What are some good onion varieties for the home garden? 
Suggested onion varieties for home gardens in Iowa include ‘Copra’ (main season, yellow-brown skin, excellent storage), ‘Candy’ (yellow-brown skin, globe-shaped, short-term storage), ‘Red Burgermaster’ (bright red, globe-shaped, good storage), ‘Sweet Sandwich’ (late season, yellow-brown skin, excellent storage), and ‘Walla Walla Sweet’ (late season, yellow-brown skin, short-term storage). 

Do established blueberry plants need to be fertilized? 
Established blueberry plants benefit from an annual application of an acid-producing fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate. In early spring, apply 0.5 to 1 pound of ammonium sulfate per 100 square feet of garden area. Ammonium sulfate supplies nitrogen to the plants and also helps maintain soil acidity. 

The seeds that I start indoors germinate poorly.  Why? 
Poor or erratic germination of seeds may be caused by improper planting (for example, planting too deeply), uneven moisture and cool temperatures. 

Fine seeds and those seeds that require light for germination should be sown on the surface of the germination medium and then lightly pressed into the medium. Cover medium and large seeds with additional potting mix to a depth of one to two times the seed’s diameter. 

Uniform moisture levels are required for optimum seed germination. To maintain uniform moisture levels, place clear plastic food wrap over the containers. Flats can also be covered with clear plastic domes. Remove the plastic food wrap or dome as soon as germination occurs. 

Most seeds germinate best when the medium temperature is 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Placing containers in a warm location in the house, such as on top of a radiator or near a heat register, usually provides suitable germination temperatures. In cool environments, electric heating cables or mats can be used to insure warm medium temperatures. 

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