Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) can be divided in spring or late summer/early fall. In spring, dig up the plants just as new growth begins to appear. Divide each clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each division shou
Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) can be divided in spring or late summer/early fall. In spring, dig up the plants just as new growth begins to appear. Divide each clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each division shou
Early spring is the best time to divide rhubarb plants. Dig up plants as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. Divide each plant into sections with a large knife or spade. Each section should have at least 2 or 3 buds or sh
Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower seedlings can be planted outdoors in early April in southern Iowa, mid-April in central portions of the state, and late April in northern counties. Harden (acclimate) the seedlings in a protected location f
The best time to plant dormant, bare-root grapevines in Iowa is early spring (late March and April). If planting must be delayed for several days after purchase or their arrival in the mail, moisten the packing material around their roots, p
Plant impatiens outdoors after the danger of frost is past. It’s usually safe to begin planting impatiens in late April in southern Iowa and mid-May in northern portions of the state. Plants purchased at a greenhouse or started indoors
Two planting options are available when planting marigolds. Most gardeners set out plants in spring. However, gardeners can also sow marigold seeds directly outdoors.
Transplant tomatoes into the garden after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, it’s usually safe to plant tomatoes around May 10. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant one week earlier, while those in northern areas should wait
Plant tuberous begonias outdoors after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, mid-May is an appropriate planting date.
Daffodil foliage should not be removed until it has turned brown and died. The length of time it takes the foliage to die back depends on bulb type, weather, and other factors. The foliage of daffodils usually doesn’t die back until la
Sow beet seeds at a depth of ½ to 1 inch in early April in central Iowa. Additional plantings can be made every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous harvest. The last practical planting date for a fall crop is August 1. Rows should be s
Plant calla lily rhizomes 1 to 2 inches deep in a well-drained potting mix about 6 to 8 weeks before the average last spring frost in your area. After potting, water well and place the containers in a warm, 70 to 75°F location. Keep th
Start canna rhizomes indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost date in your area. Plant the cannas in large pots. The rhizomes should be covered with 3 to 4 inches of potting soil.
After planting rhubarb, it’s best to wait 2 years (growing seasons) before harvesting any stalks. The two year establishment period allows the plants to become strong and productive.
Early spring is an excellent time to transplant rhubarb. As soon as the ground is workable, carefully dig up the plants in early spring before growth begins. Dig deeply to insure getting a large portion of each plant’s root system.&nbs
Petunias should be planted in the garden after the danger of frost is past. It’s usually safe to begin planting petunias in late April in southern Iowa and mid-May in northern parts of the state.
Radishes can be planted as soon as the ground can worked properly in spring. This is often late March in southern Iowa and mid-April in northern counties. Successive plantings can be made every 7 to 10 days through May. Radish pl
Small potato tubers may be planted whole. Large potatoes should be cut into sections or pieces. Each seed piece should contain one or two “eyes” or buds and weigh approximately 1.5 to 2.0 ounces. After cutting the tubers into sec
October is the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs in Iowa. This allows bulbs to establish and develop good roots before winter.
Purchase plants from a reliable garden center or mail-order nursery. Plants from an old planting may be disease infested. Plants purchased from reputable garden centers and mail-order nurseries should be disease-free.
In Iowa, September and April are the best times to aerate Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season lawns. While the overall results are beneficial, core aeration causes some initial damage. Aerating in September or April allows the gra
Early spring is the best time to divide asters. Dig up plants in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Divide each plant clump into sections with a sharp knife. Each division should contain several shoots and a portio
Bee balm (Monarda species) spreads rapidly via underground stems or rhizomes. In addition, the center of the plant often dies out within a few years. To control their spread and rejuvenate plants, it’s advisable to dig and div
Early spring is the best time to divide chrysanthemums. Dig up plants in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Divide each plant into sections with a sharp knife. Each division should contain several shoots and a port
Spring is the best time to divide hostas. Dig up the entire clump as soon as the leaves begin to emerge. (The emerging leaves are bullet-shaped and are often referred to as “points” or “noses.”) Carefully divide the clump into se
Sod can be successfully installed from spring to fall. However, spring (late April and May) and late summer/early fall (September and October) are the best times to install sod in Iowa.
Early spring (April) is the best time to plant an asparagus bed in Iowa. Since asparagus is a perennial crop, carefully consider possible sites. Asparagus performs best in well-drained soils in full sun. In poorly drained sites,
Spring is the best time to plant garden mums (Chrysanthemum ×morifolium) in Iowa. Mums planted in spring survive the winter much better than those planted in fall. Spring planted mums have the opportunity to grow and
Peonies are available as potted and bare-root plants. Potted peonies are often available at garden centers and can be planted anytime during the growing season. Bare-root peonies are typically purchased from mail-order nurseries.
Spring is the best time to plant rhubarb in Iowa. Plants can be purchased at garden centers or from mail-order catalogs. Digging and dividing large existing plants is another source of plants.