After experiencing summerlike temperatures earlier in October, Iowa could see its first widespread frost of the fall season this week. The National Weather Service notes that temperatures could fall to the freezing mark on Wednesday night, Oct. 22, into Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2025. Some parts of the state may experience a light frost, but […]
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Category: gardening
Late bloomers: Lilacs make out of season...
It’s not often that migrating monarchs can gain sustenance for their long journey on lilacs blooming in Iowa, but the past few seasons have proven otherwise. Even in October, the pale purple blossoms are offering a respite for the butterflies on their seasonal migration. Typically an early season bloomer in Iowa, lilac bushes that have […]
Heirloom tomatoes in spotlight during ta...
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Heirloom tomatoes — non-hybrid varieties passed down through generations — are the focus of an annual event hosted by the Johnson County Master Gardeners. The 10th Annual Taste of Heirloom Tomatoes takes place from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at the Plum Grove Historical Home, 1030 Carroll St., Iowa City. […]
Cedar Rapids man forced to remove front ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Butterflies and other pollinators frequented the marigolds, sunflowers, cosmos, dill and zinnias at their peak in Will Hatchel’s front yard, alongside numerous goldfinch, Iowa’s state bird. But no longer. Hatchel, who meticulously tended his front yard sanctuary for four years, was forced to cut down the plants this week after an […]
Surprise lilies begin annual show
Keep an eye open to flushes of pink rising in synchronicity in yards throughout Iowa, as surprise lilies make their annual appearance. Like clockwork, the lilies, also known as magic lilies or naked ladies, bloom in Iowa in late summer; starting this year on July 27. If you see them popping up in one part […]
Project GREEN Open Gardens Weekend to sh...
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Project GREEN’s free annual Open Gardens Weekend will feature more than 20 residential gardens for 2025, scheduled a few weeks earlier this year to highlight plants that bloom at this time of the season. Open Gardens Weekend 2025 will be held Saturday, June 28, from 4-8 p.m., and Sunday, June 29, […]
Timing looks good for Good Friday potato...
Gardening folklore calls for potatoes to be planted on Good Friday, and with the date relatively late this year, the timing could be right. In Iowa, appropriate potato planting time varies from early April in southern portions of the state to mid- to late April for northern areas. As of April 15, 2025, soil temperatures […]
Eastern Iowa plant sales sprouting early
Plant sales, where gardeners can find locally grown perennials and other plants that perform well in Iowa, are off to an early start this year. Tender plants, such as tomatoes, peppers and annual flowers, should wait to be planted outside until after the final frost, but others, including native plants, can successfully be planted in […]
Garden forum highlights how to create a ...
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Project GREEN’s Garden Forums are underway this winter, with the February forum highlighting micro-prairie landscapes. The free presentation will be 2-4 p.m. Feb. 9, 2025, at the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St. The presentation will also stream live on Iowa City Public Library’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thelibrarychannel. Read more […]
Preparing for an Iowa freeze
While Iowans have basked in summer-like weather for most of this fall, forecasts predict a possible freeze this week. Some parts of the state may have already experienced a light frost, but a freeze — when temperatures dip below 32 degrees — is more damaging to plants. In 2023, parts of Iowa escaped a killing […]