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...because all the best garden advice is local

January 23, 2014
Spring: Are We There Yet?
 

 

Veronica sitting in a window seat These past two weeks of brutal cold and repeat onslaughts of snow and ice have left me seriously winter-weary. So I should not have been surprised when yesterday it happened, as it always does this time of year: I found myself wondering how much it would cost for a really cheap ticket to somewhere warm.

   But alas--not enough time, not enough money. There will be no jetting off to a palm-lined beach any time soon.

   So like a good Iowan, I will make do--with as much good cheer as I can muster. I've treated myself to a beautiful pot of deepest blue cineria planted in a sunny yellow pot. I'll take in the upcoming Des Moines Home and Garden Show or head out to a greenhouse to stroll around aimlessly, just taking in the warmth, humidity, and the smell of moist earth.

   I'll make an extra-big fire and pull in around me all my favorite seed catalogs. And instead of a beach in Barbados, I'll dream of my backyard in April, with birds and daffodils and the lawn just turned the deepest green--definitely a form of paradise all its own.

 

Happy Spring Dreaming!

Veronica Lorson Fowler

 

P.S. Click here for 11 more suggestions on ways to beat the winter blues! 

 
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Start Some Seeds Seed Packets

 

Promise, it's not hard if you 1) choose an easy type of seed and 2) provide enough warmth and 3) time it right. Most seeds should be planted 6 to 8 weeks before the last average frost date, so here in Iowa, that means starting them around March 10. So you have plenty of time to get in an order.

   Another helpful hint: Use fresh seed. Seed purchased last year won't germinate very well, and if it's older than that, it's probably not even worth your while.

   Click here for more of our very best tips for starting seeds indoors. And check out the lively conversation going on The Iowa Gardener Facebook page.

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In The Country Garden and Gifts 

Offers Know-How on HOSTAS

Mark Zills' Feild Guide to Hostas

Mark Zilis, acknowledged expert on hostas and noted author, has published a new fabulous book, "Field Guide to Hostas." It has:

* Thorough descriptions of 272 hostas, along with lists of 2,300 more.

* 1,200 beautiful photos

* Suggested hosta companion plantings for maximum effect

* Complete instructions for growing hostas

* Instructions for propagating your favorite types.

 

To get more information or to buy this book from In The Country Garden and Gifts, located in Independence, Iowa, click here!

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e-newsletter. Click here!

What Plant to Plant? 

Whether you're trying to decide what type of tree to plant for that special spot this spring or the best kind of string beans, check out our Iowa-centric best plant lists! 

Planting a small plant  

The Best Green Beans

 

Five Must-Have Tomatoes

 

20 Must-Have Perennials for Iowa

 

Hydrangeas for Iowa

 

Eight Bullet-Proof Roses for Iowa

 

Annuals and Perennials That Are Less Attractive to Deer

 

Deer-Resistant Trees and Shrubs for Iowa

 

The Best Evergreens for Iowa

 

ISU's Recommended Plants for Shady Areas

 

 
Issue: 90

Monthly To-Do

 

 If you haven't already, 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.

 

 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 1/2 inch high, put them in the sunniest spot you have. Supplement 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: May 10 in southern Iowa, May 15 in northern Iowa. That means starting most seeds in roughly mid-March.

 

 Know your USDA Zone so you can choose the right plants. Northern Iowa is roughly Zone 4, southern Iowa is roughly Zone 5. Click here for a detailed map.

Editor's Choice 
Garden Events  
 
Saturday, Feb. 1
Iowa Arboretum
 
9:00-11:00. Learn what species frequent Iowa during the winter month and how to spot them in their natural habitat. Great for young and old alike. In the Hughes Education Center at the Iowa Arboretum in Madrid, Iowa. $10 per family. 
 

Garden Quote  

 

"Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.
"  

 

Yoko Ono