Care and How-To - Annuals
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Learn how to protect plants from frost and freeze damage in fall and spring. Get tips on covering plants, using cold frames, and when to bring plants indoors for the season.
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Germination requirements (light and temperature) vary among the different annuals and vegetables. The various crops also differ in the length of time from seed sowing until the seedlings are planted outdoors. Below is germination and growing information for commonly grown annual flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
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Reusing plastic, clay, and other containers is a great way to save money and reduce the amount of plastic waste that goes into landfill. Plastic containers cannot be recycled in traditional single-stream home recycling programs and, unfortunately, programs to collect and recycle plastic pots are not common.
Proper cleaning and disinfecting of pots requires just a minimum amount of effort, yet can mean the difference between the success or failure of containerized plants, plus it allows you to reuse containers and reduce plastic waste. Follow the steps below to clean and disinfect used containers.
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Learn how to grow petunias from seeds indoors. Tips on timing, containers, sowing, germination, and care for successful petunia seedlings before outdoor planting.
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Many resources are available to help you be successful in starting seed indoors for your garden.
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Proper storage conditions for seeds are essential to maintain viability and good germination at planting time. You can test the germination rate of your seeds to be sure they are viable and worth the time to sow and grow. More information about storing seeds, testing seed germination rates, and the expected viability of common vegetables can be found below.
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Impatiens thrive in shady areas, making them perfect for flower beds and containers. Learn how to grow these versatile annuals from seeds!
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There are many different options for containers that can be used to start seedlings.
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Ideal for adding color to shaded areas in your garden, learn how to care for impatiens, from planting and watering to managing common issues like downy mildew. Explore different varieties, including New Guinea impatiens and double impatiens, and understand their growing conditions. Perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and beds, impatiens are a versatile choice for any gardener.
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While winter is often considered a slow time in the garden, there are still several things that can be done from December through February to prepare for spring and keep yourself active in the garden even when there is snow on the ground! Below is a list of tasks to do for perennials, annuals, trees & shrubs, vegetables, lawns, and houseplants.
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Basil is a popular herb used in cooking. This annual is best grown in full sun and works well in gardens and containers. Learn about growing, harvesting, and preserving this widely grown herb. Read more about the many varieties of basil, its uses, and history.
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Hanging baskets are a great way to decorate porches, decks, and other outdoor areas of the home. They make great gifts and are readily available in garden centers every spring. Whether your hanging basket has just one or many blooming plants, care is required for the best blooms throughout the growing season. Below are some tips for growing and maintaining hanging baskets.
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Organic mulches serve several important functions in gardens and landscape plantings.
These many benefits make the use of mulch very beneficial in a wide range of garden settings. When choosing which organic mulch to use, consider availability, cost, appearance, function, and durability.
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Some plants in the landscape need a little extra protection to make it through the winter months. Here is what you need to know to successfully overwinter plants in Iowa.
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Sprinklers are frequently used by home gardeners. Learn about the many different types and how to use them efficiently.
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Growing plants from seed is rewarding and economical. Order high-quality seeds early, from reliable companies. Check seed age and viability, and avoid excess. Use in-store options when necessary for best results.
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There are several Hibiscus species that grow well in Iowa. Growing hibiscus can be confusing to Iowa gardeners because the three most common species vary greatly in flower, habit, and cold hardiness.
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A healthy garden has properly spaced plants. Use this guide to help determine how many plants you need based on their recommended spacing.
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Driving through Iowa, you'll find many eye-catching native and non-native plants thriving along roadsides. Here are some of the common species you'll find.
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Drip irrigation is a water-efficient method for vegetable gardens, delivering moisture directly to roots, saving time, and reducing disease risks.