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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Gardeners tempted by warm weather should...
With warmer weather on the horizon, Iowans and others in the Midwest will be tempted to start their gardens, but a Czech legend warns against a late frost. Known under various names, including the Three Frozen Kings, the three icemen – tři ledovi muži – or Three Ice Saints, Three Frozen Men, Three Ice Kings […]
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 […]
Czech Three Frozen Kings legend warns ga...
It might feel like summer this weekend, but gardeners are warned to heed a Czech legend that guards against a late frost. The legend is known under various names, including the Three Frozen Kings, the three icemen – tři ledovi muži – or Three Ice Saints, Three Frozen Men and Three Iron Men, and warns […]
Killing freeze expected in Iowa
It might seem like months ago, but just last week, on Oct. 24, Iowa hit record-high temperatures, in the 80s. Now, maybe unsurprisingly, the state is hitting the deep freeze. Hardier flowers, such as zinnias and black-eyed Susan, and even less hardy plants, including tomatoes, may have survived overnight temperatures that dipped into the low […]
Rime ice vs. hoarfrost in Iowa
Freezing fog painted a pretty picture in Iowa this morning, but also created icy roads that, tragically, likely contributed to a deadly pileup on Interstate 80 near Iowa City. Fog is forecast again for Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Iowa, so take care on the roads. Meteorologists refer to the coating of white on leaves […]
How to prepare for an early frost
UPDATE, Oct. 7, 2022: If you’ve escaped the frost so far, take heed tonight, as a freeze warning has been issued in Iowa, with temperatures predicted to dip into the 20s from Friday into Saturday. One week ago, parts of Iowa sustained record heat on Sept. 20, 2022, with temperatures in the upper 90s. Tonight, […]
Czech legend of Three Frozen Kings offer...
Few days have tempted gardeners to plant early in Iowa this spring. With daytime temperatures hovering in the 50s and nights even colder, already into May, many gardeners are waiting for more conducive weather. Related: Slow start to morel mushroom season Still, with 70-degree days (hopefully) on the horizon, a Czech legend offers a warning […]
Czech Three Kings lore warns gardeners o...
Temperatures that soared into the upper 80s in Iowa and elsewhere in the Midwest this weekend are giving way to overnight lows in the 30s. While a hard freeze isn’t predicted, at least for now, it’s not unheard of to have a late-season frost in Iowa. Czech lore, brought to the United States by immigrants, […]
Connecting Good Friday planting to potat...
Gardening folklore that calls for planting potatoes on Good Friday could create issues with the crop-devouring Colorado potato beetle, according to at least one Iowa gardener. The organic gardener said he has successfully avoided the voracious beetle by waiting until around June 1 to plant his potatoes. Planting early almost ensures that the Colorado potato […]