What is the proper way to plant onion sets?
Before planting sets, separate the bulbs into two size groups -- those smaller than a nickel in diameter and those larger than a nickel. The larger sets often bolt (produce a flower stalk) and don’t produce good-sized bulbs. Use the larger sets for green onions. The smaller sets can be allowed to develop into mature onions.
Plant sets in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked (typically late March to mid-April in Iowa). Sets should be planted at a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches in rows 12 to 15 inches apart. For dry onions, plant sets 2 to 3 inches apart. Sets grown for green onions can be planted closer together.
Can you recommend climbing rose varieties that perform well in Iowa? Generally, climbing roses don’t perform well in Iowa. Many bloom on the previous year’s growth, but suffer extensive winter dieback. As a result, many climbing roses bloom little or not at all. The following roses are noted for their hardiness, vigor and disease resistance.
‘William Baffin’ produces semi-double, deep pink, 3-inch flowers. The center of each blossom contains bright gold stamens. Plants bloom heavily in June with light bloom through the summer. ‘William Baffin’ can attain a height of 8 to 10 feet. It can be grown as a large shrub or climber.
The long, arching canes of ‘Henry Kelsey’ may grow 7 to 9 feet long. It can be grown as a climber or arching shrub. ‘Henry Kelsey’ produces semi-double, medium red, 3-inch flowers. Golden stamens highlight the center of each blossom. ‘Henry Kelsey’ blooms heavily in June with light repeat bloom.
‘John Cabot’ bears deep rose-pink, semi-double, 3-inch flowers on 6- to 8-foot-long canes. The blossoms are moderately fragrant. Plants bloom heavily in June with light to moderate bloom through the summer. ‘John Cabot’ can be grown as a spreading shrub or as a climber.
When would be the best time to prune potentillas?
Summer-flowering shrubs, such as potentilla and Japanese spirea, bloom in summer on the current year’s growth. Prune these shrubs in late winter or early spring (March or early April in Iowa).
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