image from thespruce.com 

Buy one 4 pack kohlrabi and get the second one free.

Not too bad of a day.  There is a breeze, and partly cloudy  even thought it is 85F(30C) it is better than yesterday that was hot, no clouds and not breeze.  Are you working outside today, or this evening?  Enjoy this weather because the plants are.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends said they have been having rain.   85% for their Friday May 29 and only 60F(16C).  Probably a little cool, and lot damp.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Just a quick note.  Natalie and I, mostly Natalie has moved out more annuals, and all the tomatoes and peppers out to a wagon. They will be harden off for you in the garden with being now outside in the wind, heat of the day, the sun and the coolness at night.  They will not go through greenhouse wilt if taken from the greenhouse and planted.  We have lots of tomatoes and peppers that look really good.   See how yours are doing after the cold spell we had earlier this month. 
I moved all the cabbage, kohlrabi, cauliflower, collards today. I am putting those on sale.  Buy one, get the second one free of the same thing.  $2.89 for a 4 pack now $2.89 for 2nd  packs of the same.   
Tim to get this posted.  Hours are Monday – Saturday 9-6, Sunday 1-6.  Come and see how the wagons all look with color. 
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

images from Becky's Greenhouse

Roses wagons at Becky's Greenhouse

Good afternoon…it is hot out.  Of course, there isn’t a breeze and it would be helpful if there was one.  So glad that Natalie watered inside this morning.  It Is warm in here.  As you can see, it’s color outside.  I will water outside later today.  I didn’t know how to deadhead the Knockout roses, so I looked it up and this is how I will do it.  Then they will bloom again.  I think they are self-cleaning, but deadheading will make them bloom quicker. High today of 88F(31C) we had a shower of rain last night.  How about you?  We are not used to this heat yet.  But the crops are enjoying it and really greening up and growing.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Thursday May 28 will have 64F(17C) and 90% chance of rain.  They are having their fall.  Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe.
 
