(Atlantic) In these uncertain times of COVID-19 and isolation at home, many Iowans’ are gardening in record numbers. Local home improvement stores and Master Gardner hotlines are fielding an increasing number of gardening questions, according to iowagardners.com
Cass County Extension Director Kate Olsen notes favorable conditions for seeding cool season plants such as; radish, lettuce, onions, peas, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beats, potatoes, turnips, and carrots.
Olsen says warmer season plants can be planted safely after the average frost date around the middle of May.
Olsen encourages gardeners to acclimate plants such as tomatoes before transplanting them into the garden.
In a time of health and food worries, many Iowans instinctively understand that growing food is a good idea, spending time outside in the sunshine is healthy, and seeing the miracle of seeds becoming plants and the beauty of flowers helps us mentally.
