What are the cultural requirements for New Guinea impatiens?  New Guinea impatiens perform best in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Eastern exposures are often best. Plants that receive too much sun don’t bloom well (flowers are smaller and fewer in number) and may have damaged foliage. 
 
New Guinea impatiens require moist, well-drained soils. They do not like wet or dry soils. In wet soils, plants are prone to root rot. Plants wilt badly in dry soils. While wilted plants recover quickly when watered, moisture stress results in the death of flower buds and fewer flowers. It also may cause browning of leaf margins and leaf drop. 
 
New Guinea impatiens are not fond of cool night temperatures. It’s usually best to plant them outdoors about two weeks after the average last spring frost. When planting, set New Guinea impatiens at the same depth they are currently growing. 
 
New Guinea impatiens in hanging baskets and other containers should be checked frequently. Water plants when the soil surface becomes dry. A deep soaking once a week should be sufficient for plants growing in landscape beds. 

I would like to start some onion plants indoors. When should I sow the seeds? 
Using a well-drained growing medium, sow onion seeds in flats approximately eight to 10 weeks before you intend to plant them outdoors. As soon as the seeds germinate, place the onion seedlings under artificial lighting. An ordinary fluorescent shop fixture, containing one 40-watt cool white and one 40-watt warm white tube, works fine. The light fixture should be placed no more than 4 to 6 inches above the seedlings. Growing temperatures should be 55 to 65 F. Insufficient light and temperatures above 65 F promote spindly growth. Also, thin the onion seedlings (within two to three weeks of germination) if the plants are crowded.

Harden or acclimate the onion seedlings outdoors for seven to 10 days before planting into the garden. Initially, place the plants in a shady, protected location. Then gradually expose the plants to longer periods of sunlight. Bring the seedlings back indoors if nighttime temperatures are forecast to drop to 32 F or below. It’s usually safe to begin planting onion seedlings outdoors in early to mid-April in Iowa. 

Can I prolong the life of cut flowers by placing aspirin or pennies in the water? 
Aspirin and pennies do not prolong the life of cut flowers. If properly used, floral preservatives can double the vase life of many cut flowers.  Commercial preservatives, such as Floralife, often can be purchased at florist shops, hobby stores and garden centers. 

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