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
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Tag: Iowa
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Farmers Market season set to begin soon
Given today’s wintry winds, it’s incredible to think that another outdoor farmers market season begins in just one week. One of my favorite markets kicks off its season Sunday, April 28, 2013. The Hiawatha Farmers Market will be held that day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Guthridge Park 10th Avenue parking lot. […]