Early spring (late March to early May) is the best time to plant strawberries in Iowa.
Early spring (late March to early May) is the best time to plant strawberries in Iowa.
Forsythias bloom on the previous year’s growth. The best time to prune forsythias is immediately after flowering. Pruning forsythias anytime from mid-summer until just prior to bloom will reduce flowering in spring. When pruning
The most desirable time to prune grapevines is late winter or early spring. In Iowa, pruning can begin in late February and should be completed by early April. Grapevines pruned at this time of year may “bleed” heavily. However,
Early spring (before the shrub begins to leaf out) would be the best time to transplant an azalea. In Iowa, this is normally sometime from late March to mid-April. An azalea transplanted in fall (after leaf drop) would be susceptible t
Kentucky bluegrass lawns should be mowed at a height of 2½ to 3 inches in the spring and fall months. Mow bluegrass lawns at a height of 3 to 3½ inches in June, July, and August. A higher mowing height in summer helps to cool the crown
Since potatoes are susceptible to several serious diseases, buy certified, disease-free potatoes at garden centers and mail-order nurseries. Potatoes that remain from last year's crop may carry undetectable diseases. Potatoes purchased
When purchasing tomato plants at your local greenhouse or garden center, select stocky, dark green plants. Plants should be 6 to 10 inches tall with stems about pencil-size in thickness. Avoid large plants with flowers and fruit.
As the name suggests, bare-root trees and shrubs have no soil around their roots. Bare-root nursery stock is dug in late fall, placed in cold storage, and then is shipped to garden centers or directly to consumers in early spring. Bare
The keys to successful control of crabgrass in lawns are correct timing of the preemergence herbicide application and proper application of the material. Preemergence herbicides must be applied before the crabgrass seeds germinate. If
Many ornamental grasses provide color, sound, and movement to the winter landscape. Because of these winter features, cut back ornamental grasses in April in Iowa. Cut back the grasses to within 2 to 4 inches of the ground with hand sh
The best time to divide perennials varies with the different plant species. Early spring (just as new growth begins to appear) is the best time to divide aster, chrysanthemum, hosta, bee balm, sedum, yarrow, obedient plant, and ornamental gr
Asparagus ca
Fertilize established raspberries in early spring before new growth begins. Apply 4 to 5 pounds of 10-10-10 or a similar analysis fertilizer per 100-foot row. Uniformly broadcast the fertilizer in a 2-foot band. If the raspberrie
Cool-season annuals are annual plants that prefer cool temperatures, growing best in spring or fall. Many are tolerant of a light frost often surviving down to 28°F or sometimes even 25°F with little damage to flowers or leaves.
Late March or April is the best time to plant dormant, bare-root raspberry plants in Iowa. If the planting of dormant, bare-root raspberry plants must be delayed after purchase, moisten the packing material around the roots of the raspberry
Potatoes should be planted in early spring. Appropriate planting times are late March or early April in southern Iowa, early to mid-April in central Iowa, and mid to late April in northern portions of the state.
All shrubs flower. However, the flowers of some deciduous shrubs, such as winged euonymus (burning bush), alpine currant, and fragrant sumac, are small and inconspicuous. These shrubs possess attractive foliage, fruit, bark, or some ot
Prune narrow-leaved evergreen shrubs, such as juniper and yew, in early April before new growth begins. Light pruning may also be done in mid-summer. Avoid pruning narrow-leaved evergreens in fall. Fall pruned shrubs are more sus
The upper portions of modern roses, such as hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras, typically winterkill due to exposure to low winter temperatures and extreme temperature changes. Gardeners should prune out the dead wood after the winte
The proper time to prune deciduous and evergreen shrubs is determined by the plant’s growth habit, bloom time, and health or condition.
Weigelas bloom on both old and new wood. Plants bloom heavily in late May or June on the previous year’s growth. They also bloom intermittently through the summer on the current season’s growth.
Old garden roses, hybrid rugosas, and other hardy shrub or landscape roses often survive Iowa's winters with little or no winter injury. If there is any winter injury, it can be pruned back to live wood just as the new buds are turning green
Spring-flowering shrubs, such as lilac and forsythia, bloom in spring on the growth of the previous season. The plant’s health or condition determines the best time to prune spring-flowering shrubs.
Summer-flowering shrubs, such as potentilla, Japanese spirea, and panicle hydrangea, bloom in summer on the current year’s growth. Prune summer-flowering shrubs in late winter or early spring. The pruned shrubs will bloom in summer on
To reduce the chances of crop damage from a late frost or freeze, leave the mulch on as long as possible. Removing the mulch in March may encourage the plants to bloom before the danger of frost is past. Temperatures of 32 degrees Fahr
Sow carrot seeds at a depth of 1/4 to ½ inch beginning in early April in central Iowa. For a continuous harvest, make additional plantings every 3 to 4 weeks. The last practical planting date for carrots is August 1.
Sow marigold seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date. Lightly cover seeds with 1/4 inch of Jiffy Mix or other soilless medium. If given favorable temperatures and moisture conditions, the marigold seeds sho
Sow cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower seeds indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date. Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower seedlings can be planted outdoors in early April in southern Iowa, mid-April in central portions
The growth rate of the seedlings and the outdoor planting date determine when to sow seeds indoors. The crop time (number of weeks from sowing to planting outdoors) for several popular flowers and vegetables are as follows: 10 to 12 weeks -
Tomato seedlings grow rather quickly. Ideal transplants are short, stocky plants. Sow tomato seeds indoors 5 to 6 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date. Plant seedlings in the garden after the danger of frost is past.&n