image from epicgardening.com 

Can I divide my spring flower bulbs?  They seem really crowded.  yes, you can.  

GOOD morning.  Yes, it is going to be hot, humid, uncomfortable and need to drink.  Watch the time outside working in the gardens or just time outside.   I am here this week.  I will be watering in the morning and come home to work in the home office.  We have a camera set up so I will be watching when you drive up.  I am closing at 5 this week.  Still have some nice-looking plants and will continue that all the watering I can do.  I am planting flowerpots to bring to the Franklin Co Fair, if you need color in your garden or patio.  They will be for sale.  Stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are in the opposite season of winter.  They are having rain, and colder temperatures.  All week long.  Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.  Affected area west and south Gippsland for damaging wind.  I will check with Evelyn but don’t think the area that Sale is in is affected.  I think they are in the southeast corner.  I will let you know.    Stay warm, stay safe.
 
I had a gardener ask about dividing her tulips, this is what I found.  I just added another job to your gardening.  I wouldn’t do it in the high heat days, but have it on the plan to do. 
 
How to Divide Spring-Blooming Bulbs at the Right Time for More Flowers
Give your spring-blooming bulbs a boost by dividing them when they get overcrowded.
by Andy Wilcox 
Divide spring-blooming bulbs to restore vigor, prevent overcrowding, and increase flowering.
Once foliage dies back, divide and replant the bulbs promptly.
Signs to divide include overcrowding and less flowering.
Many spring-flowering bulbs will pop up and bloom year after year with no help from us. However, daffodils, hyacinths, and other types of bulbs eventually can get overcrowded as they grow. That's your cue to divide them. Here's what you need to know to help your spring-flowering bulbs stay at peak performance through well-timed division.
Which Spring-Blooming Bulbs Should You Divide?
Spring-blooming bulbs are planted in autumn because they need a 12- to 16-week chilling period between 35°F and 45°F to bloom. The plants emerge at the end of the winter or in the early spring. Daffodils, crocus, snowdrops, hyacinths, perennial tulips, and similar hardy spring bulbs are all good candidates for dividing.
In warm climates, spring-flowering bulbs typically never reach the stage where they need to be divided. Where winters are mild, and the chilling temperatures cannot be fulfilled naturally, gardeners typically plant commercially prechilled bulbs that last only one season. These bulbs are treated as annuals and discarded after the spring bloom.
Why Divide Bulbs?
The main reason to divide spring bulbs is to restore vigor. Those bulbs spread and multiply by forming little bulblets called offsets, and those grow into larger bulbs. Over time, the planting can become an overcrowded clump of bulbs. This results in less vigorous plants and fewer blooms. Dividing spring bulbs restores the proper spacing so that each one can get more sunlight, water, and nutrients to fuel stronger growth.
The second benefit is that you get bulbs for free. Though the bulblets of freshly divided bulbs are smaller and may not flower their first year, by year two, they'll be blooming just like the original bulb.
When to Divide Spring Bulbs
Spring bulbs don’t need to divided every year. Even aiming to divide them every 3 to 5 years isn't a good rule of thumb because some bulbs multiply faster than others. Instead of relying on a calendar approach to the task, look for clues from your plants.
When the offset bulbs are sending up stems, and there is too much competition for space and resources, the patch of bulbs will produce fewer, or smaller, flowers than before. Dividing and spacing out these bulbs should result in more flowers in the next year or two.
The best time to divide spring bulbs is once the foliage has started to die back. It’s important to allow the plant time to recharge energy after blooming. Digging them up as soon as they’re done flowering isn’t a good idea. Instead, wait for the foliage to begin yellowing, browning, and dying back before digging up the patch and dividing the bulbs.
How to Divide Spring Bulbs
Use a hand trowel or a garden fork and begin digging up the bulbs several inches away from the patch. Think of it like digging potatoes. If you get too close to the plant or are too aggressive with the shovel, you will damage the spuds. The same idea applies to digging up bulbs. It’s better to start a little farther away and move in than to slice or spear bulbs with the tines. Work the tool underneath the bulbs, remembering they may be quite deep.
After loosening the soil, gently lift the clump out of the ground and remove any soil clods. You may see smaller bulbs growing off the main piece, or a jumble of bulbs all packed tightly together. Gently pull individual bulbs or small clumps free. Look for the natural break points. You may need a garden knife to detach the bulblets.
Replant the bulbs promptly, with proper spacing for the variety. Though not ideal because their vigor may deteriorate, you can also store the bulbs in a breathable bag or box at 60°F to 65°F in a dry and dark location and replant them in the fall. Discard any mushy or otherwise unhealthy-looking bulbs.
Can you divide spring-flowering bulbs in fall when they’d normally be planted?
Yes, you can divide spring-blooming bulbs in fall. The only caveat is that you have to be able to find them. If you plan to divide them in the fall, mark the spot in the spring when the foliage is still present.
How deep should they be replanted?
Spring-flowering bulbs are normally planted 2-3 times as deep as the diameter of the bulb. The depth is measured to the bottom of the hole, so a 2-inch-wide bulb should be planted in a 5- to 6-inch-deep hole.
Should naturalized bulbs be divided?
Spring bulbs planted for naturalizing still benefit from division of any thicker clumps. If you have a nice, even spread of crocuses in your lawn, but a few spots are growing too close together and forming a dense cluster, just dig that clump and divide it, and leave the rest.
Taken from https://www.bhg.com/how-when-to-divide-spring-blooming-bulbs-
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from pixy.org