Here is how to deadhead Knockout roses.  Just in time to enjoy.
How To Deadhead Knockout Roses & Why It’s Important
Written by Jeanne Keith F.
Knockout roses are a type of roses known for being the low maintenance type compared to other types of roses.
Though it’s dubbed as a self-cleaning flowering plant, many gardeners prefer the neat look and better blooms and opt to learn how to deadhead knockout roses.
What is Deadheading?
Deadheading is a form of pruning that is usually done to tidy up a plant and help them grow more blooms.
Instead of waiting for the dried petals of a spent flower to fall off, a gardener can do the job for the roses and expect more blooms by the end of the season. 
Deadheading knockout roses is considered unnecessary by its founder since it can push out old flowers naturally.
However, some gardeners won’t be happy looking at their roses with a bunch of dead flowers hanging around. So they trim it for a tidier look.
Deadheading knockout roses is a matter of preference. Either you deadhead them or not, they will still bloom constantly throughout spring to autumn.
However, if you want to have neat-looking knockout roses on your porch then deadheading them is a good way to go. The pruning process also helps speed up the production of new and bigger blooms.
How To Deadhead Knockout Roses
It’s easy to deadhead knockout roses. However, there are a few details that you shouldn’t miss in doing so like the potential spread of fungal diseases, prickly thorns that may hurt your fingers, and wounding the stem.
So, we’ve prepared a detailed process on how you can ensure that deadheading will do more good than harm.
Let’s first identify the gardening tools and materials that you will need for cutting off the spent flowers.
Must-have Gardening Tools in Deadheading Roses
Using the right tools for tending to your garden ensures that your plants and knockout roses will be safe from tool-related bruises and making the right cut optimal for new growth.
Must-have Gardening Tools in Deadheading Roses
Here are some of the important tools that you should have in deadheading your knockout roses:
1. Safety Gloves and a Long-Sleeved Shirt
Working your way through the thorny bushes of your knockout rose may end you up with a lot of cuts.
So wear a long-sleeve shirt and a pair of cotton garden gloves when you deadhead your knockout roses. You may also want to add a hat to protect your skin from the harsh sun.
2. Pruning Shears
Probably one of the gardener’s best friend, pruning shears are designed to cut stems and small branches. Always make sure to sharpen it before using it on your knockout roses. Dull pruning shears won’t cut the fibers thoroughly and may damage the stems.
3. Hedge Clipper
If the stems are too thick or you’re planning to trim down your knockout roses, you may also use hedge clippers. This is only optional if you don’t have pruning shears at hand.
4. Alcohol or Dish Soap Solution
Plant fungi and diseases can be transmitted through the sap residue on your pruning shears. Plant fungi, molds, and other diseases are hard to control once they start to infect your roses and will require you to treat them.
So, to prevent the tedious process of applying fungicides on your roses, dip your pruning shears in a sanitized solution after every cut to keep the disease-causing bacteria away.
You can either use a diluted soap dish solution or alcohol since bacteria, fungi, and molds hate them.
Deadheading Knockout Roses – A Step-by-Step Guide
Check out the following steps in deadheading knockout roses:
Wear protective clothing and check for the dead flowers that will need to cut off.
Prepare the dish soap solution by diluting 1 part of dish soap to 10 parts of water. You may also use rubbing alcohol in a small bucket enough to fit the pruning shears. Then, wash and sharpen your pruning shears.
Locate where you need to deadhead the knockout roses. Here’s what you need to consider:
A. Deadheading a single Rose in one stem
How to deadhead knockout roses with one rose on the stem
Cut the stem below the first leaves near the rose, just above the nest layer of leaves.
The reason for this is that when you cut on top of the first leaves, new stems will grow on the shoot and will become congested enough to attract plant diseases.
B. Deadheading a spent Rose in a stem with multiple Roses:
Some stems grow multiple flowers with two to three roses in one stem. If one of those roses needs to be cut off, you should leave the healthy roses intact.
Cut where the shoot of the spent flower meets the stem that holds the other roses.
3. Dip your pruning shears after every cut to sanitize blades and remove the spa of previous plants that may contain plant diseases.
4. Expect new growth in the next couple of days and enjoy new blooms throughout the season. 
Benefits of Deadheading Knockout Roses
You might be thinking, why should you bother deadheading your knockout roses if they can push the dead flowers away?
Well, there’s a couple of reasons it’s worth the effort. Here’s why:
Your knockout roses will look neat and well cared for: Blooming flowers in your yard can lift up your spirits. On the other hand, dead flowers lingering around may look messy and look uninspiring. Well-trimmed knockout roses will pleasant to look at especially during their growing season.
Boost bud formation and bigger blooms: Though knockout roses can clean themselves, deadheading the spent roses eases the job of the plant and helps it proceed in growing new buds.
Prevents good locations for plant diseases to thrive: Clustered areas where moisture can be a good breeding ground for plant diseases. So removing the dead flowers eliminates the nooks and crevices and gives the flowers more ventilation.
8 Tips in Deadheading Knockout Roses
Cutting knockout roses can be considered as somewhat strategic pruning. You anticipate how the new stem or bud will grow so cutting the wrong stem may mess up the look of your beautiful blooms.
So, here are some helpful tips in deadheading your knockout roses:
Tip 1: Always clean your pruning shears before and after use to avoid spreading fungal diseases to your plants.
Tip 2: Wipe your shears properly after use and oil them with WD-40 to prevent them from rusting. Do this with your other tools so they can last longer and you can save from buying new ones. If there are already some signs of rust in your pruning, shears, you can remove them with some helpful tips here.
Tip 3: Deadhead your knockout roses during the growing season and not before the first frost. Save the pruning for the next Spring so that your knockout roses can prepare for dormancy during winter.
Tip 4: Sharpen your pruning shears to avoid pulling the fibers of the stem and wound your knockout roses. Here’s how you can sharpen your pruning shears:
Wear protective gloves and glasses.
Clean your pruning shears and remove any rust buildup using steel wool or a vinegar solution.
Using a metal file, stroke the file towards the blade and start sharpening the blade by pulling the file slowly back and forth.
Wipe off the debris and wipe your sharp pruning shears with mineral oil or linseed oil.
Tip 5: Though they’re looking healthy, faded knockout roses can be deadheaded even if they don’t turn brown just yet.
Tip 6: You may opt not to deadhead your knockout roses and they will be just fine.
Tip 7: Inspect the flowers regularly and look for any signs of pest infestation and plant diseases so you can treat your knockout roses ahead of time.
Tip 8: You may also want to invest in a good fertilizer for knockout roses to boost their blooms. Healthy plants have low chances of attracting unwanted insects and developing plant disease, so fertilizing them is worth the shot.
Misconception in Deadheading Knockout Roses
With the multitude of information that you can have online, it’s easy to come across the different views on deadheading roses in general.
So here are some of the few misconceptions that you should be aware of especially if you just started growing knockout roses.
Misconception #1: Cutting on The Wrong Branch Can Kill Your Roses
The truth is, your knockout roses can still survive and grow back with new blooms and leaves. What you should be worried about is how they will grow back.
Sometimes cutting on the wrong location may encourage the growth of several roses in one stem that may attract plant diseases to thrive.
Misconception #2: You Have To Prune The Stem at a 45-Degree Angle:
Myth has been around for a while due to the belief that when you cut the stem, the sap will come off oozing through the opening.
However, if you’ve been growing roses for a while now, you’ll notice that that’s not the case at all.
Taken from https://ourgardenworks.com/how-to-deadhead-knockout-roses/
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

