As an Iowan gardener, I love growing towering sunflowers to add cheer and beauty to my landscape. Their bright, happy faces evoke summer days and attract pollinators to my yard. But to get the most out of these sun-loving annuals it’s important to know the optimum time for planting sunflower seeds in Iowa’s variable climate. … Read more
Marigolds are a brightly colored, easy to grow annual flower that can bring a burst of color to gardens borders, containers and more. Their cheery blossoms come in shades of yellow orange, red and white. Before you can enjoy these flowers, the first step is planting the seeds correctly. This raises a common question for … Read more
Okra is a warm-weather loving vegetable that thrives in hot, humid summers. Many gardeners directly sow okra seeds outdoors after the last spring frost date. However, okra can also be started indoors from seed weeks earlier, allowing for an earlier harvest. So can you start okra indoors? The answer is yes! Starting okra indoors is … Read more
As a gardener in Tennessee, I adore growing sunflowers to add bold beauty and happy color to my landscape. Their bright yellow and multi-colored blooms evoke the essence of summer. But timing is everything when it comes to sowing sunflower seeds at the right time to maximize success in Tennessee’s climate. In this article, I’ll … Read more
With their fuzzy, frilly blooms in shades of white, pink, purple, and blue, scabiosa are delightful old-fashioned cottage garden flowers Also known as pincushion flowers, scabiosa bring long-lasting color to beds, borders, and bouquets These easy-to-grow annuals and perennials can be readily started from seed. Follow this guide for tips on sowing and growing scabiosa … Read more
You can start a lot of annual and perennial flowers from seeds inside before they can grow outside. We have more choices (so many kinds!) and save money when we plant seeds instead of buying plants. If you have a bright windowsill or fluorescent lights, you’re all set. If you are new to seed sowing, … Read more
$49 Save $-49 Select Size: In general, lettuce likes cool weather and will flower earlier in hot weather. This lettuce can handle the heat better. To grow early head lettuce, start seeds indoors on March 1 at 68°. Cover the seeds flat with a dome and let them get light. Sow lettuce seeds outside anytime … Read more
Have you top dressed your lawn in the last year? Have you ever? If you want to improve your lawn and keep the grass as healthy and full as possible, top dressing is a must. A favorite of golf courses, this process will help your lawn stay lush and healthy. Top dressing and overseeding are … Read more
The only thing worse than getting rid of your Christmas tree at the end of the year is seeing your pretty amaryllis blooms die. Alas, like most flowers, these bold blooms are here for a good time, not a long time. You shouldn’t throw away your amaryllis bulb just yet, though. With a little care, … Read more
Transplanting vegetable seedlings from indoors to the garden is an exciting step in the gardening process. Moving those tiny seedlings that you nurtured under grow lights or in a sunny window to the great outdoors marks a transition – from starting seeds to growing a bountiful vegetable garden. But timing is everything when it comes … Read more