What can we say but it is very hot, humid out.  104 heat index is just hot.  Stay cool, stay safe. 

I am sitting at the computer in the home office.  Yes, the A/C is working well.  I went out early this morning and started to water.  The wagons all watered by 11:00.  We did have 2” of rain, and they were not dry, but I wanted to stay ahead of them drying out.  Had a couple of gardeners but it is just darn hot, and humid out.  Just like they said it would be.  Tomorrow again. DRINK, and stay cool, and that will make you safe.
 
Australia family and friends are having severe weather with lots of rain it looks like all week long.  Nighttime temperatures will be 47F(8C), and during the day 62F(16C) and that is the warmest all week.  Wet, cool, damp Evelyn wrote” A light frost  this morning ( June 27th) It will be cold for the 9AM footy!  Brr”    Stay warm, stay dry, Stay safe.
 
I am posting this as all I am going to say it is hot.  I am open this week but closing at 5:00 PM.  Need to cool off and get home.  This is extreme weather when the last 3 weeks were so spring like.  Stay cool, drink, and take it easy outside.  So you can stay safe. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

Remember just planted yesterday.  I will show you what they look like in a couple of weeks.  Should have grown, and really gotten green.  That is what I am hoping.  

This is what Jen picked before she planted them.  Now the growth can go into the plant, and it will bloom again. 

Happy June 27th, 2026, Saturday.  It is a very pleasable day.  Not looking forward to next week.  Stay cool, stay safe.  

It is good afternoon.  Outside the is very nice temperature, low humidity so far, and a cool breeze.  Not too bad at all.   Clouds are moving in, so we have filtered sunlight.  What am I doing today?  I am watering and moving plants around.  The picture is what Jennifer planted yesterday.  Vegetable pots with tomatoes and peppers that are designed for containers.  If they grow< I will be taking them to the Franklin Co Fair.  Natalie, my college student, was here, and she did the watering inside for what is there, and all the trees and shrubs.  We ran out of water, so she was doing a good job.  I finished up the wagons with the sprinkler after the tank got more water in it.  Water started all over again this morning and will continue all afternoon. 
I got a call and asked if I still have flowers, and yes watering 5 wagons full of perennials and annuals.  I just can’t explain the color when you drive up, it looks awesome.  I am closing today at 4 and closing tomorrow as it is our anniversary.  I will be around Monday through the 3rd Friday.  Closed for the 4th, and the 5th.    I will be around the week of July 6th but have a couple of appointments so give a call before you come.  I will be getting plants ready for the fair.  So how many days in a row have you worked Becky?  84 days before I take off tomorrow.  I might not be open, but I bet early in the morning I will be out here watering. 
Stay cool, stay safe and not looking forward to next week with the high temperatures, and humidity. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

Closing at 4:00 on Saturday.  Closed all day on Sunday.  Anniversary 51 years. 

Good morning, overcast sky which will keep it being an awesome day.  Yesterday was very nice to work outside.  Hopefully you got a chance to do that.  HIGH Today will be 76F(.24C) ENJOY THE DAY and stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their weekend looks good. Evelyn wrote," IT is the last day of term 2 at school.  A 2 week break begins. Footy and soccer on this weekend and then a break until school starts again."   Their temperatures will be this weekend will be 40F(4C) at night and 55f(13C). ENjoy, stay safe.  
 