images from Becky's Greenhouse

Warmer weather means watering more.  Here is how we do it with long sprinklers.

Good morning.  Clear blue sky, temperatures will be warm today at 88F(31C).  slight breeze now at 9:30 AM.  I am watering the outside plants.  I watered last night but warmer night they dried out.  I am using the long sprinklers, so just move them and put the hose to them.  We had a good weekend.  We will use this time to move more plants outside for the hardening off stage and keep it comfortable for you the gardener.  It is getting warmer in the greenhouse.
I am finally working on the succulent, house plants display.  That is what will be new for this week. Gardeners have been asking and I do have plugs of houseplants to plant.  They will be at a reasonable price, once I get them planted. 
We have many annuals in single pots, and in the four packs that will be ready to go into your gardens or containers.  Perennials are blooming, and the herbs are looking fresh. 
Open Monday – Saturday 9-6, Sunday 1-6  I have lots more to share with you so try to post again today. 
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

Tom and Evelyn McAdam 

This is the family members in Sale, Australia that I share about each day.  Evelyn and Tom McAdam 

Good morning and what a lovely morning. Clear, blue sky with wind out of the WSW at 13 mph.  So far, a lovely cooler breeze but as it warms up to a high today of 81F(27C) it will feel warmer.  It will be getting warmer each day till Tuesday when the high is 89F(31C)  Good weather for your Memorial Day weekend. ENJOY and stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Monday May 25 will 65F(18C) with partly cloudy skies.  Probably feeling more like fall for them.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
I have had gardeners who follow this posting who is the family member in Australia.  It is Evelyn, Larry’s sister.  We were friends in our senior year at UNI, and both of us in teaching.  Evelyn accepted a teaching position in Australia for a year and half.  She left in 1974.  Right before she came home, she meets Tom McAdam which later became her husband.  She has lived there since 1974.  Lovely family of 3 boys, and all of them live in Sale with their kids.  Evelyn retired from teaching and she loves to garden.  Larry and I went over to see her in 2024 for a month.  It was a lifetime trip meeting and getting to know her family. Her family has been over visiting the United States a few times, we knew them as young boys.  It was awesome to meet their families and wives.  That was the best part of the trip.  Evelyn has a great group of friends, so we got to meet them.  Yes, we saw the kangaroos, koalas, dolphins, lots of birds and much more.  I wanted to let all of you know what is going on down under and it is so different but still the same as us. That is why I do it for Evelyn, Tom and family and the Australia friends we meet. 
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

American Legion uniform 

Wish you a Happy Memorial Day weekend.  Stay safe.

