When can I sow beet seeds?
Sow beet seeds at a depth of ½ to 1 inch any time after March in central Iowa. Additional plantings can be made every two to three weeks for a continuous harvest. The last practical planting date for a fall crop is Aug. 1. Rows should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. When the seedlings reach a height of 3 to 4 inches, thin the planting. After thinning, plants should be spaced 3 to 4 inches apart.
Suggested beet varieties for Iowa include ‘Ruby Queen’ (deep red, globe-shaped), ‘Red Ace’ (dark red, globe-shaped), ‘Detroit Dark Red’ (dark red, globe-shaped), ‘Pacemaker III’ (dark red, globe-shaped), ‘Cylindra’ (dark red, cylindrical), ‘Burpee’s Golden’ (yellow-orange, globe-shaped), and ‘Chioggia’ (flesh consists of red and white concentric rings).
What would be a good planting site for a butterfly bush?
The butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a medium-sized, woody shrub. However, it’s sometimes regarded as a herbaceous perennial in Iowa because plants typically die back to the ground each winter. Fortunately, its performance is not greatly affected by the extensive dieback. The butterfly bush grows back rapidly after the dead wood is removed in early spring and blooms on the current year’s growth. Plants generally have a loose, open, arching habit. By the end of summer, plants are often 4 to 6 feet tall.
The butterfly bush performs best in moist, well-drained soils in partial to full sun. Avoid wet, poorly drained sites. Also, select sites that provide winter protection. A butterfly bush planted in an open, exposed site is more likely to be destroyed by harsh, winter weather.
When should I fertilize peonies?
Fertilize plants in early spring as the new shoots begin to emerge from the ground. Sprinkle one-fourth cup of 10-10-10 or a similar analysis fertilizer around the crown of each plant. Avoid getting fertilizer within 6 inches of the crown. Peony crowns and young shoots are very susceptible to fertilizer burn. Water the area immediately after the fertilizer application to dissolve the fertilizer and move the nutrients into the soil.
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