Just a short message now.  We are coming to the end of June.  I will be closed at 4:00 on Saturday and closed all day on Sunday.  It is Larry’s and I 51st wedding anniversary.  We have family home, so we are going to spend time with all the family.  I will be back open Monday through Friday next week.  9-6.  We know it is going to be hot and humid so working in the gardens will be done early morning or late afternoon.  If you find you need some plants, we have them here.   Hope these hours and days will work for you to come and do some garden shopping. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from gardenvive.com

My tomatoes are drying up and dying.  I know it was not drift from chemicals.  I have had the soil tested, I have been watering.  You will be surprised at the answer.

​Good morning, as I can see this is going to be a perfect day.  Mild temperatures, wind out of the NW and clear, blue sky, low humidity.  Enjoy today as it is going to change. High today of 77F(25C) 13ENJOY, stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for June 26th Friday will have a high of 58F(13C) I heard from one of the friends and she said it is a mild winter for them.  Enjoy, stay warm, stay safe. 
 
Many gardeners have been coming and picking up tomatoes as they have had theirs die.  I just learned this, during this season.  Cold night temperatures caused this problem this year.  I know you can’t believe it but here is an article that talks about it, and it makes sense.  This spring even in May we had cold nights and the soil was cold.  More so than other years, that is why we are having this problem now.   Also extreme heat can do this too, but we haven’t had that much extreme heat till next week I am afraid. 
 
Tomato Leaves Drying Up
Are your tomato leaves drying up this year? Then you are not alone, a lot of other gardeners are facing the same issue with their tomato plants
NOTE: Tomato leaves do not dry up just because of a single specific reason; there can be multiple causes.
Tomato Leaves Drying Due to Extreme Cold
Tomatoes can be grown nicely when the temperature is between 70°F – 85°F during the day and 59°F – 70°F at night.
But most of us forget the soil temperature. It should be 65°F – 70°F.
 
This temperature range is ideal for growing your tomato plant. But it does not mean that it can not handle colder nights or warmer days.
If temperatures drop below 50°F consistently, your tomato plant will go into stress. This stress can cause the green leaves to dry.
So, keep your weather alert application ready or check the weather forecast regularly if you are from a colder region.
Using a frost cloth is a must if it's below 41°F (5°C). Reference: When to cover plants in winter.
If your tomato plant is potted, bring it inside.
If your tomato plants are drying up due to the cold, it will not start with browning first. The green leaves will become crunchier and crunchier until the leaves dry up completely.
Till now, I have talked about the most possible reasons for dry leaves on a tomato plant.
Now, I’ll discuss a few more points that will clear up many of your doubts and confusion.
If you notice that only the lower leaves are getting dry, this is normal, and there is no need to worry about this.
If you see, only the edges of the leaves are drying up, it's surely underwatering. Water deeply in the morning (As early as possible).
 
 
This happens when the heat increases suddenly. (To be more specific, when it's above 90F)
So, how can you tell whether it’s caused by heat or something else?
Leaves usually curl upward and feel leathery instead of crunchy.
What to do in this situation?
Mist water in the evening and morning on the plant, especially if flowers are falling off.
Use 30% to 40% shade cloth. Use frames so that the cloth does not touch the plant leaves or branches.
If the cloth touches the plant, it will burn more.
Do not prune at this stage. The dry leaves actually can provide some sort of shade to the plant and check for white spots, powdery mildew, or mold.
If the leaves are infected, prune without hesitation.
Taken from https://gardenvive.com/tomato-leaves-drying-up/
 Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from fity.com 

​Good morning.  We had rain last night, only  one tenth but it will help with the top of the dirt.  I will continue to water with the sprinkler to keep the little dirt that is in the trays well-watered. High today 79F(26C) At 8:00 AM it is cloudy and I think clouds will move away for this afternoon.  It feels a little more humid out.  Did you get rain?  Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
Australia family and friends for June 25th Thursday will have rain at 80% and cool at high of 59F(15C) stay warm, stay safe.
 
