Today’s weather offers hope that spring is on the way and this news, from the city of Cedar Rapids, is a reminder that the new season officially begins in less than one week! Cedar Rapids – The City of Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department’s Ushers Ferry Historic Village, Indian Creek Nature Center, Matthew 25, […]
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Tag: Iowa
Springville farmers market closes
This news today really saddens me. The Springville Farmers Market has been one of my favorites for years. Market founder Lena Gilbert, shared the following message this morning, March 13, 2013: Dear Friends, Customers, Vendors, Community Supporters— After seven years, the Springville Farmers’ market will end. Due to waning attendance by both customers and vendors, […]
Viticulture: Week two, or three
Snowstorms canceled two of our four Vineyard Management classes at Kirkwood Community College in February, and the weather trend seems to be continuing. I know our instructor, Lucas McIntire, would like to get started on pruning lessons, but as the winds picked up and snow began to fly even today – in mid-March – the […]
Favorite day of the year: Iowa Heritage ...
In speaking with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey last week, he mentioned that his favorite day of the year happens during the Iowa State Fair. That’s when Northey has the honor of recognizing Iowa farms that have been in families for generations as part of the Century and Heritage Farm program.
Book review: “Getting Your Hands Dirty a
In reviewing their new book, I first have to admit a certain bias for Linn County Master Gardeners, who have been longtime contributors to Homegrown. At the same time, it’s those qualities I admire about this group of experts – their down-to-earth advice, practical experience and willingness to share their knowledge – that makes “Getting […]
Beyond Coal Campaign speaker to be featu...
The Sierra Club’s annual dinner is happening soon! The meal sounds fabulous and it’s for a good cause. Read on for more from Mike Wyrick: If you only come to ONE local Sierra Event this year, please come to our Annual Dinner. It’s fun and it’s our main fundraiser.
No “crazy, bloody” primary: Iowa Secreta
CEDAR RAPIDS – Bill Northey said he wasn’t laying the groundwork for a possible Senate run during his trip to Cedar Rapids, but Iowa’s secretary of agriculture hasn’t ruled out the possibility. “I haven’t decided,” Northey said Thursday, adding that he is in discussions with Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA) and […]
Seeds from Iowa sent to global vault in ...
If you’ve never been to Heritage Farm at Seed Savers Exchange, you’re missing out on one of the gems of northeastern Iowa. Set among the hills north of Decorah, the non-profit maintains and sells thousands of seed varieties for the benefit of gardeners around the globe.
Learn how to establish a purple martin c...
KALONA – Evan Gingerich counted 58 pairs of purple martins in a colony at his home last year. “They’re just neat to have around,” he said, citing the birds’ “cheerful chatter” and appetite for insects. Gingerich is one of the founders of an annual Purple Martin Workshop, now in its eighth year. The event is […]
Weekend photo gallery: Maple Syrup Festi...
The first weekend in March felt like winter, but spring is definitely within reach as residents of the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor began planting seeds indoors, visited farmers markets and celebrated locally made maple syrup. If you have photos from this weekend or others you’d like to share, post them on the Homegrown Facebook page.