​Good morning and it is turning out to be a lovely morning.  Sun is out as just small amount of clouds. Temperature at 11:00 AM is 65F.  Sun is making these plants happy as it is warming up and we watered this morning.  Enjoy the day.  I am sitting near by garden of all the plants we have grown here at Becky’s Greenhouse. ENJOY and stay safe this holiday weekend.
 
Australia family and friends for their May 22, Sunday will be having similar temperatures at 62F but they have 85% rain so it probably feels cooler for them. Stay warm, stay safe.
 
American Legion here in Dougherty had purchased these uniforms for the guys.  They will wear at funerals and special events like the Memorial Service this Monday at 5:00PM at St. Pat’s here in Dougherty.  There is a chicken dinner catered with a free well offering.
Larry and I want to wish all the veterans to have a great Memorial Day weekend.  Thank you for the service.  It is time to remember the veterans that have gone before us.  Blessings for all of them. 
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 epicgardening.com 

What cold temperatures at night will do to my tomatoes?  You might not like to read this. Just wanted you to know this could happen.       

Here we are the week of Memorial Day weekend.  Where did this time go?  This weekend really came up quickly. After Mother’s Day which was early. I thought we had three weeks till Memorial Day.  Whoops, we had 2 weeks.  Planters are ready for your Memorial Day.  This spring I do believe is one for the books.  It has been cool, with a few days of heat.  Not much rain, which hasn’t helped with the gardening.  Today is cloudy with 60F, tomorrow is a little warmer but still cloudy, and then on Sunday we are to see the sun.  That will warm up everything.  Looking at next week we will be in the 80’s and at night60’s. Finally, it will be a great time to be in the gardens.
 
Australia family and friends for their Saturday May 23 will have high of 61F(16C) while their nights are getting cooler.  Season is changing for them.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
    May is going quickly.  I know what you are thinking, I need to have my garden in.  We can’t look at the date, we must look at the weather and be aware of the air temperature day and night, and the soil temperature. As of May 20th, I just checked Iowa State map on soil temperature, and we are at 57 degrees. Lower than I thought.  Of course, we know what the daytime temperature has been and this weekend is cool, with the night temperature still at 48F. Not till next Monday night will it be in the 60’s.  I know you aren’t going to like what I post next but tomatoes, peppers and all the vine plants need soil temperature to be at least 60F.  Also, I have researched and learned that the night temperature should be 60 degrees.  Anything lowers the tomatoes will become stressed and it will affect the fruit production.   I found an article that explains the different temperatures at night and what to do.  I was asked if putting something around them would help, and it looks like it would help keep the temperature warmer.  Many of you do put milk jugs or buckets around them more for the wind but this will help with the nighttime temperatures also.  This also applies to peppers.  I am sorry to say cucumbers, squash, watermelon, melons don’t like cold nights at all, so they might not survive.
I know this is information after the fact, as next week nighttime is to be at 60F.  Just wanted you to know what can happen with these cold nights.
Nighttime Temperatures Below 60°F for Tomatoes
Tomato plants are warm‑weather crops and do not thrive when nighttime temperatures drop below about 60°F (15°C). While they can tolerate brief dips to around 50°F (10°C), prolonged exposure to this range can slow growth, reduce flowering, and cause fruit drop.  Why it matters:  Below 50°F (10°C): This is the “chilling injury” zone. Metabolism slows, pollination stops, and growth halts. Even if it doesn’t freeze, several nights in this range can set back plant development by weeks . Below 45°F (7°C): Risk of cold damage increases significantly. Some cold‑tolerant varieties may set fruit, but most will need protection. Below 32°F (0°C): Ice formation in plant tissues can kill foliage and fruit. Ideal nighttime range: 60–65°F (15–18°C) is best for steady growth and fruiting. Seedlings indoors or in greenhouses should be kept at 58–60°F (14–16°C) for healthy starts. What to do if nights drop below 60°F:  Cover plants with row covers, cloches, or fabric to trap heat. Use mulch to insulate roots and retain soil warmth. Watering at night can help, but avoid overwatering in cold, damp conditions. Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area before temperatures drop below 45°F.
Bottom line:  If nighttime temperatures are expected to stay below 60°F, especially below 50°F, protect your tomatoes to prevent chilling injury and ensure healthy fruit set. Consistent warmth is key to a successful tomato crop.
Hope all your plantings will be ok, and will grow, produce and be happy. 
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 plant for you.  Becky's Greenhouse

