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Spring Exploding All Around
 The old saying is an old saying because it's true: If you don't like the weather in the Midwest, wait a few minutes. It was cold and wet and miserable last week, barely making 60. Yesterday we hit 90!
Spring, pent up for so long, is exploding all around. A few days ago, I went out into my garden to hunt for cut flowers. A few daffodils and some scroungy forsythia were all I could come up with. Now I have serviceberry, hyacinths, bleeding heart, rock cress, crabapple, apple, cherry, vinca minor, and even tulips. I can finally make a bouquet to take to the nice young couple and their new baby across the street.
I've taken the next couple of days off work to hit the garden and start weeding. They've exploded, too. Spring is definitely here.
Happy Gardening (finally),
Veronica Lorson Fowler
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It's Planting Time!
A key date in Iowa's gardening calendar is the last average frost date. That's the time, most years, that you can plant frost-sensitive warm-season annuals like tomatoes, impatiens, basil, marigolds, and many of our other favorite annuals.
In southern Iowa, that date is May 15. In northern Iowa, it's May 10. Central Iowa is, well, somewhere in between.
But be careful. This year, spring has been so cold and late. I'd err on the side of caution. Warm-season annuals need adequately heated soil to take off, so don't push the frost date. Instead, wait a few days after, if you can. If you've already planted and the weather forecast is for night temperatures down to 32, be prepared to cover plants with sheets, newspapers, or other protection.
* Click here for a month-by-month listing of what to plant when in Iowa.
* Click here for The Iowa Gardener's useful planting tips.
* Click here for plant shopping tips.
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Roses Outlook Not Rosy
 There's a lively chat (well, more of a commiseration) going on at The Iowa Gardener Facebook page. So many of us are not seeing much sign of growth on our roses right now, even on some of our toughest types of roses.
We had an extremely harsh, cold winter, which took its toll on all types of plants. But we've also had a late spring, so give your roses at least 3 or 4 weeks more. If you're not seeing any sign of growth, not even the swelling red buds that will turn into stems and leaves, it's time to say a little prayer and commit the spirit of your poor, deceased roses to the Great Beyond.
But don't despair too much. To my way of thinking, a few losses each winter are simply part of growing roses in Iowa, (though expert rosarians lose almost none). If you can keep your winter rose losses to 10 to 15 percent of all your roses, in my opinion, you're doing well.
Also, it gives you an opportunity to go out and buy even cooler, tougher roses that will last longer and better!
* Click here for a listing of "bulletproof" (most years) roses for Iowa.
* Click here for tips on growing roses in Iowa, including winter survival tips.
* Click here to learn more about Buck roses, cold-hardy beauties developed at Iowa State.
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The Rundown On Roundup
 I have a like/dislike relationship with Roundup. I like it because it saves me tremendous amounts of work. I dislike it because I'd rather avoid pesticides and weed killers. But as synthetic yard chemicals go, it's probably one of the least worrisome, if used properly and judiciously.
Another reader asked about Roundup on our Iowa Gardener Facebook page. She sprayed it and it doesn't seem to be working. But Roundup isn't magic. I had the same experience when I first started using it, but then I actually followed the directions on the container to the letter. (When all else fails, read the instructions, right?) Key things:
* Spray only on smaller plants, those no more than two or three inches high.
* Spray only on a sunny, dry day. This is critical to allow Roundup to do its thing.
* Be prepared to repeat the application two or three times, spreading out the application at least by a day or two.
* Consider the more concentrated formulations of Roundup, such as Roundup ProMax. I like the Extended Formula type, which comes in a big jug and has a very precise hose sprayer that's excellent. It also sticks around longer in wet conditions.
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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 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. Plant away!
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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Sponsored Link
Mother's Day Gifts at Iowa City Landscape
and Garden
For Mother's Day, give Mom a gift she will enjoy all summer. Select from our collection of unique plants and garden-theme gifts at
Iowa City Landscape and Garden Center!
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Editor's Choice
Garden Events
Today-Sunday
Des Moines Botanical Center Spring Fling
Des Moines
Enjoy a plant sale, speakers, and special events--all in the newly renovated setting of the Des Moines Botanical Garden. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Trellis Cafe or buy mom the perfect gift at the completely made over and restocked gift shop.
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Garden Quote
"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt."
-- Margaret Atwwod, "Bluebeard's Egg"
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