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On the East Coast, so the story goes, newcomers are asked where they come from; on the West Coast they are asked what they do for a living; in Iowa people ask them, "How's your garden doing?" Maybe this is not a true story, but it does epitomize the importance of gardening for Iowans, blessed as they are with the rich glacial soil so hospitable to corn and soybeans. Rural and urban Iowans alike start planning next summer's garden in midwinter, when their plots are still snow-covered and deep-frozen; by state fair time their trees, shrubs, vegetables--including the ubiquitous zucchini--and flowers are thriving. Veronica Fowler's month-by-month guide to gardening in Iowa is a concise, valuable resource for all novice and experienced gardeners. Beginning in January, Fowler presents a monthly checklist to allow gardeners to prioritize seasonal tasks. Her winter chapters focus on garden design, cold-weather gardening, and starting plants from seeds; in spring she moves into soil preparation, shopping for plants, wildflower and rose cultivation, and lawn care basics; summer brings landscaping, flowers for cutting, and organic gardening; and fall involves cold frames, winter-harvest vegetables, forcing bulbs and perennials, trees and shrubs, and ground covers and vines best suited for Iowa's climate as well as information on mail-order suppliers, gardens to visit, where to go for help, and garden club memberships. Tips from some of the more than two thousand members of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa round out this plentiful harvest of useful advice. On a day in February when the wind chill is, well, chilling and the forecast calls for more of the same, the arrival of the first garden catalog of the season brings warmth to any gardener. Veronica Fowler's accessible, information-packed book will become part of every gardener's life both indoors and out.
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The purpose of this book is to offer the reader the chance to explore, experience, and discover the public and private gardens and nurseries in Iowa. I have had the good fortune to visit many of these over the last ten years and must say that the horticultural entities of this state will prove amazing for those who have yet to embark on a quest to see them. Some of my favorite gardens and nurseries in the world lie between the waters of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, and it is my goal to share them with you in a succinctly written guide that leads you on adventures much like I've had.
Excerpt from Forestry Manual of the Iowa State Horticultural Society Should be planted quite deeply - 18 inches or more - and then be well protected the first winter by being laid down and covered with earth, and if of tender varieties they should be protected every winter. The first year but one cane should be grown, the next not more than two, and the third a little fruit may be obtained. Plant in rows six to eight feet apart and train to trellis or stakes, vines four to eight feet in the row. A trellis may be made of three wires, the highest not more than four to five feet high, or stakes may be used from two to four inches in diameter. With the trellis you can cultivate or plow but one way, while with the stakes plowing may be done both ways. The pruning should be done in the fall, winter or spring, before the buds begin to swell. No definite rule can be given for pruning, but in doing it we should bear in mind that only the last year's growth produces fruit. A young or feeble vine should not have too much bearing-wood left on lest it overbear, while a strong and well-established vine may be more heavily taxed. Cultivation of the vines with the plow, cultivator, one-horse harrow or hoe should be begun as soon as the ground is in good condition to work in the spring, and it should be kept up until well into midsummer or later. Close pruning induces the growth of large berries and large bunches, while a superabundance of fruit-bearing wood tends to the production of numerous small bunches, with smaller berries. Each bud on last year's growth of wood may be counted on to produce from one to five bunches of grapes when the vine is well pruned. Orchard Planting And Care. For orchard planting preparation of the ground should be begun in October by giving the soil a deep plowing, or what is still better, a good trench-plowing or subsoiling, and the plowing should be done so that each row of trees can be planted in a dead-furrow. Fall is preferable to spring plowing, for the reason that the soil is then in better condition to be worked, and where the plowing is deep the frosts of winter and the rains of spring render the ground more friable, especially if the soil or subsoil be stiff clay. The distance of the trees apart should not be less than twenty-five feet and, where land is plenty, thirty feet is better. By a quincunx arrangement of the rows a greater number of trees can be planted to the acre and still be the same distance apart than where each tree stands directly opposite its fellow tree in the adjoining rows. In selecting trees get them from a good, reliable nurseryman, and procure them in the fall, soon after defoliation, and keep them over the winter well buried in the ground, and by well buried I mean covered root and branch with the earth in close contact with all the roots. If trees have to be transported far from nursery to orchard the roots should be well protected from the drying effects of both sun and winds. As soon in spring as the ground is in condition to be worked the planting should be done. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
Iowa offers a diverse array of opportunities and challenges in the realm of gardening owing to its varied terrain, fertile soil, and culturally diverse climate. Iowa, located in the central region of the United States Midwest, undergoes four distinct seasons, characterized by frigid winters, balmy summers, and abundant annual precipitation. This climate diversity makes Iowa an oasis for cultivators of all skill levels, as it fosters the growth of a vast array of plants. This introductory guide to gardening in Iowa will cover the fundamental elements of gardening in the state, encompassing soil properties, climate considerations, preferred plant selections, and gardening advice specific to Iowa's environment. Climate and Season for Growth: The climate of Iowa is characterized as humid continental, characterized by warm summers and frigid winters. The average annual temperature in the state ranges from well below freezing in the winter to excessively highs in the 80s°F (approximately 30°C) during the summer. From late April to early October, the growing season generally extends, thereby granting sufficient time for the cultivation of an extensive range of cereals and ornamental plants. Iowa's fertile soil is considered a key asset for horticulture purposes, largely attributable to the state's extensive agricultural heritage and glacial history. The soil in the state is predominantly categorized as Mollisols, which are distinguished by their substantial organic matter content and profound, dark color. Due to their exceptional drainage and nutrient retention capabilities, these soils are highly suitable for horticultural pursuits. Nevertheless, soil composition can differ throughout the state, as certain areas are characterized by denser clay soils, whereas others are comprised of lighter loam or alluvial soils. Favorite Plants and Crops: Iowa gardeners are presented with an extensive assortment of plant alternatives, encompassing ornamental flowers and shrubbery as well as vegetables and fruits. In Iowa, well-liked crops that thrive in the region's climate comprise an assortment of leafy greens, tomatoes, sweet maize, peppers, beans, and squash. Furthermore, ornamental grasses, daylilies, coneflowers, and hostas are perennials that thrive in Iowa's climate and provide gardens with seasonal appeal. Iowa's gardening devotees are in for a rewarding experience due to the state's favorable climate, fertile soil, and wide variety of plant options. Gardeners can foster prosperous landscapes and savor the fruits of their labors throughout the growing season by acquiring knowledge of Iowa's distinctive gardening conditions and applying suitable methodologies.