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A New Gardening Year
Greetings!
Okay, so I'm feeling whiny. It's cold; the sun is a weak, pale orb in the sky;
my house is encased in ice; and the space heater humming at my feet still isn't doin' it for me. Brrrrrrr.
My
business partner in The Iowa Gardener, the evil, evil Ben, has absconded to
Mexico to join his wife, Peg, a Central College professor, where she is teaching. And why is it every friend and family member I ever had who is
living in Florida or Arizona is choosing now to call or email and give me
weather reports? I am so tempted, in August, when we have one of those wet,
cool spells, to call them and tell them how fabulously cool and clear it is and
how I've run the air conditioner just 12 days so far this year.
I
feel a greenhouse visit coming on. Just listening to myself, I realize I've got
to hit my local Holub's. I love the warmth and humidity and the smell of things
growing in dirt. I'll splurge on one really gorgeous flowering plant for my
kitchen table. Way cheaper than a ticket to Mexico.
Yours in spring dreaming,
 Veronica Lorson Fowler |
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Understanding Gardening
In Iowa
I've been gardening in Iowa for 24 years now. There are a
lot of things I wish I knew then that I know now. But I learned the hard
way--and I have the dead plants to prove it!
Check
out "What You Have to Garden In Iowa A Long Time To Figure Out" and maybe at least you can be spared a few
dead plants. Quick! Do it! Save yourselves!
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Look for Snippets
We're starting a new service here at The Iowa Gardener and
we're calling it Snippets: A short, quick, occasional email with a timely tip
on everything from weather and frost warnings to great deals spotted on plants
and supplies to just plain good info.
Just click here to send an email and say "sign me up for Snippets."
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Yearning for Homegrown Tomatoes
 It's no wonder it's the most popular home-garden vegetable.
It's only January and already I'm yearning for a beautiful slice of fat, juicy
garden tomato. Sigh. Only six more months to go. (Oh, I am whiny today.)
But
at least I can place my seed order. Each year, I plant five what I feel are
must-have tomatoes. Click here to read about them and I'll bet they become your must-haves,
too!
And
if this is the year you're determined to have super healthy tomatoes, you'll
also want to check out our tips for the biggest, healthiest tomatoes. (The best tip? Do not plant tomatoes in the same area as last year, or the year before!)
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Advertise with
The Iowa Gardener
Your business will reach thousands of avid local gardeners
with some of the most reasonable rates around. Click here for advertiser
information, which includes a publishing schedule, or email us at info@theiowagardener.com. |
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New Life for Old Windows
 I've been stockpiling in the garage old windows and French doors from my
1929 Cape Cod house. They take up an insane amount of space, but I just
can't let go of this pipe dream I have of building an adorable walk-in greenhouse out of
them.
Meanwhile
I stumbled onto a cool web site that has lots of other ideas on ways to use old
windows. I love the little mini-greenhouse shown here. Click here to see more nifty ideas. A great snowy weekend project.
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Create an Iowa Garden Journal
I'm a big fan of garden journals. Every year, they save me money and time. And they're a really fun learning tool.
My favorite design is simply a plain old white 3-ring binder notebook. Plenty of room to make lists in and I can change the configuration to fit the way my brain works (or doesn't). I use tab dividers for each month and pocket dividers to hold torn-out magazine articles. Those clear plastic zip pockets are handy to stash old plant labels where I can always find them.
 So start a garden journal of your own. To inspire you, we've created a beautiful cover for your garden journal. Click here for a printable version of a cover to slip into the clear plastic pocket on the front of your notebook and a printable listing of our Iowa January Gardening To-Do List, complete with punch holes. Each month, we'll have another to-do list for you to print and add to your garden journal!
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Ask Veronica a Question
If you're a subscriber, email Veronica with your garden questions and she'll do her very best to get back to you within two business days. Click here! |
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Garden To-Do List
Click here for a printable version of these garden tasks.
 Cut up your Christmas tree and use the boughs for mulch over tender plants. Or tuck the boughs into pots and window boxes. Pretty, and you'll save on a collection fee.
Use calcium chloride, rather than sodium chloride, on your drive and walks. It's less harmful to plants. Or use sand or even kitty litter, in a pinch.
Make on-line and mail-order purchases early. Supplies of the most popular items tend to start running out in March or so, especially this year when vegetable gardening again promises to be hot.
Look at your houseplants. If they're struggling, it's probably time to pitch them. (A great excuse to buy a new one.) Otherwise, give them a good rinse, trim off brown or problem parts, and top off the soil with fresh potting soil.
Don't fertilize houseplants this month. With less daylight and therefore growth, they need less food.
Boost humidity around houseplants. They really need it this time of year. Misting has been shown to be ineffective, but a tray filled with pebbles and a quarter-inch or so of water is. Also, turn up your humidifier.
Check on any forced bulbs in your fridge. Water to keep soil lightly moist, as needed. When shoots are �-inch high, put them in the sunniest spot you have. Suppliment with a grow light, if possible.
Check on any bulbs or corms. If you dug glads, tuberous begonias, and other tender bulbs up last fall, uncover and examine them. They should be firm and healthy looking. If they're shriveled or mildewed, pitch them.
Start seeds of slower-growing plants, such as parsley, onions, and some perennials. Don't start other seeds too early (check the packet). The vast majority of seeds should be started 6 to 8 weeks before your region's last average frost date,
which means most seeds
should be started in Iowa in mid-March.
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Know your USDA Zone. Northern Iowa is roughly Zone 4, southern Iowa is roughly Zone 5. Click here for a map.
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Garden Events
Now through March
Reiman Gardens, Ames
Sit and relax in the conservatory with a collection of whimsical, traditional and colorful seating. Free to $7.
February 11-14
Des Moines Home and Garden Show
500 experts, hundreds of displays and booths on home and
garden supplies. The Iowa Gardener will have a booth and Veronica will be
speaking daily and signing copies of her book, "Gardening in Iowa."
We'd love to meet you! Free to $10.
March 26-28
Quad Cities Flower and Garden Show
More than 250 exhibitors showcasing the latest techniques,
supplies and equipment; landscaping companies and DIY projects. We'll have a
booth here, too, and again, Veronica will be speaking daily. Free to $6
Include your upcoming garden event (we love garden clubs!) in our Events
listing. Click here to send us the info!
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Garden Quote
"Don't knock the weather; 9/10ths of the people
couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while."
-- Humorist
Kin Hubbard
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