|
It's Been A Long, Cold Spring
Greetings!
I was scolding myself the other day for not getting out and gardening more--the weeds are going crazy and I still haven't gotten in my flats of annuals--and then it hit me: Of course I haven't been wanting to garden. It's been cold and rainy all spring!
Where are those balmy, sunny days that make it impossible to stay inside--the days that make you want to garden from the first moment you get up until the last bit of daylight? (No, you don't get to answer "Florida.")
Ah, well. I'll pull on my sweatshirt and try to tough it out in the rain and cold. I've gardened in droughts and floods and in the aftermath of hailstorms. I guess I can handle a bit of chill and mist.
Yours In Foul-Weather Gardening,
 Veronica Lorson Fowler |
The Last Frost Date is Past!
The Last Frost Date is Past!
It might not feel like it, but the last average frost date is past for all of Iowa. It was May 10 for southern Iowa, May 15 for northern Iowa.
That means you can plant all marigolds, tomatoes, basil, and other warm-season annuals outside now. (Wait another week or two to plant the seeds of beans, melons, squash and corn. They like soil that's thoroughly warmed.)
Click here for a complete list of what to plant what when in Iowa.
|
Nothing Like an Ax
I've had more than one friend burst into laughter when they've seen me walking out of the garage with a small ax in my hand. But I'm telling you, there's nothing better for dividing the tough root balls of daylilies, peonies, Siberian irises and more.
|
|
A Record Year for Dandelions
At first, I thought it was my imagination that I was pulling quite a few more dandelions this year from my flower beds. Then I drove to Wisconsin this weekend and noticed, there are lots more dandelions--entire fields of dandelions.
 And it's true. KCRG-TV News in Cedar Rapids reported that the rain and heat of last year combined with our moist spring has resulted in a huge crop of dandelions.
Click here for our best tips in removing this pretty pain in the patootey.
|
|
Garden Quote
"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt."
--Margaret Atwood |
Have Tough Garden Questions?
The Iowa State University Horticulture Extension Answer Line gives great, free advice! 515-294-3108
|
|
|
| Sponsored Link
Ted's Garden Center, Cummings
Saturday, May 21
Bashful Blooms & Tickled Pink Containers
10 a.m.-noon. Create a fabulous pink bloom-themed container for sun or shade. $30.
Sunday. May 22
Fragrant Foodie Fun
1-3 p.m. Learn to make herb infusions using oils and vinegars. Try some, take some home, and learn recipes. $39.
Saturday, May 28
Summertime Succulent Wreaths
10 a.m.-noon. Create a living wreath from succulents to enjoy for months. $49.
|
|
Garden To-Do List
For a printable list for May, click here.
For a month-by-month listing of what to plant when in Iowa, click here.
 It's offical. All of Iowa is past the last average frost date. Hurrah! So go nuts, folks. Plant your seedlings of peppers, basil, marigolds, impatiens, and petunia, and other tender annual seedlings now.
Wait to plant seeds of corn, squash, cucumbers, and beans. They like warm soil. Plant these the last week of May in southern Iowa, the first week of June in northern.
Plant gladiolus corms, canna rhizomes, and tuberous begonia tubers.
Finish up planting of lettuces and spinach from seed.
You can continue to divide perennials that bloom in the summer or fall now, as needed or desired. Hold off on dividing those that bloom in late spring until either after they bloom or this fall.
Finish up pruning trees, shrubs, evergreens now as desired.
Continue to plant trees, shrubs, and roses now. However, avoid planting bare-root roses and other bare-root plants after the middle of May.
Continue to plant perennial edibles that like cool weather, such as rhubarb, strawberries, raspberries, and asparagus.
If you choose to use a preemergent weed killer, such as Preen, in your beds and borders, now is the time to apply it. Organic versions are also available. Look for products that also fertilize.
Don't remove the browning foliage of tulips and daffodils until it pulls away easily. The plants need it to rejuvenate for next year.
Now is a great time to build a raised bed. Click here to find out how.
|
|
Upcoming Garden Events
Through September
Big Bugs
Reiman Gardens, Ames Check out artist David Rogers' collection of garden creatures, created on a gargantuan scale.
Saturday, May 7
Arts At the Arboretum
Iowa Arboretum, Madrid
2:00-5:00 p.m. A national traveling carillon will conduct a special concert at the arboretum.
For more upcoming Iowa garden events, click here.
Have a garden event or events that you'd like featured in The Iowa Gardener? Click here and send us your information. . |
|