We plant for you...Memorial Day Planters

​Good afternoon.  What a lovely morning it was.  Cool at 39F(4C).  It is predicted to have some cooler days till next Tuesday.  Not what we usually have for Memorial Weekend.  I do remember many of Memorial Day weekends, we had rain.  It is so out of our control, and just have to be weather wise with it all.  We had the Gardeners of North Iowa here last night. 25 gardeners and they had a good time.  I do a program, and then I always share some plants for them to try. Thanks to all that came for the meeting.  Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Thursday May 21 will be at 61F(16C) with sunny conditions. I think that is a nice fall day.  Stay warm and stay safe. 
 
We plant for you. WE have been planting Memorial Day planters.    I thought we had three weeks after Mother’s Day…whoops only 2.  We have three sizes of planters, 13.00, 19.50 or 26.50.  Hanging baskets 10” 13.00, 12” baskets 15.00 or 18.00 They look great also.  Remember we are open 9-6 Monday -Saturday, 1-6 on Sunday.  Memorial Day I will be here at 9-6. 
 
What can I say?  Plants look very colorful and so ready to be planted in your garden.  It has not been the best spring for planting with the cold nights but next week it will turn warmer and especially at night. Five wagons full, and greenhouse still full. 
I have lowered the prices from past years, giving you an instant savings.  Use the punch card for every $100.00 you save $7.50. 
All of this because we plant for you.    
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

Daylily Happy Returns image from oakesdaylilies

Daylily Chocolate Candy

Lilies Natascha Roselily  

We plant for you.  What is new this week at Becky's Greenhouse

We got rain last night Sunday May 17th.  We had wind, but no damage.  I decided to leave the wagons outside as I wanted that rain.  But tonight the wagons will be inside the east greenhouse.  The plants that aren’t on wheels will have to stay outside and hope for the best. 
I love the rain when it happens as it brightens up the plants so much more than the water, I use.   Again, stay safe tonight and this is it for a few days. 
 
Australia family and friends high today of 63F(16C) and 100% of rain.  But that will be good to have some rain for them.  Stay dry, stay safe.
 
Always adding more things each week.  We got more trees out, and we will inventory them, and post that this week. 
We plant for you. 
This is new for us this year We always plant bulbs as in lilies and daylilies.  We are planting them for this summer’s sales but not getting to them right away I am offering them now as bulbs and coms.  You can plant directly to the ground and watch them grow into the plant. You will get them as bare roots to speak of.  They come out of a very good company Leo Berbee out of Ohio, Very high quality, and large bulbs, or coms.  I have instructions on how to plant them.  This is what my mother would do.  She would order out of a catalog, and then would come like this.  Then she would plant them.  They are perennial, they like sun and they are easy.  This summer you can buy them as plants but for now give this a try planting bulbs or coms depending on the species. 
I have daylily Double Pardon me which is a rebloomer.
Daylily Happy returns rebloomer
Daylily Night Beacon
Daylily Bonanza
Daylily Chocolate Candy
Lily Natascha Rose lily  double blooms
Lily Stargazer Oriental
Lily Ramona Roselily double blooms
Added Elephant ears regular which is a huge bulb.  This will take some time to grow so the best in a pot and then you can take in the house.
Another new for me to grow will be Caladium Wildfire.  Another one that takes some time to grow but worth giving it a try.
From this company we have Asparagus roots.
Give these a try.  We will be planting them later after we get the Memorial Day planters completed. We plant for you. 
 
