Should something this green be bad for the environment? I mowed today for the first time this year and only because my front yard was quickly becoming a sea of yellow. I don’t mind dandelions as much as some people do, but when you have neighbors, you need to be considerate,
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Month: May 2013
Vineyard trellis-building and “wine” jok
Anyone who regularly drives Interstate 380 south of Cedar Rapids knows about the Nesper sign jokes, those often-corny puns that flash across the giant electronic billboard alongside the interstate. Tonight’s joke was particularly fitting as I drove to Kirkwood Community College for Viticulture class… “What did the grape do when it got stepped on? It […]
Iowa drops to fifth in “locavore” index
CEDAR RAPIDS – The state remains in the top 5, but Iowa dropped from last year’s second-place ranking in an annual “locavore” index. The index, by Strolling of the Heifers, ranks the best and worst states for eating local foods, based on a per capita comparison of farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture programs and food […]
Morel of the story: “tremendous” year pr
The morel season is picking up steam, but it wasn’t until today that I found any in the Cedar Rapids area and “find” might be a stretch; these were for sale at the Hiawatha farmers market. Brein Osborn of Vinton was selling small containers of morels for $10 each at the market, which is open […]
Unveiling the mystery of CSAs
Even as they grow in numbers, Community Supported Agriculture programs remain a mystery to many Iowans. Members of the programs, known as CSAs, pay an annual fee upfront to receive weekly shares of a farm’s fresh produce for several months during the growing season. In return, the farmers have a guaranteed source of income
New record set for Iowa precipitation
Sure, we’re tired of the wet, cold weather, but at least it’s taken most of the state out of drought status. Here is the latest update, as of May 2, 2013, from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources:
Three Kings frost warning
Even though we’ve enjoyed temperatures in the 70s and 80s this week, I hope you weren’t tempted to plant your peppers, tomatoes or other tender plants outside. I brought my tomato seedlings indoors in case temps dip below freezing in the next few days. Your perennials should be fine, but as a precaution, you might […]