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...because all the best garden advice is local

February 18, 2016
Greetings!Veronica with pruned willow branches
 
You know you're an Iowan when you step outside on a sunny February day that has (finally) hit 35 degrees and say, "It's gorgeous out!"
   This winter was predicted to be one of the warmest on record, and I have to say, it's not been as awful as some, by a long shot. We've had only a couple of nasty cold snaps, and most days I can dash out to my car to grab something without even putting on my coat.
   And it's only going to get better. Spring is right around the corner! It's almost time to plant all sorts of seeds that should be planted outside in 8 to 10 weeks and I just bought a cute little basil plant for my windowsill now to plant outside in May.
   It won't be long now 'til it's really gorgeous out-like, oh, 50 degrees!
 
Yours in chilly gardening,
 
Veronica Lorson Fowler
 
Forced Branches forced forsythia
 
The first cut flowers from my garden grace my table in March, when I cut branches of pussy willow and forsythia to "force" indoors. Easy to do. Simply cut them when their buds just barely start to form (also called swelling), soak them in cold water in the tub, then arrange them in a vase and watch their flowers open!
 
Click here to find out what branches force well and how.
Cut It Out! 

Late winter and early spring is the ideal time to prune many types of trees and shrubs. But it takes a little know-how to prune them well so that they look and bloom or produce their best and retain a healthy, beautiful shape.
   We've got lots of good information to break it down for you and make it easy.

Garden Quote  
 
"Your mind is the garden,
your thoughts are the seeds.
The harvest can be either flowers or weeds."

-- 19th century British poet William Wordsworth  
Issue: 124
Monthly To-Do
 
Sooner than you think, the snow will melt and we'll have some balmy days. It's a good time to get out there and pick up sticks and trash; cut back dormant perennials, and even start on pruning trees and shrubs. (Hold off on roses and any trees and shrubs that flower in the spring.)

 Pore through catalogs, garden books, web sites, and magazines to plan for spring. Put your ideas into a garden notebook, made from a three-ring notebook.
 
 Make on-line and mail-order purchases early. Supplies of the most popular items tend to start running out in March or so.
 
 Tidy up and organize your garden supplies. Wash up pots. Use hot soapy water and rinse so the pots are set for spring planting.
 
 Start seeds of parsley, onions, perennials, and other slow-growing plants. 
  Click here for a month-by-month listing of what to plant when in Iowa.
 
 If houseplants are struggling, it's probably time to pitch them and replace. Otherwise, give them a good rinse, trim off brown or problem parts, and top off the soil with fresh potting soil.
 
 Avoid fertilizing houseplants this month. With less daylight, their need for food is less.
 
Editor's Choice 
Garden Events  
 
Wednesday, March 2
Reiman Gardens, Ames  
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Join Reiman horticulturists for a hands-on workshop that will teach you all the "Ws" of pruning--when, what where, how and why. Wear gloves and be ready to work outdoors! 


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