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 freepik.com

What plants can I plant for the pollinators?  Here is some ideas for a pollinator garden?  Have a buzzy time. 

Good afternoon….windy again this afternoon but not as windy as it was on Tuesday.  SO much dirt in the air that the sky was brown.  Today’s sun with cumulus clouds and the wind.  Results from a cold front. High today of 73F(22C). Enjoy and Stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends have told me that is has been a lovely fall for them.  Today May 14 will be 67F9(19C)  Enjoy, Stay safe.
 
How to Create a Pollinator Garden: Easy Steps and Best Plants for Beginners Written By:  Lauren Landers
You don’t need experience—or a big yard—to create a pollinator garden. Just a few well-chosen plants, a bit of know-how, and a quick and easy DIY project or two can transform your garden into a pollinator paradise that’s irresistible to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more.
Fast Facts
A true pollinator garden is more than flowers; it prioritizes mainly native plants that actually feed local pollinators—a mix of nectar- and pollen-rich blooms. It also provides continuous, season-long food and safe shelter.
Beyond bees and butterflies, many other insects pollinate plants, including beetles, moths, wasps, and ants.
Honeybees live in hives, but they’re actually native to Europe. Most native North American bees are solitary and live in the ground, plant stems, or old leaf litter.
A single bumblebee can pollinate around 6,000 flowers each day!
Close-up of monarch butterfly perched on purple flower.
Monarchs flock to purple flowers rich in nectar, turning an ordinary front garden into a migration stopover. Credit: ZHMURCHAK
What Is a Pollinator Garden?
Pollinator gardens are spaces specifically designed to meet the needs and preferences of pollinators. These spaces can vary in size and design, but they typically include a variety of food and sheltering plants that pollinators love and may also offer other pollinator resources, such as water. Pollinator gardens are also generally kept free of pesticides to ensure that any pollinators that visit stay safe.
While pollinator gardens have been growing in popularity for years, they are becoming increasingly more important for pollinator survival. Today, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and other stressors. But by offering food, shelter, and nesting sites, pollinator gardens can help to counteract habitat fragmentation and serve as waystations for migrating monarch butterflies and hummingbirds.
If you’re looking for ways to help pollinators, creating a garden with their needs in mind can do more than you might think. Even a few potted plants on a sunny front porch can help these incredible insects survive.
Pollinator gardens can range in size from extensive flowerbeds planted with a wide variety of flowers to a few porch pots or window boxes filled with plants that pollinators love. The only limit is your imagination and the amount of space you have for plants.
When planting for pollinators, I like to grow at least three of the same types of plants together in proximity. This technique, known as “drift” planting, makes flowers easier for pollinators to spot and feed from, but it also gives gardens and planters a more natural look. I’ll also stack taller plants toward the rear of my beds and shorter flowers closer to the sides to ensure all the plants I grow get enough light.
If you don’t want to grow a fully dedicated pollinator garden, you can also simply slip a few pollinator-friendly plants into your established flowerbeds or veggie garden. This will make these spaces more appealing to pollinators without requiring a full garden overhaul.
How to Create a Pollinator Garden
The amount of prep work you’ll need to do before starting a pollinator garden will vary depending on the status of your current garden space. If you’ve already been growing annuals and perennials in your beds, you may just want to refresh the soil with a layer of compost before planting. However, suppose you’re starting a brand-new bed and your soil is lacking to begin with. In that case, you may want to conduct a soil test, add a layer of compost or other amendments, or potentially even build and fill a few raised beds if you have poorly draining soil or your garden is naturally rocky.
Getting on top of weeds before you start planting is also wise and can make future gardening much easier. You can do this by hand-pulling them or by smothering weeds with cardboard or tarps for a few weeks before you intend to plant.
Pollinator beds can be placed in either sunny or shady areas. However, the amount of light your beds receive will determine the types of plants you’ll be able to grow. Pollinator-friendly rain gardens can even be located in poorly draining spots that stay wet year-round as long as you choose water-tolerant plants to grow in them.
Aside from light access and soil, pollinator gardens should also be positioned away from busy roadways, if possible, and far from areas regularly treated with pesticides. It’s also a good idea to place them in slightly sheltered spots, as windy locations can make it harder for pollinators to fly about and feed.
Every monarch’s journey begins on milkweed—one more reason this native plant is a pollinator-garden essential. Credit: Danita Delimont
Plants That Attract Pollinators
Native plants are, by far, the best picks for pollinators, but many non-native perennials, shrubs, annuals, and flowering herbs are also highly attractive to pollinators. For best results, try including a range of plants with different flowering times to ensure pollinators have a ready source of pollen and nectar no matter when they visit. You may also want to include host plants, like milkweed or dill, which are important food sources for developing monarch and swallowtail caterpillars.
Here are just a few of my favorite must-have pollinator plants, but you can find many more plants that draw in bees, hummingbirds, and other wildlife!
Annuals
Zinnias
Cosmos
Nasturtiums
Sunflowers
Sweet Alyssum
Basil
Dill
Lantana
Perennials
Milkweed
Coneflowers
Joe Pye Weed
Cardinal Flower
Yarrow
Blazing Star
Alliums
Thyme
Asters
Goldenrod
Shrubs
Buttonbush
Serviceberry
Chokeberry
Summer Sweet
Purple Flower Raspberry
Blueberries
Winterberry
New Jersey Tea
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/how-create-pollinator-garden
 Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