I am posting the second half of the article about watering in the garden beds.  It talks about flowers, but this will also be for vegetable gardens.  One inch of rain a week.  Someone shared with me yesterday that Cerro Gordo Co is in the second stage of drought.  I am afraid we are all going to be watering.  Hope you have it set up for it with a hose and not carrying buckets.
Watering Flowers in Garden Beds
Since flowers (and vegetables) planted in the ground have a larger area for their roots to run, they are a little more self-sufficient than those confined to containers.
How Much Water Do Flowers Need in the Ground?
The rule of thumb is 1 inch of water a week during the growing season, but we all know that some thirsty plants require more than that, while deeply rooted perennials and xeric plants are just fine with less.
 
What is 1 inch of water? This means a 1-inch-deep layer of water over the entire soil surface that needs watering. The formula is essentially 1 inch of water per 1 square foot = 0.62 gallons. If you wish to get a sense of how much water that is, place 4 or 5 tuna cans (straight-sided) around the garden during a rainfall. When 1 inch of water from rain has collected in the containers, that indicates that 1 inch of water was applied to the soil.
The easiest way to measure soil wetness is to buy a soil moisture meter; you can find them online for less than $10.
The Finger Test: An Easy Way to Check Soil Moisture
But nothing beats the finger test. Stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches down, and if it’s dry, it’s time to drag out the hose.
Why Midday Wilting Doesn’t Always Mean Your Flowers Need Water
Don’t be too alarmed if your plants wilt during the hottest part of the day. Wilting is a natural survival mechanism for many broad-leafed annuals. Once the sun gets lower, they should perk up again.
Watering Flowers After Planting
When planting flowering plants, make sure the rootball is wet and the ground is moist. Plant after a rain if possible.
Give the plants a good drink to settle the soil around their roots to lessen the shock of being transplanted. Plants that have a good start will perform better than those that have to struggle early on.
Tips to Use Less Water and Keep Flowers Healthy
In many parts of the country, water is at a premium, and using it for gardens and landscaping is at least limited, if not totally banned. What’s a gardener to do?
Water Deeply Instead of Frequently
To encourage your plants to develop deep roots, when plants need watering, thoroughly soak the ground once rather than applying many shallow waterings.
To reach the roots, the water has to go about 6 inches down into the soil. To test how far your water went, dig down after watering. You’ll be surprised! In a dry season, it can still be powdery.
Water the Soil, Not the Leaves
Again, be sure to water the soil and not the leaves. A gentle flow at the base of the plant will do more good than an overhead sprinkler that wets everything in its path. Soil splashing up onto the leaves can also spread disease.
 
Use Drip Irrigation and Soaker Hoses
Sprinklers also waste a lot of water, losing it to evaporation. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses will deliver the water right where it is needed and can be set with timers to turn on and off, making your job easier.
Water Early in the Morning
Try to water in the early morning or late afternoon rather than during the heat of the day, when most of the moisture will quickly evaporate.
Improve Soil With Compost
Look at your soil. Different soil types hold water better than others. If yours is too sandy, mix in compost, shredded leaves, coconut coir, well-rotted sawdust, or aged manure to increase its ability to absorb moisture.
Add Mulch to Retain Moisture
Mulch, mulch, mulch. After planting, adding a layer of straw, shredded leaves, bark mulch, or pine needles will keep soil moisture from evaporating quickly.
How often should you water flowers?
Most flowers need watering when the top 1–2 inches of soil become dry. Container plants may need daily watering during hot weather, while in-ground flowers often need about 1 inch of water weekly.
Is it better to water flowers in the morning or evening?
Morning is the best time to water flowers because it allows foliage to dry quickly and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Can flowers get too much water?
Yes. Overwatering can cause root rot and prevent roots from getting oxygen. Always use containers with drainage holes and avoid soggy soil.
Should you water flower leaves or the soil?
Water the soil around the base of the plant. Wet foliage can encourage disease and wastes water through evaporation.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/how-water-flowers-watering-tips?
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from garden365.com

Rain is so spotty.  Some will have to water not enough rain, some will have to much rain will not have to water.  This is what plants in containers need for water.  

Back to this posting this afternoon.  Had my college student here so we work together.  We started to unplant the pots and then we compost them.  Hope to get another wagon down this week.  Watering all morning, and Natalie is watering trees/shrubs.  She is doing such a good job, as they look good and are growing.  I think 75-degree weather is good growing weather. ENJOY, stay cool, stay safe.
Australia family and friends are writing “The sun is out so the washing should dry today(which was yesterday).” “We had good rain yesterday, nice and sunny this morning, but chilly”.  One thing we noticed when we were there, there is a clothesline at every house.  They all hang clothes outside and do not use a clothes dryer.  It is way too expensive to run.  Today they will 90 % chance of rain and high of 60F(16F) Stay dry, stay warm, stay safe.
 
