Planting Time 
Greetings!
In my garden-obsessed brain, the major holidays of the year are the Fourth of July, New Year's, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas... and the last average frost date!
May 10 in southern Iowa and May 15 in northern Iowa are the dates that we can safely plant tender annuals, such as impatiens and tomatoes, outside without worrying about frost damage. In fact, after the last average frost date, you can plant just about anything outside. (With a few exceptions, such as corn and green beans. Click here for a complete listing of what to plant when in Iowa.)
I took yesterday off to do yet more garden cleanup and weeding, but also to hit the garden center to stock up on annuals. Now I'm going to get to really indulge in my favorite garden task--planting!
Oh, it's the most wonderful time of the year!
Happy Gardening!
Veronica Lorson Fowler |
Plant Shopping Tips
If you're like me, you buy plants until your debit card starts to groan in protest. So get the biggest bloom for your buck by being smart about plant shopping.
* Read the label. I can't tell you how many times friends have purchased plants they thought were perennials, only to find out later that they were actually annuals here in Iowa. Further confusing things is that the a label or sign may say the plant is a perennial, but if you look closely, it is a perennial only to, for example, Zone 7. And since we live in USDA Zone 4 or 5 in Iowa, the plants then die out over the winter. (Click here to see which zone you live in. The map has been revised recently.)
 * Shop around on plant prices. They can vary radically and basically, if it looks full and healthy, it probably is. If the price is good, go for it!
* For more Iowa-cenetric plant shopping tips, click here.
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For more information on Buck roses, and where to find them in Iowa, click here.
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Garden To-Do List
 Looking for a fast, easy Mother's Day gift that costs just a few dollars? Make a Mother's Day garden journal. Takes just minutes and all you need is a white 3-ring binder with a clear sleeve on the front as well as a color printer. Print out our nifty journal pages and cover and assemble. Or have a grandchild draw a personalized cover!
The last average frost date is almost here! It's May 10 for southern Iowa and May 15 for northern Iowa.
Wait another 2 weeks to plant seeds of corn, cucumbers, squash, beans and other seeds that need warmer soil.
Now, while you can still see where bulbs are planted and remember what they look like, take some notes on what and where to plant this fall. Stick notations where you'll remember them. Like a garden journal, perhaps?
Don't remove the browning foliage of tulips and daffodils until it pulls away easily. The plants need it to rejuvenate for next year.
Weed and mulch, weed and mulch! Weeding gets rids of the weeds. Mulching suppresses them.
Plant gladiolus corms, canna rhizomes, and tuberous begonia tubers now the soil is adequately warm.
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, and 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.
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Editor's Choice Garden Events
Friday, May 11
Free admission to various Iowa public gardens, courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens! Click here for details. Sunday, May 13
Mother's Day
Click here to see more upcoming Iowa garden events.
Click here to let us know about your garden event! |
Garden Quote: "Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint,
and the soil and sky as canvas." -- American painter, Elizabeth Murray |
Advertise With The Iowa
Gardener! With nearly 5,000 avid gardeners, The Iowa Gardener is the largest local source of gardener "eyeballs" around. Great rates and easy--we'll design your ad at no extra charge! Click here to contact us! |
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