We are dry, here is how to water early spring with transplants and seeds. 

​Good afternoon.  It has been a couple of days since posting.  For some reason I have lots of things to do.  We are having wind this Tuesday. Clouds and sun.  It is getting warmer out, then a cold front is moving in for tonight.  Do you think we are having more wind this year?  Sems like it.  Stay warm, then stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for May 13th Wed having 67F(19C) with little wind. So I would think it is a nice Fall Day for them.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
I changed my mind on what to post.  It is getting closer to May 15th, so then it is safe to plant tomatoes, and peppers.  Vine plants such as cucumbers, squash, watermelon, pumpkins I always suggested June 1 to the 15th. If you have planted, just watch and make sure they are doing ok.  My next concern is how dry it is.  We need rain, but if the ground is dry you are going to have to water.
Every year it is something different with our weather.  Last year it was very warm and hot in May with lots of rain.  Now this year it is cold, a little heat, and back to cold and dry.  Gardening Is so depended on the weather for us to have success. 
Here is a good little hint about watering with early spring.  Master your spring garden watering tips with the finger test – stick your finger two inches into soil near plant roots.  If it’s dry, water deeply until you see runoff from drainage holes. Water early morning to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.  Skip the sprinkler dance and water at soil level instead. New transplants need daily attention for their first week, while established plants prefer less frequent but thorough soaking. 
So it looks like not overhead sprinkler, but using a wand and watering the plants or rows, or use a watering can.
Container plants dry out faster than ground plantings, so check them twice weekly. The secret lies in reading your plants’ subtle signals and timing your watering schedule perfectly, which is key to mastering your garden care.
New spring plants need your special attention during their first few weeks as they develop stronger root systems.
You’ll want to water them more frequently than established plants, checking soil moisture daily and providing gentle, consistent hydration to prevent transplant shock. 
Establishment Period  New plants face their biggest challenge during the establishment period—those vital first few weeks when root development determines long-term success.
Initial watering requires a delicate balance: too much creates soggy conditions, while too little triggers transplant shock.
Start with consistent moisture during weeks one and two, checking soil daily.
Your seedlings need time for soil settling around roots, so water gently to avoid disturbing newly planted specimens.
Timeline        Watering Frequency         Soil Condition
Week 1-2      Daily                           Consistently moist
Week 3-4      Every 2-3 days         Slightly dry between waterings
Week 5+       1-2 times weekly    Check 1" below surface
During the establishment period, deep watering encourages downward root development rather than shallow spreading.
Proper spring garden watering techniques during this phase set the foundation for thriving plants throughout the growing season.
Taken from https://freshharvesthaven.com/spring-garden-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