The rain has been so spotty.  We would get one tenth, the next town would have .6.  I found thie article about how much water?  I will do baskets and containers first then I will do in ground gardening.
 
How Much Water Do Flowers Need? A Complete Guide to Watering Flowerpots  Written By: Robin Sweetser
Wondering how much water flowers need to thrive? Whether you’re growing annuals in containers or perennial flower beds, proper watering is essential for healthy roots and long-lasting blooms. Learn how often to water flowers, how much moisture they need, and simple ways to conserve water while keeping your garden vibrant all season long.
Most flowers need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Container flowers usually require more frequent watering because pots dry out faster, especially during hot weather. Check the top 1–2 inches of soil and water when it feels dry.
Watering Flower Pots and Containers
Flowers and vegetables growing in pots have a limited amount of soil from which to draw moisture, and their roots can’t expand outward to search for more in dry weather. These are going to be your neediest plantings—especially those in sunny locations—so be sure to check them daily or even twice a day if the weather is hot and dry. Remember that wind also tends to dry out your plants more quickly, causing them to wilt.
When to Water Flower Pots
When it comes to containers, it’s better to look for cues on whether the plant needs water versus watering on a set schedule.Look at the soil color. Dry soil is lighter in color. Wet soil is darker in color. Check the pots to make sure the soil has not pulled away from the edge. If it has, water will just run down that space and right out of the pot instead of sinking in around the roots where it is needed. If necessary, add more soil to fill that gap.
Put your finger in the soil, down to the first or second knuckle. Water only when the top layer (1 to 2 inches) of soil is dry.
If the soil is too dry to hold water, put a tray under the pot to catch runoff; it will be reabsorbed through the drainage holes.Do not water at night (unless the plant is desperate for water), as this invites disease. Also, be sure to water the soil—NOT the leaves!
Again, don’t set a schedule. When plants are small in the spring, they may need less water than when they grow larger and the weather gets hotter. Adjust accordingly!
How Much Water Do Container Flowers Need?
When you water, it’s important to keep watering until the water comes out of the pot’s drainage holes.Of course, your pot must have drainage holes or the roots will become overwatered (waterlogged). At least one drainage hole is usually fine. That said, do not let your container sit in water. Make sure the water drains out.It can take a surprising amount of water to thoroughly water a pot! A 10- to 12-inch pot may need up to a gallon of water. However, it’s very important that you are fully watering the root ball of the plant so that it can keep putting out roots and thrive.
If you water fully, you will also find you may not need to water quite as often. Of course, this completely depends on your weather and the size and type of container.
How to Revive a Dehydrated Flower Pot
If your plant and soil have become dehydrated (wilted plant, dried-out soil), you may find that the water just runs over the sides of the container. To rehydrate, there are two methods:
Immerse the entire pot in a tub or bigger container of water. This works for smaller pots.
Water fully (as described above). Wait 30 minutes. Keep watering every 30 minutes until the water starts to get absorbed by the soil. This extra TLC may take several rounds.  Next post on watering flowers in garden beds.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/how-water-flowers-watering-tips?
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

We have color. We have plants. Stop in Dougherty to Becky's Greenhouse

​Finally, I can get to this posting.  Busy morning with appointments and doctors.  I was pulling up the watering sprinkler when I looked at all this color.  These are 2 wagons out of 8 that have plants that still look good, with awesome color and be added to your garden.  Open Monday-Saturday 9-6.  I will let all of you know I am closing this Sunday June 289th.  It is our anniversary, and Jennifer is home from Wyoming.  We will be having a family event.  It is my last Saturday open, but I will be open next week.  I will see when I close for the 4th of July.  I will be open the week of July 6th.  I have a couple of appointments, so call first to see if I am here.  I need to keep the plants watered and get ready for the Franklin Co Fair.  641-903-9365  Enjoy this weather, stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends  Tuesday June 23 will be 60F(16C) with clear conditions.  Wind up to 11MPH so might be a little chilly?  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
I am posting 2 wagons out of 8 that are full of color.  Love this weather as it is having them grow and continue to look good.  I got this comment sometimes.” You have lots of plants left.”  I usually go through July is what I say.  I have all of June, Franklin Co Fair, and have the Herb fest at the end of July. I grow so many different varieties that I need these extra weeks to sell them to the gardeners.  We grow 95% of what you see in the pictures. We buy some in, but we don’t buy it all finished as many places do.  I am a grower.  One gardener said,” I wish I had your Greenthumb.”  Yes, I have that Greenthumb, but I am here all the time caring for the plants, watering, planting, moving if I see they aren’t doing well.  Labor of love.
If you need some color, some filler plants in, vegetables can be planted yet you can come to Dougherty, Becky’s Greenhouse. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

