Season with lemon juice, soy sauce, bouillon (if desired), and salt and pepper to taste.
Submitted by Matt, N.E.W. Master Gardener.
Recipe contributed by Judy Ullmer of Green Bay and can be found in
The Flavor of Wisconsin, by Harva Hachten and Terese Allen, second
edition, 2009.
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Support the BCSL!
We are entirely supported by grants, donations and volunteers! If you are interested, there are many ways to support the BCSL.
*You can become a Seed Steward and support the library by growing out seeds from our core list to donate. We will accept seed donations by anyone who would like to donate, seeds can be dropped off at the STEM center or at the Central library.
*You can volunteer to sort and pack seeds. Opportunities will be posted on the New Leaf Foods Calendar of Events and included in our newsletters.
*You can make a monetary donation through our Fiscal Agent, New Leaf Foods. Click here to donate.
*You can visit our Amazon Wish List, which has basic packing supplies that we utilize for preparing our seeds for distribution. Click here to access the wishlist.
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