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 […]
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Year: 2013
DNR wants Iowans to head outdoors to red...
A new initiative from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources should hit home with many Iowans. Healthy and Happy Outdoors, or H2O, is an initiative to help Iowans reduce stress and improve their health by connecting with the outdoors. You can sign up to log your activities online and qualify to win some cool prizes, […]
Book Review: America’s Climate Century
I’ve heard our own state Senator, Rob Hogg, describe the challenge of climate change as he speaks to groups about his new book. Hogg, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, compares it to the challenges his parents’ generation faced in winning World War II and fighting the Cold War. “In the climate century, we will not […]
Weekend Photo Gallery: Backyard Abundanc...
Spring has finally arrived in Iowa, with decent weather, plant sales beginning and Iowans eager to dig in their gardens. Backyard Abundance hosted its annual plant sale in Iowa City and residents of Ely shared plants during an exchange at their Community Center. The Ely Public Library is also the site of a Seed Lending […]
Location is key to farmers market succes...
Location is a prime factor for more than the real estate market. Farmers markets also are finding success and failure based in large part on the markets’ visibility and proximity to neighboring market venues. “The number one thing that everyone agrees on is being on main roads – at
Spring plant sales kick off this weekend...
UPDATE: More plant sales have been added in Oxford and Iowa City. Scroll down to find sales in May 2013. If you’re hoping to add a bit more green – or color – to your landscape, local plant sales are the way to go. Not only are the plants reasonably priced, but because they are […]
New Pi Soilmates helps school gardens gr...
IOWA CITY – Scott Koepke lights up when he talks about his work. “Look at those faces,” he said, pointing to a photo of school children fully absorbed in his presentation about composting, his full-time endeavor. Koepke has been helping schools in the Iowa City area start gardens in his role as New Pioneer Food […]
Viticulture: The Curse of the Vineyard
OK, maybe the vineyard isn’t cursed, but the weather seems to be, prompting our viticulture class (or maybe just me) to wonder if we aren’t somehow jinxed. No matter what the weather the day-before or weekend after, all of our class sessions have been plagued with howling winds, frigid temperatures and drenching rain; sometimes all […]
Happy Earth Day!
My hyacinth and daffodils seemed to be biding their time this spring, but finally opened today, in time for Earth Day. The Lenten rose that I thought succumbed to the elements also was found to be in bloom. I’ve felt behind on my planting, but thought it was appropriate to start that on Earth Day, […]
Julia “Butterfly” Hill calls on people t
HIAWATHA – For someone who spent two years living in a tree, Julia “Butterfly” Hill appears quite down-to-earth. “If people want to call me a tree-hugger, that’s great,” said Hill, 39, who was given the nickname “Butterfly” as a child. “I’m a proud tree-hugger.” Best known for the 738 days she lived on a platform […]