Giving the impatiens a haircut.  See the end results.  It worked.  

Happy Father’s Day Not a very pleasant day out, cloudy, sprinkling rain and temperature is 63F(17C) We are -12 degrees below average.  We should be at 75F.  Outdoor picnics for another day I would say. Enjoy the day anyway.  Blessings to all the dads.  Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends celebrate their Father’s Day first Sunday of September.  There Monday June 22  will be 57F(15) and night time will be 39F(3C). Getting colder for them.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
I have posted pictures of my impatiens.  I don’t have a good place outside for them as they need shade. In the greenhouse, they just kept growing. You see in the first picture the stems were 12” tall.  You can’t plant them like that, so I cut them back.  You will see in picture 2 that the new leaf growth is developing.  The last picture you can see how the impatiens has grown in a basket.    They are completely full and blooming.   This is major cutback, but it works. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from gracefulgardens.com 

Have you planted these in your garden?  Fun plant to grow from seeds.  "Nasturtiums"

WOW it is such a nice day.  Sun, fluffy cumulus clouds, slight breeze and only at 75F(24C) mild day as the humidity is only at 39% .  Enjoy the day, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Sunday June 21, will have only 58F(15C) with 85% chance of rain.  This will make it a cool, damp winter day, I am thinking.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
I found this article and I had forgotten about these plants.  I have some seeds so should start some in a pot.  Do you plant them this year?
Nasturtiums: Flowers You Can Eat!
Prized for their sweet-spicy flavor, these mounding heirlooms are among the most widely grown of all edible flowers. With a bit of a peppery tang, Nasturtium blossoms are often added to salads as a zesty garnish, and a sprinkling of colorful Nasturtium blossoms lends the perfect finishing touch to cold Cucumber soup or pineapple sorbet.
We adore the deep blue-green, lilypad-like foliage of Nasturtiums almost as much as their flowers. We use the edible leaves as doilies under cheese platters, cakes and individual soup tureens. They can also be added to salads for a dash of peppery spice.
Nasturtiums flower profusely from early summer until the first fall frost. Mounding/Bush varieties are great for borders and containers, while Climbing/Trailing varieties are suited to window boxes, hanging baskets and trellises. You'll be charmed and amazed at their cheerful colors and vigorous growth.
They're So Easy to Grow!
While you certainly can start Nasturtium seeds indoors, it's easiest to sow them directly into your garden beds in well-draining, loamy soil after the last frost date (find yours HERE.) While they will grow in partial shade, Nasturtiums flower more profusely in full sun, though in hot climates they appreciate a bit of protection from the sun in the hottest part of the day.
Plant the seeds 1" deep, since they require darkness for optimal germination. Keep the bed uniformly moist until the seedlings emerge, up to 10 days after sowing. Weed and keep the bed well-watered until the plants are established. Thin or transplant the seedlings to 8" to 12" apart in the garden.
Believe it or not, Nasturtiums perform better in soil that's lean rather than rich. If the plants have easy access to too much Nitrogen, they will produce a sea of foliage and few flowers. Nasturtiums are drought-tolerant, but perform best when moderately watered once established. They flower best with cooler nights.
Did You Know?
If you've ever grown Nasturtiums, you know that watching water droplets bounce and dance and bead up on its leaves is almost as wonderful as enjoying the flowers. You would think that Nasturtiums would be closely related to the Lotus plant, whose leaves are also superhydrophobic, but they're not even remotely related. In fact, Nasturtium leaves are even more hydrophobic than Lotus leaves, and they've inspired scientists at MIT to design better water-repellent fabrics based on their unique leaf structure. Fascinating!
Taken from Kitchen Garden seeds
Till next time this is Becky Litterer , Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse